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WHO CAN JOIN? Whether you're a beginner rider or an A-circuit veteran, moving to New York doesn't mean you have to give up horses! CUEC welcomes all levels of riders from beginner walk-trot to seasoned hunter-jumper competitors and dressage riders. Undergraduates from Barnard, SEAS, Columbia College, and GS students, as well as graduate students and Columbia faculty are welcome to join. Alumni are also able to join if they purchase a Dodge Fitness Center Membership.
WHERE DO YOU RIDE? The team practices at the Bergen County Equestrian Center in Leonia, New Jersey. The facility is located about 20 minutes away. Transportation to lessons is provided through the club sport department and member dues.
HOW OFTEN ARE LESSONS? Lessons are scheduled around the students' school schedules, so it depends on the semester, but we usually have 5-6 lessons that go out every week. Saturdays are reserved for the show team group lessons.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Members are required to pay team dues of $125 once per semester. This covers transportation to and from the lessons, a discounted lesson price, and entry fees for shows. Lesson packages of 10 one hour group lessons are available for $675; 10 half-hour private lessons are also $675. Lessons are mandatory 1-2 times a week, and you must give at least 24 hours notice if you are going to miss a lesson or you will be billed for that lesson. There is a yearly IHSA membership fee of $40. We also ask all members to sign up with USEF for insurance coverage, a fee of $25 annually.
DOES COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY EQUESTRIAN TEAM RECRUIT? Unfortunately, the Columbia Equestrian team does not recruit. We have elected to remain a club sport, which means there is no recruitment possible.
DO I NEED MY OWN HORSE? IF I HAVE ONE, CAN I BRING HIM? You certainly don't need a horse to be on the team, and in fact, IHSA shows are completely on barn-owned horses! Boarding is available at Bergen Equestrian if you do have a horse and would like to bring it.
DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT? No. You do not need to own your own equipment, but it is much easier to have your own. Bergen County Equestrian Center lets students borrow helmets if need be. The team always takes a trip to the nearest Dover Saddlery before the start of the season to let members purchase their equipment.
WHO'S WITH US AT THE HORSE SHOWS? Our coach Penny Kinnally will accompany us to all shows.
HOW DOES IHSA WORK? "IHSA provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition. It was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her riding ability or financial status." Please visit the IHSA website for more information.
