The Lafayette College Equestrian Team belongs to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Lafayette is a member in Zone 3 Region 4. The competition includes Bloomsburg University, Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, East Stroudsburg University, Lycoming College, Kutztown University, Lehigh University, Moravian College, Princeton University, Rutgers University, and University of Scranton. In the past Lafayette has sent riders to Regionals, Zones, and Nationals for post-season competitions in addition to the 10 regular season competitions. The competitions are spread between the fall and spring semesters.

 

 

To be eligible to compete you must lesson during the competition season. Lessons are scheduled once a week at a facility about 40 minutes from campus. Carpools are arranged around member schedules and lessons are held Monday-Friday and on non-competing weekends. Lessons are on school horses to give you as much experience as possible riding unfamiliar horses. Lesson expenses are the responsibility of each individual team member.

For team members who choose to continue to lesson on their own at their own facility, we offer a more flexible lessoning option. For these members we require that you lesson a minimum of 4 times with our team per semester, including at least once prior to the first competition. These team members are responsible for their own transportation to and from lessons.

There are weekly meetings held Mondays at 5:00PM in the Marlo Room in Upstairs Farinon. At these meetings we go over general team information along with show registration and important forms.

 

Our members are heavily involved on campus with various organizations. We pride ourselves on our well rounded members who balance the rigorous academics of Lafayette, involvement in various campus groups, and being a member of a competitive athletic team. Here are some of the organizations that our team members participate in:

Excel Scholar, Tour Guide, Resident Advisor, Phonathon, Varsity Track, Ski/Snowboard Team, Bio Club, Psychology Club, Overnight Host, Volunteering, Resident Hall Council, The Lafayette Paper, Pep Band, Concert Band, LEAP, Amnesty International, HOLA, Photography Club, Peer Tutor, Experience Lafayette Day Committee, Alpha Phi Sorority, Pi Phi Sorority, Tri Delta Sorority, DG Sorority, and more!

 

There are ten regular season competitions. Riders compete in one of five levels:
     Open Fences & Flat (fences 3'0" - 3'3")
     Intermediate Fences & Flat (fences 2'6" - 3'0")
     Novice Fences & Flat (fences 2'3" - 2'9")
     Walk Trot Canter
     Walk Trot
Each of the eight levels have equal weight towards the team's total, meaning the least experiance rider is just as important to the team as the most experianced. A combination of an official IHSA form and member's show records will determine their level.

Riders ride horses provided by the host school, and their horse is determined by a random draw. The rider cannot warm up the horse before competing.

Riders earn points through their placings at the shows. Once a rider earns 35 points in levels Walk Trot - Intermediate they move up to the next level and qualify for regionals. For these riders points carry over from year to year. Open riders qualify for regionals by earning 28 points, but start with zero every year. The top two places at Regionals move onto Zones, and the top two finishers at Zones move onto Nationals.

Everyone on the team supports eachother throughout the day. Everyone helps the members prepare for their ride, and cheer them on ringside. Our team is very supportive and we have a lot of team spirit with cheering throughout the day.
 

The Lafayette College Equestrian Team receives its funding from the Student Government Activities Fund. Even with the support of the school the team members still incur high costs for participating on the team. The team members are responsible for several expenses including transportation and practice costs, totaling to hundreds of dollars from each individual member.

Because of the high costs invloved in being a member of the team we look towards our generous Alumni, Parents and Friends to help support our team and help lessen the burden of these costs.

If you would like to support the Equestrian Team, mail your donation, made payable to Lafayette College Equestrian to:

Lafayette College Equestrian Team
Attention: Molly Clarke, Treasurer
Farinon Center Box 7099
Easton, PA 18042

If you prefer to make a contribution over the internet using either your VISA, MasterCard or American Express credit card, go to the Lafayette College Giving webpage. Please make sure you direct your gift to the "Lafayette College Equestrian Team."



The Lafayette College Equestrian Team also accepts gifts such as riding apparel, tack, and supplies. If you are interested in giving a material item, please contact our coach or captains.

Again, thank you for your generous gifts. Your support is greatly appreciated.