Good Colleges for Riders

[MCJumper]

I know that Virginia Intermont is a great college for riding, but are there any others out there that you recommend? I also like College of Charleston, anybody go there? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[MCJumper]

I know that Virginia Intermont is a great college for riding, but are there any others out there that you recommend? I also like College of Charleston, anybody go there? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[TouchofClass]

university of findlay in ohio..their facilities are AMAZING...i donated my thoroughbred there and he was always really hard to put on weight and hez so happy now, they said hez porky now!!..the dressage trainer is really really good friends w/my mom and she is awesome..the hunter trainer is also very very very good, she showed and went to all the medal finals and stuff and showed and trained with wendy newby and tammy provost..their very very good

[domino]

St. Andrews has a great riding program

[incentive]

UVa and Hollins both have very good programs.

[Mav226]

Hollins has one of the best programs in the country. Having seen a lot of other school's horses, I also feel comfortable saying that they have, hands down, the BEST school horses around. (they were asked to bring 9 to IHSA nationals this year) That being said, there are many other schools in the area who have very very good programs. Randolph Macon Women's college has beautiful facilities and their riders seem to enjoy quite a few benefits. They seem to have quite a few options in the program and get to ride a great deal. Washington and Lee has a pretty good program, though it's an academically difficult school to get in to. Sweet Briar has a pretty decent team as well, though their barn isnt on campus--a slight problem if you don't have a car.

If you can find the COTH Intercollegiate issue you'll see which schools ranked in the top. I think it's pretty safe to assume that these schools have some of the better programs. Even better would be to get your hands on the last few years intercollegiate issue. You want a school that is consistantly on top--not just a year or so.

[2487lyf]

Anyone know which is the best that is closest to Fredrick, MD? I want to go somewhere close to my trainer and keep my horse with her.

[Carol Ames]

St. lawrence Univ., and, lake Erie C. ditto Hollins It depends somewhat on what discipline you are interested in.

[Zigflorian]

St. Andrews and Sweet Briar are both GREAT!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Anywhere*but*here]

Ditto the Sweet Briar... my alma mater! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[diKecnadnuS]

Hollins has an EXCELLENT riding program and great academics too!!

[Pat]

Utterly shameless alumn says:

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC

[AtFirstSight]

I looked at St. Andrews and liked it alot. There's also Averett (sp?) in Virginia and that was really nice too. There's Midway in Kentucky. Iyou go on Amazon.com you can find a book all about equine colleges.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/140333143X/qid=1095911594/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-5536467-8111229?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

it's called horse schools if that link doesnt work.


Good luck!

[JenEM]

An alumna says ditto on Hollins http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[SmplySweet1021]

Current Midway Student says....MIDWAY!!!!

[Duffy]

Regarding College of Charleston - one of our boarders is a sophomore there and loves it! She isn't into the IHSA thing though.

[CuriosoJorge]

"Sweet Briar has a pretty decent team as well, though their barn isnt on campus--a slight problem if you don't have a car."

Sweet Briar's barn is on a far corner of their campus. It's about a mile from everything else, and there is a foot path as well as a shuttle bus, something the hill hikers at Hollins moan about a lot. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Virginia Intermont's barn is not on campus, and I don't think they have any kind of shuttle service.

[YankeeTurnedHillbilly]

I went to Lake Erie College and highly recommend it.

[acottongim]

Another Lake Erie alum - loved the school/faculty, and the riding when I was there (late 80's early 90's). Yankeeturnedhillbilly when were you there?

[adamar]

are there any good ones in florida? i really want to go to UF but i've heard that their program isn't very good. i'm a senior and finally starting to worry about college...oops! thank god for community college.

[Anyplace Farm]

I have a former student who goes to Randolph Macon Women's College and she loves it. The school is highly respected academically, unlike many other 'horse schools'.

Hollins was just rated #1 in the country for its riding program.

[MCJumper]

Some of these colleges are great, but how hard are they to get into? I don't have horrible grades or anything, but I am not a straight A student. Hollins is really hard to get into and I don't think that I could make it. What about the others?

[acottongim]

Late 80's (eeek I feel old saying that!), I was a solid B with occasional A or C thrown in, my SAT scores were not so great (in the 900 range), I had a lot of good extracurricular activities to list (including offices) and I was accepted by Lake Erie and Averett, and Virginia Intermont. I chose LEC because at the time they offered a BS (as opposed to a BA) in Equine Sceince - not that I ended up with that major http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif.

I have a lot of fond memories of LEC, and rode under some amazing people - even took a two day private clinic with Betsy Steiner! I still have friends that I stay in contact with from there, really a great little college. But not cheap! Although they do help a lot to find funding/scholarships etc.

[YankeeTurnedHillbilly]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by acottongim:
Another Lake Erie alum - loved the school/faculty, and the riding when I was there (late 80's early 90's). Yankeeturnedhillbilly when were you there? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I started there in Jan 92, graduated spring 96.

[acottongim]

I left in 90, but I had a couple of friends still there till I think 92. Can't remember if they graduated in 91 or 92 - Susan Garmier, Lisa Philippo, Andrew Conti???

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MCJumper:
Some of these colleges are great, but how hard are they to get into? I don't have horrible grades or anything, but I am not a straight A student. Hollins is really hard to get into and I don't think that I could make it. What about the others? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can say this for sure about Sweet Briar, and I am pretty sure the same applies to Hollins. You can definately get in without a 4.0 high school GPA.

They are looking for a very specific "type" of person- someone who is highly motivated, intelligent, and is a "well rounded" person. I didn't have a great GPA in high school (3.34 was the final deal), but I had been in all honors and AP classes. I also had a TON of extracurriculars- art club, national art honor society, national german honor society, girl scouts, volunteer work, two jobs, horse showing, and dog showing. I again, didn't have a great SAT score, but it wasn't terrible (1270). I got in, I want to say easily, based on Early Decision.

I visited both Hollins and Sweet Briar (as well as RMWC), and wound up deciding on Sweet Briar. You're welcome to PT me about any of it!

