Q: Are there any specific requirements to join?
Nope! If you are interested in becoming part of the team we only require that you be enrolled as a full-time student at UCLA and fill out an application where you will provide us with contact info, answer some questions, and submit videos of you riding (depending on your skill level). Check out our Prospective Members page to learn more and find the application link.
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** note: we do not hold tryouts for the team -- you only need to fill out the application **
Q: Do you offer scholarships?
Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships. We are a Club Sport, and have absolutely no influence on admissions or financial aid decisions. You must already be admitted to UCLA in order to apply. All of our funding comes from internal sources (dues, fundraisers, etc.). With such a limited budget, we are unable to financially support any of our riders at the moment.
Q: What are the fees like?
We do our best to keep the costs to a minimum but have a limited budget and horses are expensive! This means that our riders do have to pay out of pocket for their personal equipment, show fees, lessons, dues, etc. Here is a rough breakdown of yearly costs:
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Lessons - $70-$80 per lesson
Club Sports Fee - $65
Competing Member Dues - $300 annually
Non-Competing Member Dues - $150 annually
IHSA Membership - $80 ($45 national & $35 regional)
Show Fees - $65 per class
Show Coaching Fees - $50+/class, $65+ for two classes in one day
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+ cost of helmet, boots, and apparel (if you do not already own any) and show attire (if on the competing roster)
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** these are only estimates and prices are subject to change **
Q: What if I am new to riding or have not ridden in awhile?
There is no previous experience with horses required to be a team member and we really encourage those that are passionate about learning to ride and care for horses for the first time to apply! We almost always have a need for introductory riders and truly enjoy having beginners join our sport. Not to mention, becoming part of our team is a great way to learn from peers with different skill levels and backgrounds in the horse world. Our coach, Deirdra Davis has fantastic and safe lesson horses perfect for beginners to learn on.
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For those that used to ride and want to get back to it, we would love for you to apply as well. Our team provides a welcoming community of fellow students to support you in your return and we do not require you to have taken lessons or competed recently in order to apply.
Q: Do I need to have my own horse?
You do not need your own horse to join! We are a catch-riding-based program through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), which means that for shows you will pick a number out of a hat and will ride the corresponding horse from one of the schools in our region with no prior warm-up. For lessons, our coach, Deirdra Davis, will choose one of our amazing horses for you to ride.
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However, if you are interested in bringing your horse with you to UCLA feel free to email us (uclaequestrian@gmail.com), our coach (deirdradavis5@gmail.com), or fill out the contact form on this website and we can discuss logistics! You can learn more about her facilities at https://www.harmonyfarms.in/.
Q: What is the time commitment?
As part of the team, you will have weekly 1-hour lessons with our coach. This usually requires that you have around a 3-4 hour block in your schedule per week dedicated to transportation to and from the barn, tacking, riding, and taking care of your lesson horse. Harmony Farms is located in Sunland-Tujunga, which is a 30-minute drive from Westwood. You will also be required to attend the weekend-long show we host to help with our horses and make sure the event runs smoothly. If you are on the competing roster, you must additionally have room in your schedule to attend other shows in our region held on weekends during fall and winter quarters in LA and Arizona.
Q: If I am interested in a tour of the barn or have any other questions, what is the best method to contact you?
We would be happy to schedule a time for you to come to visit the barn and meet our coach if that would be useful in your college decision-making process. These inquiries and any other questions can be directed to us via our email, uclaequestrian@gmail.com, or through the contact form on this website. After receiving your message, one of our board members will get to you at their earliest convenience. If you are interested in an in-person barn visit please give us a couple of weeks' notice so we have time to arrange something. Our shows at Hansen Dam Horse Park in Los Angeles are open to the public and are a great way to see the team in action.
Please note that we do our absolute best to get back to you quickly, but response times will vary as being full-time students keeps us busy!