Prospective student-athletes are any students who have started high school classes for the ninth grade. Please be aware that there are certain NCAA regulations that we must follow in the recruiting process. A prospect cannot be recruited until July 1st preceding their senior year of high school. If you have not yet reached July 1st of your senior year, we cannot return any of your phone calls or explain anything about the program. We are permitted limited e-mail contact, so that is the best means of communication. Once you become a senior, coaches are allowed to call prospects once a week and e-mail communication is unlimited. E-mail is always the best way to get in touch with us as this correspondence is unlimited and we are out of the office a lot.
Competition
Q) What events do you compete in and what are you looking for in an equestrian athlete?
A) There are four collegiate equestrian disciplines at the varsity level: equitation on the flat, equitation over fences (both based on USEF standards), western horsemanship and reining (both based on AQHA rules). We are looking for riders who not only have proper equitation and horsemanship, but for those who are functional on different horses. The emphasis is definitely placed on the rider's true horsemanship, including their ability to feel and adjust to different types of horses. The NM State Equestrian Team seeks out student athletes who are responsible, competitive and self-motivated. As coaches, we have high expectations of our student athletes in the arena, but also, in the class room. We want individuals that are team players, are coachable, and strive for success.
Q) What is a typical competition like?
A) The foundation of Varsity Equestrian competition is to award the rider based on their ability to successfully ride unfamiliar horses. The host school provides all of the horses and tack that will be used for the competition. Riders learn what horse they will be showing using a lottery draw system. What sets Varsity Equestrian apart from traditional collegiate equestrian competition is that each team will compete with other teams in a head-to-head format. Each rider that has been chosen by their coach to ride for their team will compete on the horse they have drawn, while one rider from the opposing team will also have an opportunity to ride and be scored on the same horse. Whoever of the two riders on that particular horse gets the highest score wins the point for their team, much like the scoring system in tennis. This system aspires to level the playing field and gives both teams the same opportunity on the same horse.
Please visit www.varsityequestrian.com to learn more about our competition governing body. Varsity Equestrian gives women the opportunity to be a college athlete while continuing their passion for showing horses.
Q) What is the typical show season?
A) Our show season usually begins in September and ends in April. December and January are usually slower months for competitions. Our practice season in the fall goes from the start of school to Thanksgiving break and from the start of school until the Varsity Equestrian National Championship in the spring.
Q) How competitive is NM State?
A) NM State is in its fifth year of varsity equestrian competition. We are regular qualifiers for the Varsity Equestrian National Championship and are proud to have some great athletes that have led to our success. Our athletes have received invitations to compete at the NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship, held each year at the NRHA Derby, and the Winter Equestrian Festival Collegiate Equitation over Fences Invitational. Last year, the Western team finished the season ranked 7th in the nation, while the Hunter Seat team was ranked 9th. NM State brought home the first ever Individual Reserve National Champion last year in the Reining.
Facilities and Horses:
The NM State Equestrian Team practices at a facility that is shared with the Animal & Range Science Department. We have our own equipment and horses. Our facility is conveniently located on the NMSU campus. This makes it very easy for student-athletes to schedule time for practice around classes. We have two separate arenas that serve both the Hunter Seat and Western practices. Our facility consists of a stall barn and small paddocks outside. Some of our horses do best outside with a herd, while others prefer the comfort of an individual stall. We have a herd of about 15 hunter seat horses and 15 western horses. Many of our western horses have had successful show careers and consist mainly of Quarter Horses and Paints. Our hunter seat horses consist of "A" show quality Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods.
Practice
Q) What is a typical NM State Equestrian practice like?
A) Practice is conducted daily by the coaches using horses owned by the NM State Equestrian Team. Student athletes are assigned different horses at each practice to get them comfortable on unfamiliar horses. Student athletes usually practice 3-5 times per week depending on their schedule. Most practices (actual time spent in the saddle) last for about an hour, though student athletes are expected to do assigned chores each time they come to practice. We begin practice as soon as classes start each semester.
Q) What type of horses do you practice on?
A) For hunter seat practice, the athletes usually ride Thoroughbreds or Warmbloods. For western practice, the majority of the horses are Quarter Horses.
Q) What is a typical day in the life of a student athlete?
A) Depending on their class schedule, an equestrian athlete will have practice, class, workouts, and study hall in one day. It is definitely a full day!
Advice for High School Freshmen and Sophomores
Q) What can I do to start preparing for the NM State Equestrian Team?
