Equestrian

Equestrian Team Requirements

SUNY Potsdam is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, comprised of over 300 member colleges from around the United States and Canada, representing about 6500 riders. Our Equestrian Team is one of fifteen varsity sports offered by the Potsdam Bears; Equestrian is a co-ed varsity sport.

We compete in Hunt in Region 2, Zone 2, one of 15 schools in Upstate New York and Ontario. Riders earn both team and individual points leading to Regional Competition, where top riders in each level advance to our Zone competition. There we compete with schools from Region 1, 3 and Region 4. Top riders at each level then compete to qualify for Nationals.

Region 2 host schools are Cazenovia, Geneseo, Nazareth, Rochester, and St Lawrence. At all shows riders draw horses for competition. Our College pays transportation to shows, entry fees, food, and lodging. The team is made up of 15-20 riders at nine levels, from Walk/Trot to the Open Division.

SUNY Potsdam does not own nor operate its own equine facility, and all riding practice and training of the team takes place at the Healey Farm in Canton, NY, about ten miles from campus. Our Head Coach is Deborah Healey.

Criteria for being a member of the team are a commitment to ride both semesters; judgment of the team coach concerning the rider's ability to safely ride unfamiliar horses; and maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Riders are expected to practice 2x/week each semester during the show season. The College leases the off-campus facility for the academic year; at the start of each semester, riders are required to pay the stable for their lessons. If a rider is not showing that semester, s/he can choose to practice 1x/week. This option allows a rider to improve riding skills while not showing, and is allowed at the discretion of the Coach.

Approved helmets are required for all lessons and competitions. Riders are responsible for their own show clothing and helmet. The team does have a number of approved helmets for rider's use during practice and at shows. No personal tack is required.

Team members receive one PE credit for each semester's riding lessons. Two credits only count toward the College PE requirement. Registration is through the Athletics Department at the start of each semester. Team participation begins in the Fall as a rule; however, riders can join in the Spring semester.

Deborah Healey, Head Coach, (315) 379-9635, mail address 265 CR 35, Canton, NY 13617. Email address: healeyd@potsdam.edu

Prof. Susan Stebbins, Anthropology Dept, MacVicar Hall, Equestrian Team Academic Coordinator, (315) 267-2047, Email address: stebbisa@potsdam.edu

Information updated Summer 2007