(as a side note, I have to mention that RMWC's barn is NOT on campus. Its maybe 15 minutes off campus. Both Hollins and SBC have very nice barns on campus, but both are quite a hike from the "main" campus. And just to be stupid, I've gotta say to the Hollins girls, that I heart the SBC outdoor rings http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif hehehe)

[Ben and Me]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Hollins is really hard to get into and I don't think that I could make it. What about the others?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The only person my age that I know personally that went to Hollins had an SAT score that didn't break 1000.

Just FYI...Not to say that Hollins isnt a wonderful, wonderful school, but I think all of the single-sex VA schools are struggling a little bit to find interested girls.

[Carol Ames]

i know that I did mention lake Erie College,however, on my visit to that area a few years ago,I was told that, the program had undergome MAJoR changes in faculty, staff, and of courses, ; http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif anybody know about this? I really liked the semester abroad, and "extern"programs. aswell as as, the competition possibilities. I am delighted tohear that Betsy Steiner was there, http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gifwe, the staff, had pushed for an ongoing clinic schedule with experts in each discipline. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif rather than http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gifan one BNT, as director

[Gravie]

This sounds kind of retarded, but with colleges like Sweet Briar or whatever, equine colleges, do people go there to pursue riding professionally, or are they more geared toward equine sciences (veterniary, barn management, etc etc)? Or both? Or something? I'm curious. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Roomfor2]

RMWC's beautiful riding facility is about 15 minutes off campus. They do have a shuttle though. The school itself does not offer equine science or any equine classes. The riding program is one of a kind because of the trainer, J.T. Tallon. The perks that come with riding there are great. You pay a flat fee, three different options, and that includes everything. From lessons to shows. This package can't be beat. Don't know of another school that has one like it. The school itself will give you a solid liberal arts education. My daughter lives to ride but chose this school because of the academic program. She visited a few others in the same area but RMWC greeted her with good ole southern charm, sweeping her off her feet. We didn't have an appt., just walked on campus. She grinned from ear to ear and said she loved it and it was a done deal. She loves it, only has 10 to 12 students in each of her classes and rides everyday.

[acottongim]

Carol... I looked real quick at the LEC website and looked up the faculty etc. I did see several new names, but there were many of the profs that were there when I was there. I was trying to see who they had teaching the riding now (it changes all the time) but couldn't find it. However Dr Geidt is still there (and she was WONDERFUL when I was there) and Sue Cohen is stil there (I think she will be there till the end of days!) so not everything has changed. Their website for the Equine program is: http://www.lec.edu/equine/equine49.html

Feel free to email me at acottongim@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the college!

Gravie as for what people end up doing after... I changed my major and transferred to another university my last year in college (after my program abroad). I now work with horses training and teaching in FL. One of my other friends from LEC was teaching, but is now an account exec but she does the horse thing in her free time as an amature. Another one is a major trainer in CA - does GP Dressage out there. I did notice a couple of familiar names when I looked up the LEC website of girls that I went to LEC with that are now working for the school. So some will work with horses, (I also know of one that is a mounted police officer, another that does importing of horses from Europe, some not at all, and some only for recreation, not a profession.

[Windsor]

Anyone know the status of Mary Washington's riding program now? When I was there (late 80s/early 90s), we consistently finished the season at or near the top of our zone (competing against UVA, Sweet Briar, RMWC, UMD, Towson (Maryland), William and Mary and Christopher Newport.

I think the facility at Hazelwild is more than adequate, although I don't know if the college gets to use the indoor that didn't exist when I was in school. Also, MWC has guys, and has the advantage of being only an hour or so from DC, Middleburg and Charlottesville. It's also a highly respected school that I don't think is quite as hard to get into as one of the absolute top-tier Virginia schools like UVA or W&M.

[Albion]

Sweet Briar is NOT geared towards anyone who wants to major in a "horsey" major. I believe they offer some sort of certificate program now, in addition to your "regular" major. I believe Hollins & RMWC are the same way. If you want to do that, there are other programs for you. The girls schools that are known for having fantastic riding programs have just that ... fantastic riding programs. They don't mess around with equine-related degrees.

While many of the girls schools down here are quite good in terms of having great profs., small class sizes, etc., they are NOT particularly competitive to get into. The acceptance rate is generally over 80% - they do this because they know a good chunk of people will choose not to attend their school. They HAVE to let a lot of people in to make sure they have enough new students coming in.

I am certainly glad I spent my first year at SBC - I have some really great memories of some GREAT professors and GREAT classes. I transferred to Mary Washington & am much happier, simply because the school is bigger & my department is larger (thus, offering a wider choice of classes & profs). But SBC, Hollins, RMWC, etc. are not particularly competitive to get into, because they are looking hard for students. Had I had better grades, I would've chosen a school like Bryn Mawr over SBC any day & there are a lot of people like that. No one take this as an attack, because I WENT to Sweet Briar and LOVED it, the riding program, AND my professors & I think the academic setting is *fantastic*. I'm just perplexed by the idea that these schools are highly competative to get into - they're really not, in the grand scheme of things, just look at the acceptance rate. I get very nostalgic in the fall, because while Mary Wash is pretty, it's not as pretty as SBC is. I miss my Ralph Adams Cram architecture. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

Windsor, you're spot on with your assessment of the new "University" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif - good academics, not as hard to get into as UVa or W&M. As those two schools get more competitive, the rest of the "second tier" VA state schools (Tech, JMU, Mary Wash) are getting harder to get into as well. I really love it at Mary Wash! It has the added benefit of being smaller than the rest of the other VA state schools (with the exception of W&M's undergrad population).

[BlueWhisper]

I'm a junior at R-MWC, and I love it here. The riding program is wonderful, and the facilities are beautiful. I've kept my horse at the school's barn since my freshman year, and the staff does a wonderful job of taking care of her during breaks (I leave her there year-round).