A) If possible, attend an NCAA Equestrian competition so that you can get a better idea of our different format and the level of riders that we are looking for. Organize your horse-show records. Start making a list of year-end awards and/or seasonal show highlights and update it regularly. Also, from the 9th grade forward, start keeping a detailed accounting of all prize money won and expenses incurred at horse shows. You may fill out an online questionnaire and send in a DVD at any time. (Plan on sending updated information and video during the summer before your senior year).
Q) Can I contact the coaches at NM State?
A) At any time, you may send an e-mail or make a phone call to the Coaches. However, we are not permitted (per NCAA rules) to initiate a contact (which includes replying to an e-mail or returning a phone call) to you during your freshman and sophomore years.
Q) Can I visit NM State and its coaches?
A) Yes you can call and set up an "unofficial visit" at any time.
Advice for High School Juniors and Seniors
Q) What do I need to do to be considered for the NM State Equestrian Team?
A) Put together a DVD of your riding and showing abilities (specific requirements are detailed below). Create a one page riding resume that includes highlights from your horse show experience. Please list the names and contact information for the trainers with whom you have ridden recently; and your membership ID numbers for the equestrian organizations you belong to (i.e. USEF, AQHA, and NRHA etc). Compile official show record summaries to submit from your respective breed show registries. Create a one page non-riding resume that includes any academic achievements, honors or awards. Also list your participation in volunteerism, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvements.
- 1. Fill out and submit the online questionnaire (link to questionnaire)
- 2. Submit a video for review. Videos should be sent addressed to the appropriate coach, MSC 3145, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003.
- 3. Send your transcripts, (do not have to be official) copy of test scores (from testing center), and other requested paperwork with your video.
- 4. Register with NCAA Clearinghouse. You will need to registered and cleared to compete on any NCAA Equestrian Team. (create appropriate link)
- 5. Contact us with questions.
Q) What should I include in a DVD for Hunter Seat?
A) DO show examples of flat work - including basic dressage-type maneuvers such as circles, sitting trot, lengthened trot, halt transitions, lateral movements and no-stirrup work - keeping in mind that our flat format is different from equitation and hunter seat industry standards. Please refer to the example of a typical flat test.
DO show examples of jumping - including footage of a few horse show rounds, as well as clips from practice at your home barn, incorporating elements such as bending lines and equitation turns. Keep in mind that we regularly compete at fence heights of 3' to 3'6", so we need to see you jump at that height.
DO wear breeches, tall boots and a form-fitting, tucked-in shirt so that we can fairly evaluate your form and equitation.
DO show examples of riding at least three different horses - and indicate (with video captions) each horse's age and the current level of its showing or training. Riding a variety of horse types is highly recommended - for example; do not be afraid to show how you handle a green horse.
DO use a DVD format.
DO remember to attach your name and all of your contact information to your video case.
Try not to make your video more than 15 minutes.
Please plan on leaving the DVD with the coaches for them to put in your file.
Q) What should I include in a DVD for Horsemanship?
A) DO show examples of showing and schooling; specifically horsemanship. Please include transitions, turn-around/pivots, extension/speed, collection, and no-stirrup work. If you would like you can include some western riding and Equitation but other show events (showmanship, trail, HUS, pleasure) are not very beneficial to include in the video.
DO try to include video of you riding at least 3 different horses if possible. Please ride one-handed, though some footage on a green horse riding two handed is okay.
DO make sure that the video is zoomed in on you as the rider and try to shoot in well lit covered arena or outside. Small indoor arenas during the winter time can be challenging videos to analyze.
DO wear boots and jeans and a form fitting shirt. No oversized clothing please.
DO remember to attach your name and all contact information to your DVD and its case.
Try not to make your video more than 15-20 min.
Please plan on leaving the DVD with the coaches for them to put in your file.
Q) What should I include in a DVD for Reining?
A) DO show examples of showing and schooling (reining & working cowhorse okay). Please include any exercises that you use to school all of the different maneuvers.
DO include video of you riding one and two handed.
DO try to include video of you riding at least 3 different horses if possible and indicate (with video captions) each horse's age and the current level of its showing or training. Riding a variety of horse types is highly recommended - for example; do not be afraid to show how you handle a green horse.
DO make sure that the video is zoomed in on you as the rider.
DO wear boots and jeans and a form fitting shirt. No oversized clothing please.
DO remember to attach your name and all contact information to your DVD and its case
Try not to make your video more than 15 min.
Please plan on leaving the DVD with the coaches for them to put in your file.
Q) When should I send my DVD and other pertinent information?
A) You should send your information by the time you begin your senior year in High School. The earlier we receive your information the better.
