About Us

 

Team Overview

The Texas Tech Equestrian Team is open to any undergraduate student, regardless of major or classification who wants to ride and compete on a collegiate level. The IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional, zone, and national levels. The association was founded in 1967 on the principal that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level.

"Catch Riding" is what makes the IHSA format different and more difficult than any other. Each rider in a class draws a horse out of a hat, and with no warm up goes into the show ring to compete for individual & team points. Riders are allowed to watch the horses warm up before the show begins, but do not take control of the horse until they are being judged on the rail, over fences, in a reining pattern, or in a horsemanship pattern.

Hunt Seat (English)

There are 3 Equitation Over Fences levels, and 5 Equitation On the Flat levels, for a total of 8 English classes offered at each show. There are currently 6,499 IHSA Hunt Seat riders nation wide. For the '15-'16 show season, Texas Tech was Region Championship Team out of the Zone 7, Region 2.

Stock Seat (Western)

There is 1 level of Reining, and 5 levels of Horsemanship, for a total of 6 Western classes offered at each show. There are currently 1,888 IHSA Western riders nation wide. For the '15-'16 Show Season, Texas Tech finished 3rd in the Zone 7, Region 2.

Show Team - Home Team

The TTET has a show team, and a home team. The show team is the group who are ready to show in IHSA shows and who travel with the team. The home team are members who are not ready to show, but are working toward improving their horsemanship & equation skills at practice.
After tryouts, the coaches will decided who will be on the show teams for the first show. If a rider does not make this first show team, they will have the opportunity to move up when the coaches feel they are ready to show, or when a spot opens up in their division. We believe that attitude is everything and we do not allow members with a bad attitudes to show, no matter how skilled a rider they are.

Membership Requirements

Team Dues
All members are required to pay $400 per semester in team dues. These dues cover the use of the riding facility, management and upkeep of Texas Tech University-owned horses. Alternatively, dues may be paid by enrolling in the Equestrian Team class (ANSC 4001 037 | CRN: 38646). 

Sponsorships
All members are required to raise a minimum of $500 in sponsorship funds per semester. These funds support home-hosted shows and events, clinics, barn equipment, and supplies. 

Show Team Financials                                                                                                                                                                                                          The annual IHSA registration fee is $45 for English, $45 for Western, or $60 for both disciplines. Entry fees are $50 per class for regular seasonal events and $65 per ride for regional events.

Home Team Financials                                                                                                                                                                                                    Home Team members are exempt from paying show entry fees and annual registration fees associated with competition, making this membership ideal for those seeking a flexible, community-focused equestrian experience without the financial or time commitments of competitive showing. 

Tryout Info for Prospective Members 

Whether you are a current student, a transfer student, or an incoming freshman, as long as you are a full-time student, we’d love to see you at tryouts. They are typically held during the first or second week of classes in the Fall semester. Tryout attire will mimic the traditional show ring attire for both Western and Hunter Seat Equitation divisions. 

Tip: Before tryouts, ride as many different horses as possible. The more versatile you are, the stronger your skills as a catch rider will be.

Team Placement 

Team placement will be determined by the Coach and designated team officers, based on performance and potential demonstrated during tryouts. Riders not selected for the show team will join the home team, where they’ll continue developing their skills and contributing to team operations. Home team members may be promoted to the show team at any time, provided they demonstrate growth in skill, teamwork, and commitment. The Coach determines the traveling team from the show team roster for each competition. Selection is based on riding ability, attitude, and sportsmanship, and participation at practices and team events.

Show team placement 

Show Team members are required to participate in a minimum of two practices per week at the Texas Tech Equestrian Center. Show Team members are responsible for all costs associated with competition, including show entry fees, the annual IHSA registration fee, and entry fees. Membership provides the opportunity to represent TTU at IHSA competitions, receive specialized coaching to prepare for competition, and earn points toward both individual and team standings. 

Home Team Placement

As a Home team member, you are required to attend at least one practice every other week. The schedule is designed to enhance horsemanship skills, foster camaraderie among members, and allow members to enjoy the benefits of team involvement in a non-competitive environment. Members are encouraged to participate in all open shows, take advantage of opportunities to ride on weekends, and experience IHSA through Team Mock Shows. 

Practice: These commitments ensure that every rider stays prepared, connected, and competitive throughout the season.

No Experience? No Problem.

If you’re new to riding, we highly recommend enrolling in the Horsemanship course (ANSC 3313) offered through the Department of Animal & Food Sciences. It’s a great way to build a solid foundation and prepare for involvement in the team.

Updates

Find us on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements on tryout dates, new member events, and team news. This page will provide you with everything you need to know to prepare for tryouts.

 

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