While it may not be difficult to get in to RMWC, the academics here are tough. I know a lot of girls who came here, but couldnt stay because they didnt expect that level of difficulty in their classes. I love the small class size; two of my classes only have 5 girls in them.

I looked at SBC and Hollins too, but chose RMWC because of the academics. The faculty here seemed more supportive and the classes more challenging.

[Carol Ames]

......cottengim, thanks! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Dr. Geidt must have come after I lost touch with LEC, what is her background? Was sylvia Wilson still there, when you were?she now has a farm in virginia, Winchester area, I ran into her at a dressage schooling schooling show out that way, came down the center line, looked over the judges'head, and, there she was, in the office behind the judges'stand http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif ::! small world sometimes, http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[acottongim]

Yep, Sylvia was there when I was there!!! Although I wasn't lucky enough to ride with her. I rode primarily with Charlotte Bailey. Dr Geidt came I believe, my freshman year (87 - 88), but she might have been there for a year already.

You are right - small world (esp when the school is that small!). I worked for a customer service line for a while after college and actually got a CALL from one of the few guys that was at LEC when I was there (I roomed in Avery)!

[Pat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gravie:
This sounds kind of retarded, but with colleges like Sweet Briar or whatever, equine colleges, do people go there to pursue riding professionally, or are they more geared toward equine sciences (veterniary, barn management, etc etc)? Or both? Or something? I'm curious. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Depends on the school. Each program is different from the next, so you really have to read each course catalog carefully to see if they will take you the way you want.

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC

[BaByHuEy1234]

I am in my first year here at St. Andrews. The riding program here is great ... My horse has only been here for 3 weeks and he is going wonderfully!!! And I feel my riding getting better and better everyday. Can't speak personally for the IHSA team but I hear it's pretty good (I'm on it this year, so in a couple weeks after my first show, I can give you a better idea).

As for the academics..It's not very hard to get into .. I think they require something like a 3.0 GPA and a 950 SAT Score...Which was great for me b/c I had a 3.3 GPA and a 950 SAT Score...But the academics are challening enough. They also have a great equine major, which is what I'm doing. Also, I had no extracurricular activities, nor did I have any honor or AP classes, and I turned my application in at the end of March (online none the less w/o any essays) and got accepted by the first couple weeks in april! So that's all I have to say about that http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Hope this helps

[Mav226]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Hollins is really hard to get into and I don't think that I could make it. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

As a recent Hollins Alum--that is NOT true at all. It isn't true of Hollins, Sweet Briar or RMWC. Not that they're not good schools, but they certainly aren't ANYWHERE near as difficult to get into as say W&L. As a bonus--our riding team was ranked "hottest riding team" this year by Newsweek! I think they meant hotest as in best... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Mav226]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> with colleges like Sweet Briar or whatever, equine colleges, do people go there to pursue riding professionally, or are they more geared toward equine sciences (veterniary, barn management, etc etc)? Or both? Or something? I'm curious. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sweet Briar isn't one of those equine studies schools (I don't think!). None of the Virginia private riding schools are geared toward either professional riding, veternary or barn management type careers. Just riding! You'd have to go to a school like Virginia Tech to find an equine studies major. (there are tons of others too--I just don't know of any)

Edited: in my very first post I switched SBC and RMWC. Sorry! RMWC is the one w/ the beautiful outdoor ring, but off campus. As my 23rd birthday approaches I can already see my poor brain becoming forgetful http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ABBA]

Re: Hollins - - - unless you get a whale of a scholarship, Hollins costs mucho dinero http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

However, it IS a great school. .

[GreenMachine]

If you're looking for top-notch academics and a lot of opportunities to ride and show IHSA, you should give Mount Holyoke a look, too. I took some post-baccalaureate classes there a year ago, and the undergrads were a smart, friendly, and enthusiastic bunch. The equestrian center is lovely--the only drawback seems to be limited turnout space.

Smith also has a good riding program, though I can't vouch for the facilities as I've never been able to find them! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif (Not that I've had the opportunity to look that hard whenever I've been on the campus.)

I must admit, it warms the cockles of my women's-college-alum heart to see so many women's colleges being pushed here. Rock on, ladies. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[CCeventerC3]

hollins isnt too hard to get into i got in with a 8000 dolla rscholarship offered to me and i only graduated high school with a 3.0 and not great SAT's I go to Centenary College in NJ and its pretty decent for riding facilities and we have a great equine program if you wanna major or minor in it! and We have a nice set of horses also.

[Sing Mia Song]

One of my best friends (not a rider) went to Hollins and loved it. She was subsequently accepted into VT's vet school and has been practicing for sevreal years. She has very fond memories of her time at Hollins.

I almost transferred there from American between freshman and sophmore year. The fact that the application came with a recipe for banana bread turned me off. But I had different goals then, and different pretensions. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had transferred...ahh, yes, one of those never-ending questions...

[Anne]

I was in Jen's class at Hollins. Mav, who are you? PT me!

I'm in my second year of veterinary school. Hollins offers academic majors, not horsey ones, but it certainly didn't hinder my vet school application.

It was also $50 a year more for me to go to Hollins than it would have been to go to a public, instate school. There is generous financial aid available. Food for thought. However, I worked in admissions and I would think you would need at least 1000 on the SATs, probably more like 1100, to get in.

Sing Mia, I have never heard of the banana bread recipe! That must have been before my time! What's your friend's name?

[ponierider101]

i have heard awsome things about hollins! my trainer went there and had a GREAT time! she loved it, plus the riding is very good! we always have things on our bulleton boards about hollins at the barn! i have heard they have great trainers, and a amazingly great team!

[Albion]

As for money -

Yes, they ARE expensive. HOWEVER - this at least was the case at SBC, and I would assume Hollins, etc. as well - the college actually WANTS to make the place affordable to students. They have a very large endowment (proportionally speaking, for the size of the school) & they USE IT! Almost everyone I know had a scholarship of some sort. Some of my friends had tuition totally paid, I had $8K or so (and I had terrible grades in high school. Terrible. But my SATs were very good), and most people I knew were getting at least some money.

