FAQ

Can I join the team if I have no riding experience?

In order to compete on the OCEA and be considered for the UWEQ team, you must be able to confidently jump courses up to 2′ and be comfortable on different types of horses. With that being said, we encourage anyone interested in trying out for the competitive team to reach out to us via email or DM us through social media. We’re always happy to support riders in their personal growth and development and have access to resources within the community that we are happy to share with those interested! 

Do I need to own my own horse?

No! Our home barn and lesson program is based out of Findaway Equestrian Services and the Ballantyne family has been kind enough to lend us horses from their school program for our team practices.  

For competitions, the OCEA has acquired a list of owners who are kind enough to donate their horses to be used by competitors. The OCEA would not be able to run without the support of the Ontario equestrian community and thus we are incredibly grateful for our previous donors! The OCEA is always seeking the building of new donor relationships and would be thrilled to hear from you. For more information please email info.ontariocea@gmail.com.

Can I use my own tack for lessoning and competing?

All horses come with their own tack and necessary equipment and thus do not require any additional gear.  

In competitions, horse donors provide the tack they are comfortable using for their horses and no equipment changes will be approved. We appreciate our donors and want their horses to be as comfortable as possible-which means using the tack they perform best in!  

For lessons, though no additional tack or equipment is required, certain requests can be considered on a situational basis and will be approved only by the lesson facility.

Can I join if I’ve never competed in equitation?

Absolutely! Riders from any and all disciplines are welcomed and encouraged! We love learning new skills from one another and jump at the opportunity to connect with others in the equestrian community.  

Currently, we have riders who have competed in Hunters, Jumpers, and Eventing. We also have some who have never competed at all! Competition experience, though welcomed, is not a requirement to join the team. 

How much does it cost to be on the team?

It depends on how much you would like to do! 

Some riders commit to two shows per year, while others commit to four.  

Some riders lesson once every second week (or lesson at their own barn), while others lesson every week.  

Some take part in all social events and clinics, while others pick only a couple to go to.  

The mandatory financial requirement for the year would be ~$200 in starting memberships plus ~$150 per month for lessons, shows and social events. 

What are the time commitment requirements to be on the team? 

All riders are asked to: 

-Have a minimum of one lesson every other week (though weekly lessons are recommended) 

-Attend team workouts twice weekly (usually from 6:30am-7:30am to accommodate class schedules)  

-Attend 2-4 shows per year  

-Attend finals (usually in March) if you have qualified, though we encourage everyone to come regardless! 

-Attend team social events and clinics (though these are optional, they are highly encourage for team building purposes) 

How do I know what division I am eligible for?

There are four competitive divisions in the OCEA. The eligibility for each division is listed below as stated in the OCEA Official Rule Book: 

Open Division 

• Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 3’3” (1.0m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit 
• Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height of 3’6” (1.10m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit 
• An Eventing qualifying score at the Training Level or above* 
• Having competed in the Open Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year 

Intermediate Division 

• Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 2’9” (0.85m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit.  
• Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height at 3” (0.90m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit  
• An Eventing qualifying score at the Pre-Training Level* 
• Having competed in the Intermediate Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year. 

Novice Division 

• Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 2’6” (0.75m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit  
• Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height of 2’9” (0.85m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit  
• An Eventing qualifying score at the Entry Level or above* 
• Having competed in the Novice Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year. 

Entry Division 

• Being a part of a hunter, jumper, equitation, or eventing lesson program at a level which ensures the individual is jumping consistently at a height of 2’0” (two feet) or higher for the past four months, at minimum. The must be able to be confirmed by your instructor.  
• An Eventing qualifying score at the Pre-Entry Level*  
• Having competed in the Entry Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year. 

There is an official appeal process should there be extenuating circumstances that do not align with these eligibility requirements (e.g, have a lot of riding experience but minimal to no competition experience).