Recruitment Information
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COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION SESSION TRYOUTS REQUIRED FEES |
Full-time undergraduate students are eligible to compete on the IHSA or OCEA. Part-time students may only compete on the OCEA circuit. The university requires that all students be in good academic standing. No competitive experience necessary! All members are required to be competitive members for the team on either or both circuits.
Before the start of the Fall semester, we host an Information Session to discuss the requirements and costs associated with the equestrian team, as well as the horse shows and team events we have planned for the year. If you are interested in attending, please contact our team secretary. Tryouts are held at the beginning of the Fall semester. Riders must sign up in advance (contact the team secretary for more info). The University of Ottawa Equestrian Team receives very little funding from the school. All members should be prepared to finance themselves and become dedicated to working the team's fundraising events. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own horse?
No! The beauty of our program is that you do not need to have your own horse for lessons OR shows. Wesley Clover Parks provides us with a great team of horses for our weekly lessons! At the shows the hosting school and private owners provide their own horses for use.
Where do you ride and how far is it?
We ride at Wesley Clover Parks, located in the West End of Ottawa! It's approximately a 20 minute drive from the university campus.
How often can I/do I have to ride?
Members must lesson minimum once a week, but you can ride more often provided there's lesson slots available. We recognize that as students, you may need a week off from riding for midterms. As long as you attend 12 lessons per semester, there is some flexibility.
Team members are also required to attend HPC sessions on campus. These are structured team workouts with a university trainer to improve body strength and posture in the saddle. We have 2 weekly sessions that members must attend with the team!
Do I need my own equipment?
You should have your own riding apparel. It is possible that teammates will be able to lend you or even sell you their own equipment, if need be. You should have your own riding boots and a helmet, as it is important for your own comfort and safety that those fit you correctly! No personal tack is needed.
Do I have to go to every show?
Yes! Being a part of the uOttawa Equestrian Team requires commitment to your show season AND your team members! Once the circuit(s) you will compete on is determined, you sign a contract committing to attend every show that you are rostered in the semester. The roster may vary from show to show, however you need to be prepared to attend every show in your circuit.
You are informed in advance how many shows are scheduled and given the approximate cost, based on last year's expenses. We understand that in extenuating circumstances, some riders may not be able to attend every single show. Case-by-case exceptions can be made.
How do we get to shows and/or lessons?
Through carpooling with other members, we make lesson transportation as convenient as possible. As such, you do not need your own car to be on the team! The Lesson Coordinator is responsible for organizing lessons and carpools to weekly lessons, while each Show Manager is responsible for arranging transportation to IHSA and OCEA shows.
I've never ridden before. Is that a problem?
NOT AT ALL! In fact, we are always the most excited when beginners join the team! At shows, the strongest representation requires riders of all levels so the team can earn points in each division. As we do not often have many beginner-level members, these riders are very important to ensure we are well represented on the circuit. If you're unsure, send our secretary an email and come watch a lesson or a show to learn more!
I am a grad student but I would still really like to participate. Is there a way I can join?
As a grad student, you cannot participate in the IHSA show circuit unless you have ridden with us before, in which case you may ride as an Alumni. The OCEA does offer showing for graduate and part time students. Certain graduate programs are considered "undergraduate" in the USA so please ask!
When are tryouts and what do I need to do?
Tryouts will happen at the beginning of the Fall semester. You must apply in advance, as in-person tryouts are held on an invite-only basis. Applications usually open in late summer and the Executive hosts Information Sessions on Zoom for information about the tryout process and team. Look to our social media accounts for updates!
No! The beauty of our program is that you do not need to have your own horse for lessons OR shows. Wesley Clover Parks provides us with a great team of horses for our weekly lessons! At the shows the hosting school and private owners provide their own horses for use.
Where do you ride and how far is it?
We ride at Wesley Clover Parks, located in the West End of Ottawa! It's approximately a 20 minute drive from the university campus.
How often can I/do I have to ride?
Members must lesson minimum once a week, but you can ride more often provided there's lesson slots available. We recognize that as students, you may need a week off from riding for midterms. As long as you attend 12 lessons per semester, there is some flexibility.
Team members are also required to attend HPC sessions on campus. These are structured team workouts with a university trainer to improve body strength and posture in the saddle. We have 2 weekly sessions that members must attend with the team!
Do I need my own equipment?
You should have your own riding apparel. It is possible that teammates will be able to lend you or even sell you their own equipment, if need be. You should have your own riding boots and a helmet, as it is important for your own comfort and safety that those fit you correctly! No personal tack is needed.
Do I have to go to every show?
Yes! Being a part of the uOttawa Equestrian Team requires commitment to your show season AND your team members! Once the circuit(s) you will compete on is determined, you sign a contract committing to attend every show that you are rostered in the semester. The roster may vary from show to show, however you need to be prepared to attend every show in your circuit.
You are informed in advance how many shows are scheduled and given the approximate cost, based on last year's expenses. We understand that in extenuating circumstances, some riders may not be able to attend every single show. Case-by-case exceptions can be made.
How do we get to shows and/or lessons?
Through carpooling with other members, we make lesson transportation as convenient as possible. As such, you do not need your own car to be on the team! The Lesson Coordinator is responsible for organizing lessons and carpools to weekly lessons, while each Show Manager is responsible for arranging transportation to IHSA and OCEA shows.
I've never ridden before. Is that a problem?
NOT AT ALL! In fact, we are always the most excited when beginners join the team! At shows, the strongest representation requires riders of all levels so the team can earn points in each division. As we do not often have many beginner-level members, these riders are very important to ensure we are well represented on the circuit. If you're unsure, send our secretary an email and come watch a lesson or a show to learn more!
I am a grad student but I would still really like to participate. Is there a way I can join?
As a grad student, you cannot participate in the IHSA show circuit unless you have ridden with us before, in which case you may ride as an Alumni. The OCEA does offer showing for graduate and part time students. Certain graduate programs are considered "undergraduate" in the USA so please ask!
When are tryouts and what do I need to do?
Tryouts will happen at the beginning of the Fall semester. You must apply in advance, as in-person tryouts are held on an invite-only basis. Applications usually open in late summer and the Executive hosts Information Sessions on Zoom for information about the tryout process and team. Look to our social media accounts for updates!
