62 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Sloane Milstein
One only needs to browse the Internet to learn about the
academic advantages and disadvantages of different school
sizes. For instance small schools have smaller classes,
often a stronger curriculum, more personalized attention in
the classroom and during advising, increased participation
in institution programs and a more family friendly community
feeling. Larger schools often have more diversity when it
comes to courses, majors, extracurricular activities, student
population, sports funding, library resources and housing
options. Schools range from fewer than 1,000 to over 35,000
students, so when it comes to your academic choice of
schools, your personality and goals will help you decide how
much size matters.
When it comes to considering your equestrian team
experience, many of the same principles apply. But don’t be
surprised if you find that a small institution has a large team or
that a large institution has a small team. Smaller equestrian
teams tend to have more of a family feeling and often spend
time outside of the barn and team practices socializing and
studying together. Often more experienced members will
work with newer riders to bring them along. On a smaller
team there tends to be one instructor or coach so you as the
student-athlete-rider will not only have access to the that
person for instruction but that person will likely be available to
advise and guide through the college process.
Smaller teams have a variety of disadvantages as well.
For instance, if there is only one coach that person may
be stretched very thin. The team coach might be a riding
instructor at a local barn where the team has chosen to take
its lessons from, and that person may only be obligated to
work with the team during scheduled ride times. Competition
management, scheduling, recruitment and fundraising may
become the sole responsibility of the team.
When these responsibilities fall on the team, this is where
being on a large team might have its advantages. From
barn chores to event management, larger teams are able to
spread the responsibilities. Larger teams often have more
than one coach, which allows for specialization in regards
to discipline or specific talents. Costs associated with the
team will depend on which institution department sponsors
or assists with the team. Therefore if fundraising is part of
team responsibilities having a larger team will be beneficial in
selling raffles, holding events, creating newsletters or simply
gaining support from the larger community.
Larger teams come with their disadvantages as well. Larger
teams generally equate to large expenses and the team may
be responsible to cover the costs. While specialization or
multiple disciplines might be offered teams can be competitive
within themselves. On a larger team you are likely to see a
first string and second string or riders, which could equate in
the amount of time in the saddle and potential scholarship
opportunities.
After determining which school is a good academic fit for you
then consider the following questions to see if the equestrian
team is the right fit as well:
• How many riders are on the roster? Are their backgrounds
similar to yours?
• How well does the team get along? Do riders generally quit
the team after the frst season or stay on all four years?
• How many lessons and or hacks will you be able to
participate in each week?
• Does the team participate in barn chores, teaching
responsibilities, group activities, study sessions or workouts?
• Does the team have fundraising obligations?
• What equipment does the team provide for the riders? Or
what will you be expected to bring to the team?
• Will being on the team allow for participation in other
activities (sorority, clubs, and events on campus)?
• What do current members like most and the least about the
program?
• Are there any team rules or policies that you should be
aware of, what is mandatory, what is optional?
One last thought when it comes to size. Don’t assume you know
which size school or which size team you will like. If for no other
reason to confrm your choices make sure to consider all options.
e
Education
School Mean a Small Team?
Sloane Milstein encourages students to consider their options
when choosing a school