What is the Equestrian Team at NYU?
Who is eligible?
Are there tryouts?
Where do you ride?
How much does it cost?
What do I need to wear to a lesson?
Do I need to have my own horse?
Can I compete?
Do I have to compete?

What is the Equestrian Team at NYU?
The Equestrian Team is a club sport at NYU with about 30 riders. We practice once a week in group lessons (sized 4-7) and compete in intercollegiate horse shows on Saturdays or Sundays generally four to six times per semester. NYU is part of the IHSA's Zone 2 and Region 4.

Who is eligible?
Anyone who is currently enrolled at NYU may apply for a position on the team. Undergrad and grad students can attend lessons, and while everyone is encouraged to compete, graduate students may only do so if they competed as an undergraduate within the IHSA system. Your riding ability will not affect your eligibility because we are looking for riders of all levels.

Are there tryouts?
There are no tryouts; however, each prospective rider must attend the information meeting at the beginning of each semester and fill out a form with riding experience, availability, and other pertinent information, which will help the captains and coach determine who makes the team.

Where do you ride?
The team rides at the Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange, New Jersey. It is about a 35-minute drive from Coles without traffic. For more information on the facility, click on the LESSONS tab.

How much does it cost?
Each rider pays $200 per semester to cover half of the set of ten lessons. NYU pays the other half. Please bring the check to the initial meeting even if you are unsure if you want to ride. We will not deposit the check until you are selected and confirmed. The check should be made out to NYU.

What do I need to wear to a lesson?
There are three key items that you must have at lessons: a certified helmet, a boot with a heel, and riding pants or jeans with half or full chaps. Optional items that are recommended include a riding crop and a pair of gloves.

Do I need to have my own horse?
No. We ride the horses at the Essex Equestrian Center for lessons and the horses at the host barn at shows.

Can I compete?
If you are an undergraduate member of the team you may compete in shows. If you are a graduate student who competed in the IHSA as an undergraduate, you may compete in the alumni division for your undergraduate school. If you did not compete as an undergraduate, you unfortunately cannot show with us but are more than welcome to attend and cheer the team on!

Do I have to compete?
All members of the team who are eligible (see above question) are encouraged, but not required, to compete. Shows are a lot of fun and a great opportunity to hang out with riders who aren't necessarily in your lesson.