There is no experience necessary and we encourage anyone who thinks they might enjoy being a part of the team to come and give it a try. Student founded in 1995, the Bates Equestrian Team competes in traditional hunt seat with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in Zone 1 Region 2. We compete against other schools such as UVM, Middlebury, UNH, Dartmouth, Colby-Sawyer, Bowdoin, Endico
tt and Mt. Ida College. The team practices year round and competes in intercollegiate horse shows in the fall and spring. In accordance with the IHSA mission, the intercollegiate program attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allow more students to compete. Students ride horses that are provided by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize the variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants. There are classes available for all abilities ranging from walk/trot classes to Open Division for more experienced riders, so all members are encouraged to show with the team.
