Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have experience?
Riders of any skill level are welcome to join. We welcome showing and non-showing members to the team. Where are the facilities? Both Hunt Seat and Dressage teams ride at Foothills Equestrian Center in Taylorsville, NC. The Western team rides at Mimosa Hills Farm in Morganton, NC. These facilities require an hour drive from campus. Because the barn is such a distance away, we car pool and have group lessons.
How often do I have to ride?
You take one scheduled group lesson a week but there are other available times for practice rides.
What are the costs?
All members are responsible for their lesson fees. Competing members must pay for IDA or IHSA registration. IHSA and IDA registration is $40. All members also pay semester dues, which are $50 per semester.
Do I need to have my own equipment?
The barn will supply you with tack to ride with. You do not need to have your own saddle, bridle, or any other tack to ride. We encourage members to have proper footwear (closed toe shoes with a small heel, any boot will work) and a helmet. The barns we ride at have lesson helmets if you cannot purchase one of your own.
What am I supposed to wear to ride?
For lessons you will need a certified helmet, paddock boots with half chaps or britches and boots, whichever you prefer. Showing members will need to have a certified helmet, britches, tall boots, show shirt with collar, belt, show coat of a dark color, gloves, and a hairnet. However, rather than going out and purchasing all of these before the season starts, wait until after the first meeting to talk to the members about sharing clothing, and what exactly you should buy.
Can I bring my own horse?
Boarding at Foothills Equestrian Center is available. You can contact Dana Dewey at the barn for more information at 828-495-3022 or www.foothillsweb.com
If I want to show do I have to compete in every show?
No, you can compete as little or as much as you want. We will have riders at every show, so you will never be by yourself. We do encourage everyone to try a competition at least once to get a feel for it.
Who do we compete against?
We compete in IHSA Zone 5 Region 4 which includes Virginia Intermont College, Virginia Poly Technical Institute, Wake Forest University, Elon University, West Carolina University, Averett University and UNC-Greensboro. We also compete in IDA against Virginia Intermont College, Virginia Poly Technical Institute, Wake Forest University, and Salem College.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
For any questions regarding IDA, IHSA or team business you may contact anyone on the officer page of this website. Email is also available at asueqteam@gmail.com. (Please address with "Team Interest").