Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment/clothing do I need for lessons? What do I need to compete?

For lessons, the only clothing that you absolutely must own is a pair of sturdy shoes with heels. You should also have a pair of comfortable pants that are not too tight (jeans work well). You can borrow a helmet from the barn, although most people like to buy their own. If you decide that you would like to take lessons and ride on a regular basis, you should probably invest in a pair of paddock boots and riding pants. Check out our links and directions pages for tack store information.

For competing, you will need some more specific items of clothing. Go here for a complete list of the items you need. Also look at our equipment page to see what you can borrow from the team.

What are the levels of competition?

Riders don't need to have previous riding experience to compete in IHSA shows. However, those riders with show experience may be required to compete at or above a certain level.

Walk-Trot
This level is intended specifically for people who have no previous riding experience. Once you take several lessons and can control your horse at the trot, you are ready to compete.

Walk-Trot-Canter
If you are comfortable at all gaits but you are not yet confident about jumping a strange horse, this level is the level for you.

Novie
Novice riders show on the flat at all gaits. They also ride very simple courses with low jumps.

Intermediate
This level is usually comprised of riders who have experience but who are not required by the rules to be in the open level. Intermediate riders do not jump over 3 feet.

Open
Riders in this level have had many years experience in the ring. If you have competed in an equitation class with fences 3'6" or higher, you are required to be in this level at IHSA competitions.

Who can join?

Right now, the club is open to any MIT affiliate, either student (both graduate and undergraduate), faculty, employee, or the like. Unfortunately, this club does not have the resources as of yet to open membership to any outside parties. However, the team often needs drivers to lessons so if you have a car, we can probably accomodate you.

All MIT undergraduates, both male and female, can compete with the team. Any graduate student who competed in intercollegiate equestrian competition sponsored by IHSA as an undergraduate and is at MIT now for graduate school may also compete with the MIT team in the alumni division.

What is athena? How do I join the mailing list?

Athena is the MIT campus computing environment. Chances are, if you do not know what athena is, you are not MIT-affiliated. We can still add you onto the equestrian@mit.edu mailing list if you would like to stay informed with our events, but the list is used mostly for lesson organization and show annoucements.

To add yourself to the equestrian@mit.edu mailing list, type mailmaint at an athena prompt and follow the instructions.

Can I keep my horse at MIT's barn? Does MIT have its own horses?

MIT does not have its own barn. However, if you're on the team and are bringing your horse to school with you, we will be able to help find a place for it at the barn we ride at or at another local barn. In general, we ride lesson horses either owned by Rising Star Equestrian or privately owned horses in the lesson program. At horse shows, the sponsoring team provides the horses.

I'm thinking of coming to MIT. Can I have more information about the team?

Please visit our prefrosh page and feel free to e-mail us for more information.

I'm a student at MIT. How do I join?

Contact Kate Broadbent with info on your schedule, remembering to leave open a 4 hour time block for lessons. Lessons are open to riders of all different levels though be sure to mention how much prior riding experience you have. In your email, please indicate if you have a car that you can use for transportation.

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