The leagues that we compete in are all based on the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) format in which teams ride at the various barn in the league and compete on the flat and over fences on a horse drawn at random.  The riders have just a few moments to warm up before they are entered into a formal equitation class.  The goal then is not only to have correct equitation for show but also to be able to use it correctly to forge a very quick working relationship with any horse.  The riders are awarded for their efforts and their points go for individual totals but more importantly towards their team total.  This type of competition is an excellent way to have a team bond and atmosphere is what is usually a very individual sport.  The riders all become close friends and are wonderful about supporting their teammates.  Also team is a remarkable experience because over the winter months you are exposed to so many horses and also get to travel (usually within just over an hour) to several area barns. 

We have an NCEL B Team (up to 9 junior riders).  For this league you ride in one walk/trot/canter class, two over fences classes at 2', and possibly the finale class in which you must flat with and without stirrups, jump two fences, and answer a horsemanship question.  

New this year we are joining the IEA which closely mimic the IHSA for colleges.  Each team has riders from 6th-12th grades who can compete just on the flat to jump 2'6".  For each level you have a pointed rider whose ribbons go towards the team total.  Each ride gets individual points and even if non-pointed helps the team by keeping the other team's point riders from placing high.  We do still have room on this team as there is no upper limit to the riders you can have on your roster.

And last but not least we have an Adult riding team in the NCAEL (National Capital Adult Equestrian League).  To be on the adult team you must be 30 or over (you do not have to say how over if you don’t wish to).  The adult format includes wt, wtc, and jumping 2'.  There are league rules to keep this more of a amateur league such as you can not pull in an income from being a coach or trainer and you may only have shown up to 2’9” at any shows in the past 5 years.  Most riders in the league either started riding as adults or picked it up again after a long break.  So even if you may not think you could do this you might just be able to.  Many of our adults have been on the team for almost 10 years and they just love it.  They all say that team practice is what they look forward to all week.  The entire team has become very close over the past few years and they all consider each other great friends.  But not to fear, they love welcome new members into the group.