• What is the Equestrian Club / Team?

The UFEC is a member of the University of Florida Sports Clubs. The Club is dedicated to promoting good horsemanship and sportsmanship. All members share a love of horses and do not have to show in order to be an active member. In fact, many of our members do not show. In the past, we have participated in clinics, gone on group trail rides, barn tours, and trips to Arabian nights. We have also had several interesting speakers and have done volunteer work for our community. We, as a club, sponsor our traveling show teams, which participate in the IHSA and IDA. We are not a varsity team; therefore, all costs are not covered when traveling. Only show entry fees are partially reimbursed at this time. All other costs are split up between traveling team members (ex: hotel costs, gas, etc.). 
*More info on the IHSA can be found at www.IHSAinc.com 
*More info on the IDA can be found at www.teamdressage.com.
*More info on the USEA can be found at www.useventing.com.

• How do I join the UFEC?

In order to be a member of the UFEC, you must be a UF  student. There are no fees to join. You must attend meetings regularly and participate in fundraisers and other required club activities. Meetings are held the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the animal sciences building.

• How do I join the team? Are there tryouts?

As of now we have 4 teams: Huntseat, Western, Eventing, and Dressage. In order to be on the traveling show team, you must be an active member of the UFEC (see above question). We have an assessment period (no tryouts) in the beginning part of the Fall semester to give the coaches an opportunity to see how well and at what level everyone rides. There will also be questions asked by the coaches regarding any past show experience, which is part of determining what class level in the IHSA you are eligible for. As for showing, we do not have a set “team.” The members who go to the shows can vary upon who has continued to be an active club member and how many people sign up to be considered to attend a show. A limited number of members are able to attend each show which is decided upon by the hosting university.

• Do I have to train with a team coach?

Yes, riders must train with the team coaches. In order to be eligible to show with the team, you must take at least 2 lessons before an upcoming show to be familiar with each other, and the coach can then make selections for who will travel to a show. It is also a good chance to ride different horses, since when you go to an IHSA show you will be riding an unfamiliar horse.

• Do I have to own my own horse?

No. In fact, very few club and team members own their own horse. If you do own a horse, you cannot show him / her in the IHSA.

• Do I need to have experience with horses to be a member?

Of course not! There are many ways to gain knowledge and horse experience through the club as well. Even though most members have some past or present history with horses, there are plenty of local organizations in our community that enable you to have contact with horses and learn more about them. Our teams also host a horse show 3 times a year, and we always need volunteers from the club to help out. There’s always plenty of work involved when it comes to horses!

• Does the UFEC offer any type of scholarships?

No. We are not a varsity team and therefore do not have any money to offer in scholarship form. We fundraise to defray costs for our traveling team members. The IHSA does have some scholarship opportunities which can be found at www.IHSAinc.com.

• Is the UFEC active all year?

No, summer is our off season and no activities or meetings are held. IHSA show season follows our school schedule, so shows may begin in August and end in May with the National IHSA Show.

• Is the club able to accept horses for donation? Monetary donations?

At this time, the UFEC is unable to accept horses for donation. We do not have a general facility or funding to house and care for them.  You can contact the Animal Science Department for possible donation to their teaching program. As for general monetary donations, we are able to accept them through our sports club. These funds are used to help with club activities and the traveling show teams. If you would like to donate, please contact the president or treasurer of the UFEC for further information. Any help is greatly appreciated by our members!

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