Don't let the $$$ scare you if you're interested in those schools - talk to the admissions counselor, financial aid, etc. My bet is something will be worked out, between scholarships, private/federal loans, etc.

[the eleven]

Some GOOD schools with solid IHSA programs:
Skidmore
University of the South (Sewanee)
What is offered at Brown? I seem to recall them having Intercollegiate success.
Mt. Holyoke

I guess Hollins and Sweet Briar are decent in the education department, and certainly well known for their horsiness.

TIP: go to the best school you can get into, then worry about horses.

[danichilders]

I have to put a plug in for my alma.... William Woods University... the best 4 years of my life! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[hunterpa]

Virginia Intermont all the way... I'm a 2004 grad and I had a fairly easy time finding a job in the horse industry. I interviewed a couple of places, but I had a job within a week of graduation. Also, as far as IHSA goes, VI won Zone 4, beating out all those 'great' Virginia colleges, then they went on to win at Nationals as well. They have an extremely solid riding program, wonderful teachers and school horses, and very relevent equine classes.

If your interest is vet school, VI has a 100% acceptance rate to vet school, with one person being accepted to Virginia Tech this year. The academics are not as difficult as many big universities, but I thought they were challenging enough to make me study (and I'm a total slacker).

[YankeeTurnedHillbilly]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by acottongim:
I left in 90, but I had a couple of friends still there till I think 92. Can't remember if they graduated in 91 or 92 - Susan Garmier, Lisa Philippo, Andrew Conti??? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I remember Lisa!

[Evan]

LEC Grad, Class of 2000 checking in!

Sue Coen is still teaching a few classes and Dr. Giedt rocks! Loved her classes when I was a student. Tough, but not impossible.

Dee

[Gravie]

I know colleges all over the place participate in IHSA, but it seems to me all the "horsey" colleges you guys have been mentioning -- the ones that offer riding programs or specialize in equine programs -- are all on the east coast. Specifically, VA! Anyone know of some over on the west coast, as in the CA/OR/WA range?

[Lochness]

Texas A&M is awesome! It obviously is not just a horsey college though. If you want to be involved in their eq team it is pretty decent, and they have a top ag school with equine majors (plus about 150 other majors to choose from). It is a huge school, but everyone is so friendly (beyond belief) and it feels small; and this is coming from someone who is extremely small town and shy. The profs (most) will come down to your level and really try to help. And all of the traditions may seem funny or stupid, but they are actually a lot of fun, and hold a lot of value in an odd way when you want a job - Aggies helping Aggies. The riding is great outside of school too. Lots of riders and very good trainers within the area (and then people like Peter Pletcher (sp??) are within an hour). I never thought I would go to A&M, but once I stepped on the campus I was at home. Do check it out if you can, and feel free to PM me for more info.

[acottongim]

Yankee... Who can forget Lisa with the hair???? It is her trademark - still has it and always will! Susan was one of her best friends (they were roommates most of the time there).

It is a small world!

[Snap]

I would say look into schools like Mt. Holyoke & Smith & Amherst College. They are all in the 5 college area and their classes are interchangable with UMass as well (my alma matter). I did quite a few schooling shows at Mt. Holyoke & Smith and really like their facilities (the Smith stable is a little hard to find but next to the tennis courts & track). I really loved the 5 colleges and it is a really horsey area!

[YankeeTurnedHillbilly]

I must have been there at an awesome time, because I was blessed to ride and sit through classes with many of the best! I rode with Sylvia, Charlotte, Kathy Henry and Sue Coen (who is one of my favorite people ever, that I stay in touch with even today), and I took classes with Dr. Geidt. I was there during the days of the big Dr. Wilson shakeup....those were not some of the happier days.

Wow, the memories just keep flooding back.

As far as the question that was asked about what people do with their degree....I was a double major in Teacher/Trainer and Facilities Management with a Business minor (parents demanded this!)....I had a job secured before I even graduated. I did the training/riding/barn managing thing for a few years, and eventually decided that I didn't LOVE it anymore. I was so busy teaching and training everyone else, I didn't have any time to spend with my own horses. I was in my mid-20's, was single, no health insurance, barely had two nickles to rub together, and just felt so burnt out. I ended up completely switching careers, and going back to my horses being my "hobby", not my career....what a difference. I got my Amateur card back, and now focus on showing my Large Pony in the Adult Hunters and Equitation, and just "helping" the occasional friend, without truly teaching or getting paid a penny for it. I am SOO MUCH HAPPIER. Some day, I wouldn't mind teaching a little on a free-lance basis again, but only for fun, and only if I decide I am willing to give up my Amateur card again! Having an awful lot of fun though.......not so sure I would give it up again!

[Ben and Me]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Some GOOD schools with solid IHSA programs:
Skidmore
University of the South (Sewanee)
What is offered at Brown? I seem to recall them having Intercollegiate success.
Mt. Holyoke <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't forget Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA!

Yes, our IHSA team is young (less than 10 years old) but apparently last year they did quite well (I'm only a freshman, so I'm not quite sure, but I think they finished 2nd only to Hollins in a very, very competitive conference). We've also got some great new riders in this fall (not including me!) so I'm sure we're just going to get better!

Its also more competitive to get into--I think our class' average SAT score was a 1400! (Which I did NOT have!) I was used to being among the smarter kids in my school--its been a bit of a shock being here--everybody is SMART! We're solidly ranked as one of the top 15 liberal arts schools in the country.

Its also a ton of fun--we're coed and have a huge Greek scene. I think I've been partying a little too much...

Also, our IHSA team is a Varsity sport, so the school pays for everything except show clothes. Our school horses do leave a little to be desired since, for some reason, the school won't accept donations. But, the facilities where we ride are AMAZING and all the girls (and one guy!) are super fun!

So, if you want a Virginia school with horses and boys and academics and FUN, you should definitely check out W&L.

[Albion]

W&L is a fantastic school! Although, girls school girls never have any problem in the men department. I was over at W&L every weekend for a solid year.

