Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own my own horse?
- No, the team rides out of Meadow Ridge Stables, which a variety of horses that are used for lessons. You are able to bring your horse and use them in lessons if there is a spot available at the barn. Contact the team for more information on bringing a personal horse. Team members that bring their own horse get a discount on lessons.
How much time will the club consume?
- Students who learn to manage their time well will have no problem getting out to ride. Plan on reserving time for 1-2 lessons per week (about 3 hours of time for travel, tacking up, and riding). Also plan on attending our weekly meeting, Monday evening at 7pm, for one hour. We attend approximately 8 shows per semester, which take only the day they are held. Extra time commitments include fundraising and community service which helps us raise money to reduce member costs.
When will I have lessons?
-The lesson schedule is built around the trainer schedule as well as the student’s schedules. Since the barn is not on campus students do need to travel by car to the location. The lessons are scheduled with this in mind. We will not schedule a student for a lesson during a class time. Most of the lessons are flexible, if students cannot make their scheduled one as long as notification is given within 24 hours, students can join lessons on days when they typically do not have a lesson.
Where do we ride?
The Redcoats are thankful to be able to ride at a privately owned facility, Meadow Ridge Stables, which is located about 10 minutes from the Radford campus.
Do I have to compete?
-No, competing is not a requirement. Non-competing members are known as "club" members and competing members are "team" members, but all members assemble together. Some members chose to compete in local shows instead of intercollegiate shows, and some do both; it's up to you.
I don't ride hunt seat, can I still join?
-Throughout our history, we have had members from western, saddle seat, eventing, vaulting, fox hunting, and dressage backgrounds and welcome any others. Our instructor teaches a variety of disciplines which allows members to continue their other disciplines while at school.
Can I still be in the club without actually riding?
- We do allow students who cannot fit riding into their schedule to be members of the club. However, they must still pay club dues and attend the weekly meetings, as well as help with community service and other fundraising events.