Western Team

PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF 2023, THE UC SANTA CRUZ WESTERN TEAM HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVATED.

Activation

Activation of this division of the club must be proposed by a prospective western rider, supported by at least two other prospective western riders, and approved by both the equestrian club’s general leadership and by the Sport Clubs director. In order for this club to be activated, one of the potential western riders must be elected to be the captain of that division of the club through a general election by all prospective western riders and approved by the club’s general leadership.

Requirements

Because this is a competitive division of the club, it will only accept members who are qualified to compete. This includes not only being approved by the western team trainer as safe to compete, but also being in compliance with the competitive rules outlined by IHSA.

Tryouts

To confirm that a rider is safe to compete, they must attend a tryout with the western team trainer, wherein it will be decided whether or not they are able to safely compete. This decision will be based upon the rider’s ability to control the horse, their balance upon the horse, their expressed comfort level during riding (i.e. if they felt hesitant or afraid), and other such factors.

Placement

If a rider is approved to be safe to compete in the division that they are placed in through the IHSA placement form (which is based upon previous show experience), then they will be offered a position on the western team. Any riders who were not approved as safe for their competitive level will be accommodated through other branches of the club to gain riding experience and skills. Riders may tryout again the following year