I really do agree with an earlier poster about picking the school, THEN worrying about the horses. I'm not even riding right now, and honestly - I don't know if I could manage to smush in two lessons a week.

It was really nice to have a great riding program at school - but I think it's even nicer to have great academics (not that the two are mutually exclusive).

[Ben and Me]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Although, girls school girls never have any problem in the men department. I was over at W&L every weekend for a solid year <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


But its so nice not to have to drive 3 hours to Farmville! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Albion]

Farmville http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif

I never could get into HSC. I was horrified when I walked into a frat there & it was hideous linoleum floors. I thought all frats were as pretty as the ones at W&L! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Anne]

Hey now, it takes an hour and 45 minutes from the Hollins front gates to the HSC front gates if you aren't afraid of the Bedford County police or deer, and you know how to take the Five Forks Road shortcut. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Ben and Me]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I thought all frats were as pretty as the ones at W&L! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We do have nice frats (I'm actually about to head out to one!) I'm not exactly sure why all the basements are painted black though...Oh well! I guess it adds to the "fun" of late nights... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[zoehesed]

Maryville College in TN is a GREAT school. They have very highly regarded acedemics and is a school similar in quality with the Ivy League schools. Their equestrian team is young but is VERY competitive. With just half the number of people on the team they are able to recieve high and reserve point team awards. They also have VERY good horses that are not broken/old like a lot of schools have. The school also has a nationally recognized coach who competes at the Olympic level. www.maryvillecollege.edu (http://www.maryvillecollege.edu)

[PaintedWhisper]

Im applying ED to Hollins but...
In some of the literature we got from there it said that something like 90% of the students get some sort of finacial aid.

[Equestriana]

curious, are there any decent riding colleges in Indiana? I've got relatives down there so I wouldn't mind travelling there

[jumperchick1210]

I am a freshman in high school in Florida and I have been reading a lot about UF and I think that they have a great Equestrian team so I hope that can help some of you!

*Katie*

~*"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.*~
Jerimiah 29:11

[Carol Ames]

zoehesed, I was impressedby the ewebsite, and, wish Ihad knownof Maryville' while I was in Warsaw, btw., in which discipline did thecoach compete at the olympic level? just curious.

[Rikerkv6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Snap:
I would say look into schools like Mt. Holyoke & Smith & Amherst College. They are all in the 5 college area and their classes are interchangable with UMass as well (my alma matter). I did quite a few schooling shows at Mt. Holyoke & Smith and really like their facilities (the Smith stable is a little hard to find but next to the tennis courts & track). I really loved the 5 colleges and it is a really horsey area! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

if you just want a riding team, i would say mt. holyoke is best. howver, umass is the only one in the 5 college area which has a equine studies major. definitely if you're interesting in a BS, umass is the way to go around here.
also, it's definitely a VERY horsey/horse friendly area! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[DreamBigEq37]

My school's taking a weeklong college visit trip first week in November to virginia and wash DC... we're Seeing Sweet Briar, W&L, Mary Wash, UVa and others in that area.. I'm hoping I get to see the equestrian facilities at least at SBC!

[Charlotte]

For whomever inquired about Brown--

Brown has an IHSA team, and it's a varsity sport there.

It's one of the schools I'm considering (I'm not doing ED to any school-- want those first semester grades!), and it's the only school that I'm considering that has riding as a varsity sport, although it is a club sport at Tufts (where Peter Wylde is an alumnus, by the way!).

[Pirateer]

I see no possible way that anyone can say that any team BUT Virginia Intermont is the best.

After all being IHSA and ANRC champions should say something http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Staish14]

It seems like most colleges have only Hunters & Equitation in their programs - or is that a false statement? Could anyone point me towards a college that does Jumpers, if there is such a thing? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif I'm a Junior in high school and need to get start doing the whole college thing - definitely want a school with an Equestrian program, but would prefer one that does Jumpers as I'm not a hunter person (and my horse is a Jumper) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif My GPA right now is a 3.914 and I'm expecting to pull it up a little more this year...

[LulaBell]

I GO TO COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON!!

i absolutely love it! i have absolutely zero costs for rididng here, except i had to have a specific show shirt and coat. we get three lessons a week and it's so much fun!

charleston is the COOLEST city to live in and i absoltuely think it's the greatest place in the world.

if you have any questions about it, just ask!

oh, by the way, we had our first show this past weekend, and we were reserve high point by like 4 or 6 points out of i think 8 schools...pretty good!

[Pirateer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Staish14:
Could anyone point me towards a college that does Jumpers, if there is such a thing? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Virginia Intermont has everything from the 3' jumpers to the 4'6"ish jumper classes.

[YankeeTurnedHillbilly]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Staish14:
Could anyone point me towards a college that does Jumpers, if there is such a thing? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lake Erie College is big into the jumpers, and has many horse shows throughout the year, including the Prix de Ville in April every year, which is a jumper competition.

[JumpTheMoon]

What about schools that offer equestrian/riding scholarships? Specifically in the VA/SC/NC or FL states. The only ones I know about are USC, UGA and U of Findlay ... surely there are more? I'm back onto this again...want to go to a riding school and get OUT of the cold!!!

Do VI, R-MWC, SBC or Hollins offer them?

[Ben and Me]

JumpTheMoon--

There probably aren't too many more than those. Most schools have riding as a club sport, and even if it is a Varsity Sport, a lot of those schools are NCAA Divison 3, which means they cannot offer scholarships (W&L, for example). However, if it is a Varsity Sport, the school will pick up your expenses for lessons, etc, which is a plus.

Your best bet is to probably apply for financial aid--I doubt there are too many riding scholarships available (even at the schools that offer them) since its a fairly new sport and isn't exactly a revenue producer. But hey, I could be wrong!

Schools like Hollins and Sweet Briar might have riding scholarships...

