St. Mary's College Equestrian Club & IHSA Team

St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) has a student-run Equestrian Club that competes in hunter-jumper riding through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Through the club, SMCM students are able to participate in riding and showing activities at one of two levels, club or team.

Team members are required to participate in at least two lessons a week, including one Friday afternoon lesson with team coach Sarah Schultz and/or Leslie Allen. Team members compete in IHSA shows several times throughout the semester.

Club-only members take at least one lesson a week, and have the option to take an additional weekly lesson (particularly if riders have previous riding experience).

All Equestrian Club members are encouraged to participate in club activities. Through AMIT, club members of both levels are also able to participate in AMIT and local shows and activities (such as the gymkhana, AMIT jumper show, and hunter pace).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own horse? No, AMIT has plenty of lesson horses and ponies for all lessons and local shows. IHSA show horses will be provided by the hosting schools of each competition.

Can I get extra riding time? Yes. All club members are eligible for at least two lessons a week; experienced riders may also assist AMIT and get additional riding time if they are able to school horses.

Do I need a car? No. If you do not have a car on campus, we will make sure you are in a lesson with at least one other rider who does have a car so you can carpool. (Just be sure to note this in the scheduling packet.)

When are lessons? Lessons are typically either around 9 or 10 am, or after 4pm. At the beginning of each semester, you will be asked to fill out a short form about your schedule. Based on your academic schedule and riding level you will be placed in the AMIT lesson schedule.

What if I've never ridden before? Even if you've never seen a horse before, you can join the Equestrian Club and take level-appropriate lessons. (We have something for everybody!)

Is there a cost/how much does it cost? Fees vary by semester and are due on a semester-by-semester basis. There are different fees for club and team. Contact the club for current fees.

Paperwork & Forms

Like all club sports at St. Mary's, the Equestrian Club has several forms that need to be filled out before students may participate in equestrian activities. Please contact the Team President with any questions regarding paperwork.

Also required (available through the Club):

  • No Hazing Form

  • SMCM Assumption of Risk

  • AMIT Scheduling Packet

  • Equestrian Club Code of Conduct