Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to have own a horse?
You should have access to and/or own a horse
- Do I have to have show clothes?
Most riders have their own show clothes, but if the team needs a rider to participate in a slot which they do not normally show in, the coach’s prefer to loan clothes vs. leaving and empty slot and risk losing points.
- How often are practices?
Each rider should be practicing at least 3-5x/week on their own. The team will hold monthly clinics as well as additional practices in which the rider may choose to participate. Mandatory practices (1-2/wk) usually begin in August.
- Where are the practices?
Most practices will be held at the Equestrian Team’s home field behind Village Elementary
- How many competitions are there?
There are 3 District meets. The team with the highest points from Districts will go to Regionals and the top 2 teams from Regionals will go on to State
- Where are the competitions?
The competitions are usually held at either Shiawassee Fairgrounds, Ingham County Fairgrounds or Fowlerville and States at Midland Fairgrounds
- How many people are on the team?
An A team can have 10 or more riders, B team 9 or less riders, C Team 5 or less riders, D team 2 or less riders. The coach’s will determine, based on need, how and if the team will need to be divided.
- Can I use more than 1 horse?
Each rider is allowed to bring up to 2 horses as long as they are registered with MIHA at the beginning of the season.
- How many classes are there?
There are 17 different classes, but only 4 team riders can enter each class except for 5 of the classes (Saddle Seat Pattern, Equitation over Fences, Western Riding, Trail and 2-person Relay), only 3 team members are allowed to enter these classes. For a final total of 63 classes.
- Do I get to chose my classes?
No, at the beginning of the season the coach’s will ask each rider to complete a rider questionnaire. The coach’s will then observe each rider at practices, review responses from the questionnaire and look at the teams needs to determine placement. An empty slot is an automatic loss of points therefore (as long as there is not a safety concern) the coach’s will determine who will be entered in which class. The more versatile a rider is, the more likely they are to receive the maximum of 6 classes.