[JumpTheMoon]

Thanks! Pirateer helped to clarify it all for me. Unfortunately aside from College of Charleston there aren't any NCAA schools I'm really interested in. And since I'm Canadaian I can't get FAFSA. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[2487lyf]

Anyone know of any colleges with Pre-Vet or Animal Science majors within an hour of Frederick, MD? I really want to be able to keep riding with my trainer...

sorry, not tryin to hijack the thread.

[Mav226]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Schools like Hollins and Sweet Briar might have riding scholarships... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope. Just lots and lots of financial aid. Another poster said 90% get aid--that sounds about right.

[SED]

Lots of good choices are discussed above, especially some of the traditional colleges that emphasize equestrian activities and degrees.

But give me some ideas for someone who has an SAT of 1350 or above, and loves to ride (and wants to do it while in college) but expects to look outside of riding for career options. I had heard that a number of Division I and II schools were doing riding programs to help with Title VII concerns, but none of them (other than Texas A & M) seem to be mentioned here. My daughter is only a sophomore, but I expect her to be in that general range on academics.

PS -- Mount Holyoke is wonderful and one of my best friends went there, but the daughter says "no way" to a girls school....

Come on COTHers, there have to be lots of options out there!

[oaxaca]

check out the intercollegiate website. I think it is www.ihsa.com (http://www.ihsa.com) they should have a list of all the schools!

[Nationalvelvet]

Cal Poly Pomona? How about Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo? (The latter is somewhat near the ocean!)

[Alysia]

Actually, try this for the IHSA website:

http://www.ihsainc.com/CurrentTeams/default.aspx?mid=13

[JAGold]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SED:
Lots of good choices are discussed above, especially some of the traditional colleges that emphasize equestrian activities and degrees.

But give me some ideas for someone who has an SAT of 1350 or above, and loves to ride (and wants to do it while in college) but expects to look outside of riding for career options. I had heard that a number of Division I and II schools were doing riding programs to help with Title VII concerns, but none of them (other than Texas A & M) seem to be mentioned here. My daughter is only a sophomore, but I expect her to be in that general range on academics.

PS -- Mount Holyoke is wonderful and one of my best friends went there, but the daughter says "no way" to a girls school....

Come on COTHers, there have to be lots of options out there! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I did my undergrad at Stanford, and had a wonderful experience there. The equestrian team is a club sport at Stanford, but experiencing some recent changes very much for the good. The Athletic Department has just assumed control over the historic Red Barn on Stanford's property, and is planning major renovations to improve the facilities and benefit the team. There are plans to hire a barn manager and coach.

If you have questions about the school or the team, PT me. --Jess

[Kestrel]

Sed, Colgate University may be a good option for your daughter. Co-ed, 2,700 students, good academics, IHSA club team. My daughter is a freshman there and loves it.

[Paige]

SED, you should look at UVA. We have a club team with really good training & really nice horses, but really good academics http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Charlotte]

SED, Cornell also has a varsity team and a vet school, if your daughter is interested.

[fleur]

hey, i'm currently at mount holyoke and i have a love-hate relationship with it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif mostly love, though! the riding is really great, a bunch of excellent instructors including the team coach, who also teaches non-team lessons. we have really, really nice schoolies this year in particular. our IHSA team is really competitive, and we also have an IDA dressage club-team (not varsity, which means people can be on both teams without violating rules).

it's a fairly prestigious school academically, although i've heard that in the last few years it has dropped in selectivity. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif still, i wouldn't consider it very easy to get into.

it also doesn't have any kind of equine program at all besides PE lessons and the teams. so if you are looking for equine science or whatever, it's probably not the right place. personally, i think it would be smarter if you want to run an equine business to just be a business major and get good at that side of it before putting all your money into buying a barn and horses. just my opinion though http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

SED, you should make your daughter come visit here... there really are a ton of things that outweigh the no-guys thing. PT me if you want to discuss further, but if everything else about the school appeals, she should still look. there are plenty of guys that take classes and come to parties here, and there are three co-ed schools with a 25-minute free bus ride (hampshire, amherst, and umass amherst, all with good parties http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ).

[Drifter]

SED-

There have been a few threads on this topic. I have noticed as well that most schools mentioned don't offer scholarships and compete
as a "club sport" intercollegiately.Hopefully, as the sport grows we will here more about the different programs such as Division I, as more colleges join. In recent years, to the best of my knowledge, the sport of equestrian is attempting to emerge as a Varsity sport at some major universities around the country. It does have to do with Title IX,
I believe and is considered a Varsity sport, whereby scholarship can be offered. This is a different format than the IHSA. Quite a few schools that offer it, tend to be in the south. However, as mentioned Cornell and Brown have Varsity programs. Univ of South Carolina,Auburn, and Univ. of Georgia are a few from the south. I've heard Texas A&M and Fresno state are also Varsity. Rumor has it maybe South Dakota and a mid-western univ. may soon join.There are approximately 20 schools. If you go to equestrian. org and go the intercollegiate (IHSA thread) you will see the schools listed. My daughter is a freshman at one of the aforementioned schools and is thoroughly enjoying it. It is very different, but her focus is on academics. She does not plan to make the equestrian world her main profession. It does however, require a rigorous schedule (weight training, meetings, practice, study halls, etc.), which she was kind of used to competing on a regular basis at big shows.She enjoys being part of a team and riding different horses. I'll plug this event again, but there is a venue called the College Bound Invitational held in December and July in FL where college coaches, from both IHSA and Division I
Varsity schools, attend to recruit riders. You must also submit a video and/or can also send a video to a school you may be interested in. I would contact the school first to see what they would want included in the video. The contact for the College Bound Invitational is Denna Johnson, Full Partners Farm in Gainesville FL.
She may also still be affiliated with Univ. of FL. Anyway, there are a number of choices to consider based upon your own needs or your child's. Researching your options is always a great thing. Worth investigating! College visits give you a great insight as well. Remember, college is what you make of it!!! Hope this is helpful. Any other questions feel free to ask!

[Pirateer]

I believe both Brown and UConn have teams. Although I'm not sure if Browns is IHSA or NCAA.

