When Your Daughter Wants to Ride in College.
So your daughter says “I want to ride on a college equstrian team… maybe.” That is what happened to us when our daughter was in 8th grade. Thinking I was being wise and conservative, I told her to let me know when she was SURE that’s what she wanted to do and I would help her. My thought, at the time, was that she’s only in 8th grade – surely she has plenty of time!
As it turned out, not really. Even IF your daughter is interested in NCEA, the competition is fierce. There are 20 Division 1 equestrian teams at the time of this writing. Each coach probably has 100-150 girls contacting them for what probably amounts to 4-6 spots each year. If your daughter has won or placed in a major competition, or is ranked high in zone competition – particularly equitation at 3’6” height, their odds of being noticed are slim. Generally speaking, the jump seat side is recruited from the equitation arena, so if your daughter is not well schooled in equitation at a minimum of 3’ by her freshman year with a solid plan to move forward, she is probably too late for NCEA.
Translated, this means a minimum of 2 A rated shows per month, for at least 4 years. Remember, a lot of the girls vying for positions on these teams ride with a trainer parent, meaning they have years of experience on many different horses and a show record a mile long.
Must DO:
Study the NCEA website and familiarize yourself with the schools involved, their format and guidelines for recruitment. This is also a good site to link to each university’s equestrian team and coaches. www.collegiateequestrian.com
If possible, attend a NCAA Equestrian competition in your area so you get an idea of the format and talent level.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This should be done your sophomore year.
Download a copy of the National Collegiate Athletic Association “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.” Meet with your guidance counselor and share your plans with them so they can help you meet the NCAA class requirements.
Alert your trainer of your aspirations. Make certain that your trainer or barn has the appropriate A or AA show schedule planned. A good trainer will also tell you if you need a different program if your goals do not line up with their expertise.
Organize your horse show record. Starting in 9th grade, keep track of prize money versus money spent showing.
Many of the NCAA schools have camps and clinics offered to high school students and prospective riders. These are a great way to meet the coaches, see the school’s program first hand and give the coaches an opportunity to see your ability up close.
Early Contact - Visit the websites of the NCAA schools you are interested in and fill out their particular recruiting questionnaire. It is helpful for the coaches to have your graduation year and contact info.
Create a website, YouTube channel and KEEP IT UPDATED! Email or call the coaches! Be persistent without being a pest! The more you reach out to the coaches, the better the chances are they will remember your name and you will be considered for a position. Remember, there are other considerations when they are choosing team members – GRADES (yes those still matter), attitude, how well you get along with your team in your barn, any team or leadership qualities.