Frequently Asked Questions
Club QuestionsI've never ridden before/haven’t ridden in a long time. Is that a problem?
Nope! We are always super excited to introduce beginners to the wonderful world of horses! We’d be more than happy to find you a suitable coach to start learning to horseback ride. With regular riding instruction you can definitely work up to the minimum level to be able to show! If you're unsure if riding is for you, you’re more than welcome to come watch a lesson or even join us at a show! Additionally, almost all our trail riders are beginner friendly. Is showing/being on the Team mandatory for members?
Definitely not! Showing events do make up a large part of our club but we strongly encourage you to join even if you don't plan on showing. During the year we hold many events for ALL members of the club; showing and non-showing. These include: Team outings (restaurants, movies, bowling, ice skating), Trail rides, Club riding lessons, attending local horse clinics, going to the Mane Event in October, a trip to the Thoroughbred racetrack in Vancouver and volunteering opportunities. Who organizes lessons/coaching?
Lessons will only be organized if you are part of the show team by our Show Team Captain. As our club has many members it is just not feasible for the executives to organise lessons for everyone. We do provide club members with a Coaches List that they are able to use to find and contact coaches in the area to set up lessons. Where can you take lessons?
As the University itself does not have an affiliated barn or horses, we provide a Coaches List so you can be find a barn, horse and trainer to practice with. Currently our club's affiliated coach works out of a stable in Southlands that is just 15 minutes from the university. Do you have scholarship opportunities?
Our club does not offer scholarships to the riders on our team, nor does the University of British Columbia as we are not a varsity sports team. |
Show Team QuestionsDo I have to be a Club member to ride with the team?
Yes! As both members of the team and club you have more insurance coverage and get benefits from both AMS and the Thunderbirds Sport Clubs. Do I have to have my own gear or horse?
At shows the horses are provided by the host school and for lessons, we can help you find an instructor with schooling horses or horses for lease. We understand that owning a horse and going to university full time do not exactly go hand in hand, in fact, most of our members do not own their own horses. You will need to have some basic equipment of your own such as a helmet, pants and footwear suitable for riding. Showing attire can be shared among riders depending on the items. Do I have to have previous show experience to join one of the showing teams?
Show experience is not necessary! This is one of the great things about IHSA. With the many levels of showing available it is easy to be apart of a showing team. Do I have to ride often to be on the Show Team?
Ideally, we would like Show Team members to ride at least once a week, or on a bi-weekly schedule. We understand that a student’s life is quite busy and that managing to fit in time to ride can be a challenge. We will typically have a lesson planned for Show Team members only before each show weekend. However we would like our Show Team to have regular instruction to further advance their skills and abilities, as well as to make sure fitness is kept up. Where do you practice and where is your barn/facility?
As the University itself does not have an affiliated barn or horses, it is up to us to match each rider with a barn, horse and trainer to practice with. Currently our club's affiliated coach works out of a stable in Southlands that is just 15 minutes from the university. I'm a Graduate student at UBC, can I join the Team?
Showing in the IHSA is open to full-time undergraduate students, and graduate students who have previously competed during their undergraduate degree with an IHSA team in Canada or the USA. |