Tryouts for the 2022-23 team will be held at the beginning of the fall semester on August 27th, 10:00am EST!
These tryouts will be for all new team members. Our team is going to be smaller this year (around 20-25 people) in the hopes of allowing more team members to show frequently.
How to sign up
Signup information for tryouts will be distributed at our interest meeting on August 22nd. If you plan to try out, you MUST ATTEND THIS MEETING as we will be getting crucial information from you.
What to expect
Tryouts will be run much like a riding clinic. Groups will be made according to riding capabilities/experience and you will receive instruction and guidance from our coach. Our coach, Tharyn, and our team captain, Emily, will be evaluating and taking notes on each rider as they are asked to perform different actions.
You will arrive in the morning at 10:00 am, dressed and ready to ride with whatever gear you have available. If you do not have all of the necessary gear or clothing, we will be sure to have extras waiting for you to borrow (helmet, pants, boots, etc.)
Upon arrival, you will check in at a table at the front of the barn to receive a back number and learn what horse and group you have. While you wait for your group lesson, we encourage you to hang out and get to know more of our team members. All our previous team members should be able to answer questions you might have!
When it is time for you to ride, you will find your horse with his/her name tag already tacked up. You don’t need to worry about grooming or tacking this time! You will be riding in small groups of 5-6 people that are similar to your riding experience level. You don’t need to worry about your lack of experience, because we always need new riders to fill our lower divisions! Tharyn will give you pointers on your horse and your riding. What we are really looking for are riders who respond to instruction well and show potential for growth!
After your lesson, you’ll give your horse over to a horse holder and wait around until the team officers are ready to talk to you briefly. One or more officers will be able to ask you a few (easy, we promise) questions about you and why you want to be on the team. This is so that we can know you a bit better and factor in how your attitude and goals will mesh with the team. After we get to talk to you, you are free to leave or hang around and watch more!
After tryouts are concluded, the team captain and team coach will discuss who will be receiving spots on the team. Emily will be able to call you later in the day or the next day to let you know that you have a spot and discuss next steps!
Overall, tryouts is not meant to be a stressful experience. We want everyone to come and have a good time with our wonderful ponies. Even if you do not make the team, we still want you to stay involved in the club and hang out with us!
If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at huntseatequestrianclub.ncsu@gmail.com