How to Choose a Collegiate Riding Program

Back when I was in school (Centenary College Class of 1998) there were fewer

For the record, it didn't look like this when I was there!

choices, and a lot less disciplines and programs to choose from but that has certainly changed today. When it comes to finding colleges with riding teams and even riding classes, the choices have expanded significantly over the years.  There are English and Western options, the ability to focus on teaching, training, riding, therapeutic programs, race programs, and barn management. There's even equine marketing, product, and other great areas you can choose to focus on. And then of course there's the best part - the riding.

Different schools have different options and while it is always important to review your choices and find a program that best fits your needs and goals.

While some schools are more hands on and include horse care and grooming in their programs, some schools focus more on the riding aspect. Does it matter to you if your school has their own facilities, or are you okay with riding at a barn that is privately owned or separate from your college or university? Some other important things to look at are the facilities themselves - do they have the types of courses and rings you need to work in to excel in your discipline of choice? If you want to take riding classes to work on your rodeo skills, do they have the equipment necessary?

Want to get to the finals? Make sure the riding program has the equipment you need.

There's a lot more that goes into finding the right program than who has the nicest barn, or the best horses. I remember back when I was in Centenary, all of our horses were at the time, donated. We had some good ones, but some that were not as good, and while at first I thought it was a drawback, I soon realized it was an advantage. After years of riding everything from the good, to the bad, and even the ugly, there's few horses today that I encounter that I can't relate back to a horse I experienced in some way, shape, or form as I did in college.

And of course there's the trainers and coaches. Finding instructors that you mesh well with is important, and making sure that they have the knowledge and ability to teach you will help you succeed. Keep in mind that you don't have to get along with every training you meed - sometimes riding with someone outside of your normal comfort zone can take you to new levels or make you look at things in a different way and get you over that hump. I remember being "forced" to take either 1 semester of dressage or 2 semesters of eventing at Centenary and thinking, pshhh, I am a jumper I'll do eventing. Dressage will be boring and useless. Well I learned so much I ended up focusing more on eventing, and taking a few semesters of dressage as well, once I realized how much it can improve all areas of my riding. So always remember to keep an open mind!

It's not just about winning ribbons, but about building a
foundation for success in your riding goals and future.

Everyone is different and by knowing your goals first, you can review your options and ask the right questions to ensure you will be happy with your decision. So where did you decide to go to school, and what kind of riding program are you in? Let us know in the comments or email us your story and you may be featured on our blog!

Good luck and happy riding!
CJ & The Collegiate Glamour Team