Q) What are my options for visiting NM State and the coaches?
A) You have the option of setting up an "unofficial visit" (i.e. the prospective athlete covers all of her own travel expenses) at any time. It is recommended that you make an appointment with the coaches several weeks in advance of your planned visit to ensure that you will be able to meet with them. In addition, it would be wise to call NMSU Admissions and set up a campus tour. They can assist you in contacting an academic advisor in the area of study that you are interested in.
During your senior year, you also have the possibility of receiving an invitation from the coaches for an "official visit" (i.e. NMSU will cover some of your travel expenses, which can include hotel and meals). During this visit, we will set up campus and facility tours, as well as meetings with coaches and advisors. NMSU has a limited number of official visits each year.
If you are a Hunter Seat rider, you should set up a meeting with Coach Audrey Van Eman. If you are a Western rider, you should set up a meeting with Coach Robin Morris.
Q) How do I make the NM State Equestrian Team?
A) There are three ways to make the team:
- 1. Scholarship recruit - A student-athlete who is offered a spot on the roster along with a scholarship prior to the season.
- 2. Preferred walk-on - A student-athlete that is offered a spot on the roster prior to the start of the season.
- 3. Walk-on - A student-athlete who makes the team through walk-on tryouts. Try-outs are held at the beginning of every fall semester.
All decisions regarding guaranteed roster positions will be made by the end of May. If you do not make the team through this process, tryouts will take place before the season starts each fall.
Scholarships
Q) Are scholarships available for NMSU Equestrian Athletes and what expenses would I have?
A) We currently have a budget to cover all expenses necessary for competition, as well as access to 15 scholarships (as limited by the NCAA for the sport of equestrian). Scholarships are divided among our 25 team members and are awarded by the coaches. There are many factors that determine scholarship awards, including academics, riding and show experience and success, geography of hometown, and work ethic.
Q) Am I allowed to accept a collegiate scholarship that is awarded to me at a Horse Show?
A) Unfortunately, the receipt of a scholarship based on an individual's (or horse's) place, finish or performance in a single event is not a permissible form of financial assistance. For example, a scholarship provided to the winner of a class or high point performer of a show that is held in escrow or trust for the recipient until she enrolls in college is not permissible per NCAA rules and could result in an NCAA violation. If you have any questions about a scholarship that has been awarded to you - it is always a good idea to check with our NCAA Compliance staff here at NMSU.
NCAA Questions
Please visit www.ncaa.org to familiarize yourself with what is required to become a NCAA student athlete.
Q) When can a prospective student athlete contact the Equestrian Team?
A) A prospective student athlete can contact us at any time. If a message is left, the coaches can only respond to the message if it is July or later after the student has completed her junior year in high school. If a prospective student athlete calls a coach and she is a junior or younger, the coach will only be able to explain the NCAA rules that must be followed.
Q) If a prospective student athlete (PSA) is thinking of joining the NM State Equestrian Team, when should she register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
A) Once the ACT/SAT tests are taken. Even if the PSA has not contacted any colleges about their Equestrian program, they still need to register. You can register online at the following link: http://eligibilitycenter.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html
Q) Am I allowed to win prize money at horse shows?
A) Under NCAA rules, athletes must be certified as an NCAA Amateur athlete. Varsity Equestrian recruits will be classified as amateurs only if the prize money won at any given competition prior to college does not exceed the amount of expenses incurred at that competition - examples of those expenses are: entry fees, gasoline, meals, lodging, stall, feed, trainer expenses and hauling. Candidates who compete in the more lucrative jumper divisions (or in the newly-formed USHJA Hunter Derbies and/or other high-level hunter classics) are advised, from 9th grade forward, to keep well-organized records and detailed receipts of their earnings and expenses. If a candidate is determined to seek a spot on a Varsity Equestrian team in college, she's urged to keep an ongoing close eye on the balance between those two columns. A candidate who competes at the higher show jumping or hunter levels might consider the viable option of requesting a reduced payout of prize money at any given show, in an amount that doesn't exceed her expenses. (Horse-show secretaries are becoming well-acquainted with NCAA rules regarding prize money, and most are very willing to work with an exhibitor to adjust her payouts.)
If a candidate finds herself with an overall record of more prize money than expenses at the time she applies for NCAA eligibility, she's advised to consult the NMSU compliance officer. These officers, who are on the athletic-department staffs at all Varsity Equestrian schools, usually will work with potential recruits on applying for reinstatement in the NCAA, if necessary. NMSU Compliance