Also, what about Skimore or Stonehill? Fantastic teams, tough academics.

[tuckerlouie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nattie:
Anyone know of any colleges with Pre-Vet or Animal Science majors within an hour of Frederick, MD? I really want to be able to keep riding with my trainer...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your best bet is University of Maryland, especially if you want to go to vet school and you are a Maryland resident (It makes it easier to get into Tech for vet school). I hate to say it, if you want to do pre-vet you won't have much time to ride!

[Mav226]

SED- I would recommend W&L if your daughter has really good academics. As a plus, it's like 65% men http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Sparky22]

I highly recommend looking into the recognized vasity schools listed on the USEF site. The format is different that the IHSA format, and IMO is a better test of horsemanship and skills than the IHSA. The format allows for a brief warm up so the rider is allowed to find the horse's strengths and weaknesses and ride the course or test appropriately vs. IHSA where you are basically winging it when you go in the ring. I think IHSA is also a test of one's riding abiliity but the varsity format is a more realistic test of one's skills and works to eliminate the luck of the draw factor.

Also, the requirements for varsity schools tend to be pretty stringent with study halls, work outs, etc. The requirements encourage time management, and at my school we have seen an increase in the team's GPA even though there is a big time commitment to the team.

[Anne]

"Your best bet is University of Maryland, especially if you want to go to vet school and you are a Maryland resident (It makes it easier to get into Tech for vet school). I hate to say it, if you want to do pre-vet you won't have much time to ride!"

This is not true on both counts. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Where you go for undergrad has absolutely no bearing on where you are admitted for vet school. Luck plays a major part, but the vet school doesn't care where you went for undergrad as long as you took the required prereq classes.

I was a biology major at Hollins and had plenty of time to balance riding, work, and an active social life. Now that I'm in my second year of veterinary school, it's a little more challenging.

[Gravie]

I asked this a while ago, but I haven't seem to have found an answer. Excluding "genearl" schools that participate in IHSA, what are some *equine*-geared schools on the west coast (northwest, if possible), if any?

[JumpSnoopy]

adamar, I go to UF and am a member of the equestrian team here. Feel free to PT me if you want to talk about it or have questions. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[FourGreen]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Drifter:
SED-

There have been a few threads on this topic. I have noticed as well that most schools mentioned don't offer scholarships and compete
as a "club sport" intercollegiately.Hopefully, as the sport grows we will here more about the different programs such as Division I, as more colleges join. In recent years, to the best of my knowledge, the sport of equestrian is attempting to emerge as a Varsity sport at some major universities around the country. It does have to do with Title IX,
I believe and is considered a Varsity sport, whereby scholarship can be offered. This is a different format than the IHSA. Quite a few schools that offer it, tend to be in the south. However, as mentioned Cornell and Brown have Varsity programs. Univ of South Carolina,Auburn, and Univ. of Georgia are a few from the south. I've heard Texas A&M and Fresno state are also Varsity. Rumor has it maybe South Dakota and a mid-western univ. may soon join.There are approximately 20 schools. If you go to equestrian. org and go the intercollegiate (IHSA thread) you will see the schools listed. My daughter is a freshman at one of the aforementioned schools and is thoroughly enjoying it. It is very different, but her focus is on academics. She does not plan to make the equestrian world her main profession. It does however, require a rigorous schedule (weight training, meetings, practice, study halls, etc.), which she was kind of used to competing on a regular basis at big shows.She enjoys being part of a team and riding different horses. I'll plug this event again, but there is a venue called the College Bound Invitational held in December and July in FL where college coaches, from both IHSA and Division I
Varsity schools, attend to recruit riders. You must also submit a video and/or can also send a video to a school you may be interested in. I would contact the school first to see what they would want included in the video. The contact for the College Bound Invitational is Denna Johnson, Full Partners Farm in Gainesville FL.
She may also still be affiliated with Univ. of FL. Anyway, there are a number of choices to consider based upon your own needs or your child's. Researching your options is always a great thing. Worth investigating! College visits give you a great insight as well. Remember, college is what you make of it!!! Hope this is helpful. Any other questions feel free to ask! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, its paige hortman, have kristen email/im me at paige325@aol.com i lost her email, i got an email from boo about her interest in me comming there..........i really wanted to talk to kristen about the program, my friend lauren i think turned down her offer, but i wanted some info...........thanks! oh yeah and i got andrew olen to do the intercollegiate........hes in my region! thanks again!

[FourGreen]

im also a big fan of

findlay-nice horses, seen them at A shows in the mid-west.

savanahh art and design

and oklahoma state

I also love the coach from st andrews, shes so nice!

[tuckerlouie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Anne:
"Your best bet is University of Maryland, especially if you want to go to vet school and you are a Maryland resident (It makes it easier to get into Tech for vet school). I hate to say it, if you want to do pre-vet you won't have much time to ride!"

This is not true on both counts. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Where you go for undergrad has absolutely no bearing on where you are admitted for vet school. Luck plays a major part, but the vet school doesn't care where you went for undergrad as long as you took the required prereq classes.

I was a biology major at Hollins and had plenty of time to balance riding, work, and an active social life. Now that I'm in my second year of veterinary school, it's a little more challenging. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I had friends that went to CC Colleges and took all of the pre-reqs, better grades, etc and kids that I went to Tech got in over them with worse scores and grades. Granted this is about 6 or 7 years ago, things might have changed. All I was saying that if you are a MD resident you will have an easier time trying to get into to the Tech vet school if you go to MD as a resident (Since they take, what 30 from the state of MD?). When I was in undergrad, I rode everyday, did the pre-vet thing and didn't have much time for anything else. I also didn't have my horse at school with me the first year, and fought my parents tooth and nail about it, but looking back, I'm glad they did that.

