Equestrian

Equestrian 26 27

Contact Us:

You can contact us via email or send us a dm on Instagram or Facebook! Email: smu.equestrian.team@gmail.com

Instagram: @smuequestrianteam Facebook: SMU Equestrian Team

About:

The SMU Equestrian Team is an active member of the Atlantic Intercollegiate Equestrian League (AIEL). A university equestrian league that offers students the opportunity to compete against other university teams throughout Atlantic Canada in a supportive, inclusive and competitive environment which emphasizes equitation, sportsmanship, and riders personal growth.

As a university team we strive to connect students through horses and provide an opportunity for those involved to broaden their equestrian knowledge and experience while completing their studies at SMU. Our team welcomes a wide range of experience levels and places each rider in a division suitable for their level.

Currently there are six teams competing within the AIEL:

SMU
DAL
DAL AC
STFX
Acadia
UPEI

Competition Structure:

AIEL shows are hosted by teams within the league and take place at their respective host barns.

All shows are Equitation style (focusing on the riders skill not the horses) and are run in a “catch ride” format, meaning each rider gets the opportunity to compete on a different horse at each show. Horses will be provided by the show's host barn and draws to determine rider/horse pairs are completed within the week prior to each show. Along with horse draws teams receive horse descriptions, and riders are able to watch horses go around the course with warmup riders in a warmup round before their division. This structure removes the requirement for riders to trailer horses in for shows, or to own or lease a horse in order to compete. It also emphasizes rider adaptability, horsemanship, and equitation, while giving riders experience on various kinds of horses.

Shows consist of both an under-saddle and over-fence phase. Riders will receive separate scores for both and will collect individual points throughout the season as well as contribute to overall team points for end of year scores and awards.

Under-saddle: Riders complete a predetermined flat pattern. Examples of this include 20-metre circles, upwards and downwards transitions, simple or flying changes, extending and condensing strides, dropping stirrups, and more/less depending on the division.
Over-fences: Riders complete a predetermined jump course (pole course in Green Division). Courses may include combinations, trot fences, broken lines, rollbacks, and other technical elements depending on the division.

Divisions

The AIEL offers five competition divisions. Each division includes both an under-saddle (flat) portion and an over-fences (jump) portion.

Division Heights & Specifications:

Green Division: Trot pole Riders are asked to walk and trot only.
Entry Division: Crossrails No verticals, oxers or jump fillers.
Novice Division: 2’0” jump May include oxers and verticals with fill.
Intermediate Division: 2’3” jump May include oxers, Swedish oxers, triple bars, and other similarly technical elements.
Open Division: 2’6” jump May include oxers, Swedish oxers, triple bars, bounces, and other similarly technical elements.

Tryout Process

Tryouts are held in September (date and place announced on our social media) and are used to assess rider ability so athletes can be placed in the most appropriate competitive division. Following tryouts, the team can select up to 12 core riders (distributed across the 5 divisions) and 3 alternates who may be called upon as needed throughout the season.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is important for team cohesion and success. Riders are expected to attend practices regularly (whether that be with their own coach or through team lessons) and stay committed throughout the season (however as a university team we are understanding of lower attendance during exam season).

Attendance at all shows is not mandatory, but is very strongly encouraged, as it helps build consistency, confidence, and sets the team up for success at shows, as each rider collects points individually and for the team as a whole.

Regular Season

Our competitive season runs throughout both the fall and winter semesters. Once riders are assigned to a division, they remain in that division for the duration of both semesters. Throughout the season riders can expect around 7-8 competitions, hosted at Stables in both Nova Scotia and PEI, as well as events for our own team both social and educational.

Team Events

Our team hosts and/or participates in a variety of events throughout the year, some paid and some free, including:

Social Events: Activities designed to build community, friendships and strengthen team connections. Could also include collaborative events with other AIEL teams.
Educational Events: Could include clinics, workshops, and other learning opportunities to help students improve their horsemanship and equestrian knowledge.
End-of-Season League Banquet: A full league banquet held at the end of the season to celebrate the year and recognize achievements across the AIEL.

Team Executive Positions

Our team offers multiple executive roles for team members interested in leadership and organization. Our executives help manage team operations, plan events, and support members throughout the season.

Position availability and need can vary so please reach out if interested! Positions may include:

Team Captain/President
Vice Captain/Vice President
Team Culture & Spirit Coordinator
Social Media & Outreach Coordinator
Fundraising & Development Coordinator

Team Fees

Fees are subject to change season to season so please reach out with any questions or concerns!

Fundraising & Sponsorships

Our team aims to do 1–2 group fundraisers each season to help cover the costs of our competitions, events, and other team-related fees. In addition to these fundraising efforts our team also welcomes sponsorships and donations in a variety of different forms, including:

Donating your time and expertise if you are knowledgeable in an applicable area and would like to participate in one of our educational events.
Sponsoring one of our own SMU-hosted shows by providing prizes or other
And more!

If you or someone you know is interested in supporting our team in some way, please feel free to reach out!

FAQ:

Do I need to take lessons with the team?

No, every rider (barring some few exceptions for open division riders) needs to be taking lessons consistently. However if you have your own coach already you can stick with them if you prefer, or do both!

Do I need to compete at every show?

Not necessarily, depending on if we have a full roster or not you could potentially be on the team and have lower commitment. Or you could fill one of our 3 alternate rider positions, where you would compete only if one of our core riders could not.

Do I need to have previous competitive riding experience?

No! No previous competitive riding experience is necessary to compete with our team :)

Do I need to have previous experience riding a horse?

To compete on the team, yes, you need to have at least enough experience to safely walk and trot a horse over trot BUT if you do not have that experience and are interested in gaining it, we can definitely make recommendations for local lesson programs so that you can join the team in the future, if that's what you want. In the meantime, you’re welcome to participate in our other events or attend competitions to support the team and see how they’re run!