Getting On The NCAA Track

This writer and mother of a varsity equestrian rider offers her insights in how to become a potential candidate for a team.

This step-by-step guide for prospective varsity equestrian student-athletes was compiled with the assistance of varsity equestrian spokesman Larry Sanchez, head coach of the Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team; Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee Chairman Meghan Boenig, head coach of the University of Georgia Equestrian Team; and Suzanne Flaig, hunter seat coach for the OSU Equestrian Team.

Part 1
High School Freshmen And Sophomores

If you’re about to enter your freshman or sophomore year in high school, the following steps are suggested if you wish to get on track toward becoming a candidate for a college with an NCAA-sanctioned riding team–i.e., a team that’s a member of the varsity equestrian system:

Step 1: Consult the varsity equestrian website (www.varsityequestrian.com) to learn general information about varsity equestrian, and to review information on the colleges that offer NCAA-sanctioned equestrian teams.

Step 2: Visit the National Collegiate Athletic Association website (www.ncaa.org) to learn about the organization. You might also consult your high school guidance counselor about getting on track toward becoming a varsity equestrian recruit, as these counselors usually have vast experience in navigating the often bewildering and overwhelming volume of NCAA information and requirements.

Step 3: Consult the NCAA rulebook (www.ncaapublications.com) regarding the list of courses that are required to meet the organization’s criteria by the time of high school graduation. Again, your high school guidance counselor should be able to help you here.

Step 4: Organize your horse show records–specifically, start making a list of year-end awards and seasonal show highlights, and update it regularly. Also, from ninth grade forward, keep a detailed account of all prize money won and expenses incurred at horse shows, which includes saving and organizing all receipts.

Step 5: If possible, attend a varsity equestrian competition in your area to better understand what the varsity equestrian format is all about.

Step 6: Keep riding, learning and showing as much as possible!

Step 7: Keep up your grades, and take the PSAT more than once (if possible) as practice for the SAT and ACT. Academic accomplishment is an important factor in varsity equestrian recruiting.

Step 8: Alert your trainer of your interest in varsity equestrian schools, and give him or her information on the varsity equestrian system so he or she can help and support you as you move through the recruiting process.

Step 9: Know that while at any time you can send an e-mail or letter to a varsity equestrian coach, make a phone call to that coach or go on a campus visit, a varsity equestrian coach is not permitted to contact you during your freshman and sophomore years in high school.

Part 2
High School Juniors And Seniors And College Transfers