1. What are Intercollegiate Competitions Like?
   Intercollegiate riding is different from most types of horse showing because you ride the hosting college's horses. Horses are chosen by "luck of the draw" and riders don't get any warm-up time-it's mount up and go!
   
2. How many shows does the team compete in?
   The region that includes Dartmouth, Zone I, Region 2, usually holds five shows in the fall and two or three in the winter/spring. Dartmouth hosts one to two shows plus some postseason shows. Shows are all-day affairs, with the bus leaving between 5 and 6 AM and returning to campus at 5 or 6 PM.
   
3. Are there costs involved?
   Because riding at Dartmouth is a varsity sport, all entry fees, transportation costs and practice fees are covered. The only cost involves the cost of lessons at Dartmouth Riding Center as all team members are required to sign up for two lessons at the farm in the fall and spring sessions (to enable team members to get in more riding time) and one lesson/week in the winter term. Riders must also purchase(or borrow from other teammates!) their own show clothes.
   
4. How often are practices?
   Twice per week during the day. Team members are also required to do weight lifting and other workouts in sessions run by the team captains.
   
5. What levels are offered in Intercollegiate competition?
   Levels are offered from Walk-Trot(for the beginner rider) to Open Flat and Fences(for the experienced rider) with three levels in between.
   
6. How do interested riders make the team?
   Try-outs are held in the beginning of the fall and spring terms. Since the team involves all levels of rider, it's not necessarily the "best" riders that make the team but the riders that fill in the available slots. Fifteen riders make up the team and the team roster may change from fall to spring, depending on students being "off" for that term.
   
7. How do I find out about the team and try-outs?
   Check the listing for the riding team in the Dartmouth Bulletins under Dartmouth Riding Center. Also offered in the fall is an informational picnic at the farm for all new students-once again check the Dartmouth bulletins.
   

The Dean of the College Office, through its Executive Officer, is responsible for the operation of the Dartmouth Riding Center. The Center programs, under the management of the Director of Riding, provide recreational riding opportunities for Dartmouth students, faculty and staff, and for members of the local community. The facility serves as a home for the Dartmouth Equestrian Team, and for physical education classes and several individual lesson programs. Community outreach activities include instruction for all ages, a small handicapped riding program and the opportunity to board horses.