Question 1

Do I need my own horse?

Accepted Answer

Owning your own horse is not required in order to compete with our team. The OCEA shows are based on catch riding system. This means that a horse is drawn from a pool of horses from the host school and you are asked to ride it after watching a designated warm-up rider warm the horse up. These horses are provided by our lovely donors who help us make sure our OCEA competitions run well. Our lesson program will also provide the horse for you.

Question 2

How often do I have to ride?

Accepted Answer

Our lesson program runs out of ADK by Danielle Kimmett and Stone Mills Equestrian by Nicole Scott. The minimum lesson requirements for our team is one lesson a month (4 per semester). This keeps our riders feeling confident for the horse shows. A variety of dates and times are given for lessons to help fit into a busy school schedule. Your lesson coordinator (Aleah) for ADK or Emma for Stone Mills are the first person to contact if you need to cancel, reschedule or have any questions. To learn more about lessons email us and we're happy to answer any questions!

Question 3

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

There are a few costs incurred throughout the season, however we try and keep costs to a minimum through fundraising events. Riders can expect to pay:

- Tryout Fee: $50
- Inperson Tryout Fee: ~$50-75
- ARC Team Membership $60
Transportation and Hotel Fees: ~$75-150 /show
- OCEA Membership Fee: ~$75 +HST
- IHSA Membership Fee: ~$50 USD
- Ontario Equestrian Membership: $67.90 +HST
- Show Entry Fee: 
	OCEA: $90+HST/show
	IHSA: $55 USD (inc tax)/class

There are other events throughout the year (i.e. OCEA finals, OCEA year-end banquet, IHSA regionals, IHSA nationals, etc.) that are at an additional cost. All of the costs are subject to change but the prices above give you a good estimate.

Question 4

Do I have to attend every show?

Accepted Answer

While it is not mandatory to attend every show it is recommended. Attending shows is a good way to bond with your teammates while encouraging riders, supporting team members and gaining an understanding of how the OCEA/IHSA runs, even if you are not competing. All the shows are an extremely fun environment and everyone always end up with a smile on their face! We recognize there may be conflicts and we will be accommodating for reasonable circumstances. That said we appreciate high attendance at socials and horse shows and if that isn't feasible for you QET may not be a great option. We expect ALL TEAM MEMBERS, whether alternate or core, to attend the QET hosted show.  This helps keep our show running smoothly when everyone gives a helping hand.

Being a part of the Queen’s Equestrian Team requires a commitment to compete. It is required to show at 3/5 of the OCEA shows for Core riders and Alternates if given the opportunity. IHSA shows are a commitment set at the beginning of the year. You do not need to show on the IHSA circuit to be on QET, but must compete on the OCEA circuit. The only exceptions is for QET riders competing in the IHSA Introductory Division.

Question 5

What if I have never competed before?

Accepted Answer

If you have never ridden before, we encourage you to check out the Queen's Equestrian Club which is non-competitive and offers lessons and horsemanship classes.

If you have never competed before, we encourage you to try out for the OCEA Entry Division.

If you don't think you have enough riding experience for the OCEA Entry Division look at the IHSA Introductory Division.

If you have any specific questions regarding your riding background and suitability for the team, please send us an email we'd be happy to help we understand understanding division suitability can be a confusing task.

Question 6

I am a graduate student, am I still eligible to participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The OCEA allows all graduate and part-time students to compete. You must be registered with the ARC to be on QET.

No. The IHSA only allows undergrad students to compete that are considered full time students and in good academic standing by Queen's University.

Question 7

Do I need my own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You will need: an ASTM/SEI certified helmet, tan/beige breeches, fitted tall boots, a show coat (black, navy blue or hunter green) and white show shirt, black gloves and hairnet. It is possible that teammates may lend show equipment in a pinch, but it is expected that you have your own. No personal tack is needed for lessons at ADK. If you can bring your saddle to lesson at Stone Mills that is helpful but not necessary.

We will have a Greenhawk private shopping party at the beginning of the season to pick up anything you need and you can get advice on fitting and style from the Captains.

Question 8

How many spots on the team are available?

Accepted Answer

For each OCEA division we will have 2 CORE riders and 3 ALTERNATE riders, consisting of a team of about 20 riders, but we have had larger teams in the past.

Our IHSA roster consists of maximum 2-3 riders per division

FAQs

Frequently asked questions