No. We welcome riders with any experience
level. We have had riders join the team who had never
sat on a horse. There are beginner classes at our
shows just for these individuals. Our least
experienced rider is just as important to the team as
the most experienced.
2.) Do I need to live on campus to be on the team?
No.
Commuters are welcome, too.
3.) What are the requirements to being on the team?
You
need to be a full time student at
Kutztown (at least 12 credits/semester). Attending meetings is
mandatory, or we will not cover your show
expenses! Meetings are held each week during a free
period. As a member of the team you must also
participate in fundraising. If you don't, the team
will not help pay your show expenses, cover your
travel costs, etc. There are no dues.
4.) Can I join the team in the middle of a
semester?
Yes, you are welcome to join the KUET at any time and participate in team
functions and lessons. Simply stop by KY 108 on Thursdays at 11 AM for the
team
meeting and let one of the officers know that you are new to the club.
Depending on when you join, however, you may have to wait until the beginning
of the next semester to start showing.
5.) How much are the shows and lessons?
Shows
cost $25.00 per class, but if you
participate in fundraising the team will pay $10. You
are invited but not required to compete in any or
all of the scheduled shows. Lessons are $30. They are
once a week, and are mandatory if you plan on showing.
6.) How far away
are shows?
Shows
range from an hour to two hours away
usually. Post-season travel can be much further. We
carpool to the close ones and get large vans for the
distant ones. We usually fly to Nationals.
7.) How often does the team compete?
The team competes at shows throughout the fall and spring semesters, and there
are an average of 5 hunt seat and 5 stock seat regular season shows each
semester. Again, you are invited but not required to compete at each of the
scheduled shows. In the spring semester, we also compete in post-season shows,
which include Regionals, Zones, and Nationals for both hunt seat and stock
seat. For more information, see our current
Show Schedule.
8.) What kind of
attire do I need to show?
For
hunt seat you will need an approved
riding helmet, hair net, riding shirt, pin or
monogrammed choker, black
gloves, high field boot, boot covers, breeches in
coordinated color (no rust), and hunt jacket. As for stock seat
you need an approved hat, normal western attire,
chaps, and cowboy boots or Ropers. Do not worry if you
don't have any of this, other members of the team are always willing to help
dress you for your classes, and the team owns many outfits as well.
9.) Is the barn
far away from campus?
Both of the barns are about a half hour from
campus, depending on which roads you take and how you drive.
10.) What are
lessons like?
They are very tough and physically demanding
workout. You will ride
with team members around the same experience
level as you. There is a lot of no-stirrup work in all seat
positions. The lessons are also a ton of fun. We joke
around and help each other out. There will be no more
than 4
riders at any one time, so they are quite personal and
friendly.
11.) Can I bring my horse to KU?
Bringing your horse to KU your first year at school, may be a little hectic,
but if you really want to bring your horse, you will have to discuss it with
the coach of your choice.