Q: Do you have to have your own horse to join the club?
A: No, the club is composed of those who own horses and those who don't. Those who don't have their own horse, get to ride on the other horses that are at the barn (with owner permission). We also have a number of horses that are up for lease if you want more one on one time with a specific horse.
Q: I have never ridden before but I have always loved horses. Can I still join?
A: Yes! The club is a great way to start learning about horses. We have many talented members that are willing to give lessons and a number of horses who are perfect for someone who has never ridden before. Don't be afraid to ask for help, we can get you started riding or just let you come out and brush the horses if that is more your speed. We have options for everyone!
Q: I have a horse and I really want to bring him/her with me to school. How can I do that?
A: The CWU Equestrian club is proud to offer boarding at Orrion farms for the 2014/15 school year. Orrion is a premier facility with a large (heated) indoor arena, a private tack room, more than 20 large stalls, daily turn out, and more. Members who bring their horses to Orrion must help with barn chores, and are required to do 2 shifts a week to remain an active member. Check out the Meet Our Barn tab to learn more about Orrion. If you have questions or want to set up a tour of the facility send us an email and we will get back to you ASAP!
Q: Will we have the Orrion Barn next year and if not then where?
A: As of January 2015 we have not yet begun negations for the 2015/16 school year. We will be doing so shortly and will keep all interested members abreast of all interactions with Orrion as we learn more.
Q: What is IHSA and how do I join?
A: IHSA is the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. We show in Zone 8 Region 4 (which is fancy for saying the Pacific Northwest). IHSA is a group of horse crazy people all over the country who love to ride and won't let college get in the way. The way IHSA works is that participants travel to shows without their own horses, when they arrive their coach draws a horse for them. There is no warm up or test ride, riders just enter the arena and are judged. Judging is based on equation (how you look on the horse). IHSA has both English and Western flat classes, as well as Reining and Over Fences. If a rider does well they advance and can eventually get to the national level and compete against students from all over the country.
To join IHSA a rider has to take an online placement test where they are asked questions about their riding skills. They are then placed in different levels based on those skills*, anywhere from walk/trot to advanced classes. Riders will pay dues to the club to help cover the fees associated with showing. Each rider is responsible for their own class fees.
*Don't worry if you have never ridden before, we have room for everyone and have plenty of people who are more than willing to help you learn!*
Q: Do I have to compete to be part of the club?
A: No! We have many members who are just with us because they love horses and want a chance to ride. We have a number of opportunities for non-competing members to be a part of the club, including ride nights, private lessons, clinics, social events, fundraisers and more!