[Dressage Dreamer]

I go to St andrews and LOVE it. I was accepted in the spring but had some family issues and thought I would not be able to afford to go. Everyone from instructors in the riding program, to the dean worked sooooo hard to make sure I made it here. They went to a LOT of effort and I'm not sure how many other schools woulod have done the same.
They have equine bussiness and TR majors.
Though I,like many of the other riders, are getting majors,mine is psycology. School is great,riding program is great,and the people are great.
Riding center is about 5 minutes from the school and they have some wonderful lesson horses.Riding center is super nice also!
The IDA and the IHSA team is great!

[JumpTheMoon]

I e-mailed St. Andrews and they never got back to me, which kind of sucks. I'd really like to know more about that school. But the dean at both Hollins and Sweet Briar have been SO nice and SO helpful!!

[mbj]

Goucher is in Towson, Md. Very good riding program in terms of riders, horses, and coach. Turn-out could be better if you want to bring your own horse. My daughter boards hers nearby. Also good academicly and gives alot of merit scholarship $$.

[SED]

JA Gold -- Thanks for the thought on Stanford, but I think a 1550 or above on the SAT is required. My god-daughter got rejected there after getting a 1450 on her SAT and being number 1 in he class at one of the VERY top PUBLIC schools in Houston.

Kestrel -- my son loved Colgate when he went to see it. I'm glad to know your daughter loves it. Beautiful campus. One of my clients is a trustee, so if my daughter is interested I'm hoping that will help.

Paige -- I'm from Maryland, so UVA was a top place to visit when we were doing this with my son. He didn't like it, but my daughter loved it (the tack shop she found helps). So its definately on our list. But its quite difficult to get into these days from Texas, since it is so popular. We will see.

Lots of other good suggestions here. Frankly, I'm just shocked that so many undergrads still find the time to ride while they are at college. Its so time consuming...

[Lisi]

I'm a freshman at UC San Diego. Most of the UCs have club riding programs, and the one here seems pretty nice, in terms of the options for school horses and stuff. It's IHSA, not varsity, but that makes it a little less of a time commitment, I would think. You can be on the team and not ride much, or you can ride a lot. On the west coast, you kind of have to go for club team, especially if you want to go to a more difficult-to-get-into school, like UCLA or something.

Gravie - where in Oregon are you from & who do you ride with?

[Savanna]

Cazenovia and Meadville are suppose to have really good riding programs and classes; they are both in New York.

[PTDeaconHP]

I just sent in my application for University of Florida! Thank god that is now out of the way... talk about stress! I'll be glad when the whole process is over :P.

[MissintheSouth]

St. Andrews has a wonderful riding program, and the coach is one of the best people i have ever ridden with(we go to clinics there sometimes) but Laurenburg is kind of middle of nowhere NC. C of Charleston is great, and you are in an area that has great trainers if you decide to find a barn other than at the school. I personally went to a school with a terrible team and rode at barns close(in camden) cause it gave me better horses to ride, and usually trainers are really simpathetic to the poor college student thing and let you catch ride.

[Tiffany01]

UCLA or Lake Eire Collage.

[prefergeldings]

I went to the College of Charleston! It comes highly recommended

[DeLapp512]

ok, im slightly on the side of Virginia Intermont, since that is where I go, but I swear, most of the colleges in our Zone have awesome riding teams. This is bound to be the best IHSA part of the country. Almost all of the schools have great programs. Even ones that arent in our comp. area but are close, like randy-mac and hollins are great. and this is coming from the die-hard VI-er...your set if your on the east coast...

[archieflies]

cough cough Texas A&M cough cough

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[the eleven]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SED:
But give me some ideas for someone who has an SAT of 1350 or above, and loves to ride (and wants to do it while in college) but expects to look outside of riding for career options. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Brown, Skidmore, Washington & Lee, Sewanee...
Tufts was mentioned as well
What about UVA or William & Mary?

[SED]

Savoy Truffle -- all good suggestions. We've seen most of the campuses of the ones mentioned (my daughter's older brother just went through this), and they are all wonderful choices, but we have not seen Sewanee or Skidmore. Is Sewanee as conservative as W & L (I consider myself politically moderate, but apparently in some parts of the South that counts as far left wing!). I am embarassed to say that I know nothing of Skidmore.

Archieflies -- my husband is from Bryan, so we are big Aggie fans (what a game on Saturday!). But my daughter definately wants to try her wings out of state for college. Too bad, since you can't beat the tuition! Do you ride on their NCAA team?

[Ben and Me]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> But give me some ideas for someone who has an SAT of 1350 or above, and loves to ride (and wants to do it while in college) but expects to look outside of riding for career options. I had heard that a number of Division I and II schools were doing riding programs to help with Title VII concerns, but none of them (other than Texas A & M) seem to be mentioned here. My daughter is only a sophomore, but I expect her to be in that general range on academics. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Check out Washington and Lee. We're sort of like UVA (location wise) but a lot smaller and not as hard to get into if you're out of state (because we're not a state school!) I've heard that getting into UVA or UNC out of state is like getting into an Ivy...

PS--I'm a liberal and I love it here--its really not that conservative!!!

I would describe Sewanee as preppy but hippy--$150 jeans with Birkenstocks. Lots of Phish and Grateful Dead. More kids that are interested in hiking--they are literally on top of a mountain in Tennessee--not much else to do!!

[Blue Devil]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Charlotte:
For whomever inquired about Brown--

Brown has an IHSA team, and it's a varsity sport there.

It's one of the schools I'm considering (I'm not doing ED to any school-- want those first semester grades!), and it's the only school that I'm considering that has riding as a varsity sport, although it is a club sport at Tufts (where Peter Wylde is an alumnus, by the way!). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Charlotte are you considering Duke at all?

[OMalleyCat]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned these yet, but Mary Washington and James Madison University are two of my favorites in VA. JMU just recently, I believe, started their riding team, so they don't get much credit. They ride at a beautiful barn a few miles away from campus. But my all time favorite, if you've got the grades and the cash, is Mt. Holyoke. I've been to their campus and the riding faciltiy is amazing!! Very competative though.
KatieO

[Ben and Me]

JMU's riding team is very competative...I think they were second behind Hollins at our first horse show, by only a point. We were 3rd by a point...