Additional Expenses
In addition to the annual college/university membership fee of $250 and the individual student membership fee of $30 for a riding discipline or $40 for a combined discipline, there are other expenses to consider.
Entry Fees
Entry fees vary between regions. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $35 per class to enter a rider. A hunt seat rider can compete in one class on the flat and one class over fences at each show, or one western horsemanship class (open riders can also do reining). Many regions combine two shows into a weekend to reduce travel expenses. Some regions combine hunt seat and western shows into one day or one weekend. When you receive a prize list for a scheduled IHSA horse show, allow time to requisition a check from your school to cover all of the entry fees, plus any additional funds needed for travel expenses. Most horse shows are held on weekends, but some may be held during the week.
Travel
Depending on your Region’s location, travel expenses can be a considerable part of your team’s budget. If you are a club team, fundraising will be a key component to insure your team will meet expenses. Many teams travel in a van from the college motor pool, or in a charter bus, while others drive personal cars and share the cost of gas and tolls. Some horse shows may require an overnight stay so remember to include the cost of one or two nights in a hotel.
Riding Facility/Lessons
Many teams have the luxury of riding at a campus facility with a college appointed coach. A good number of teams will approach a local stable and make arrangements for a discounted group lesson rate with a local professional trainer or instructor. When this is the case, you may want to have a renewable one-year contract, either written or oral, to outline the expectations of the agreement. It is important to have a good working relationship with the facility owner/operator and instructor/coach. You also want to consider the cost of riding lessons or any other fees that may be involved. Most importantly, your team members will need riding instruction by a qualified instructor or coach on a regular basis.
Insurance
The IHSA has purchases a blanket horse show liability policy that covers all entrants, spectators, and horse providers, as well as the association, for liability issues that occur at an official IHSA horse show. Some teams carry additional liability insurance either independently or through their school. For more information on insurance specifics, e-mail Jim Arrigon, the IHSA National Secretary.
Attire
Your team members need appropriate riding attire in the discipline in which they compete (Rule 4704). You can expect your riders to purchase their own show attire although you may find some riders are willing to share clothing or boots. Wearing properly fitting horse show attire is important! In addition to riding attire, most teams purchase jackets, vests, sweatshirts, hats etc. with their school name/colors to represent their school.
Funding
Many college teams are self-supporting unless they receive funding as a varsity sport. Teams raise a significant part of their travel expenses through fund-raising activities and pay for the remainder out of their own pockets. By forming a club or becoming a club sport, you will be in a good position to request funding from your school. If your team is active, growing, and successful, keeping a good relationship with your school’s administration and/or athletic department is essential.