Overview
The equestrian program is an integral part of Goucher
College’s comprehensive physical education department. The
equestrian facilities, which include both indoor and
outdoor arenas and outside
course and wooded trails, are located on the college’s
287-acre campus. Goucher’s instructional program offers a
contemporary approach to hunt seat equitation for riders of all
levels based on the riding system promoted by the American National
Riding Commission (ANRC). The overall goal is to teach riders the
principles of good horsemanship whether their interest is
recreational, educational or competitive. For the more advanced
rider, emphasis is placed on schooling hunters and working to
develop a high-quality performance between horse and rider. Goucher
offers well-schooled horses for students at the beginning and
intermediate levels, plus there are highly schooled horses to
challenge the advanced rider. Meet some of the Goucher Horses.
Courses in horseback riding offered by the equestrian program
fulfill the activity requirement for Physical Education.
Approximately 60 students participate in the equestrian program
each semester. On average, students ride one or two times per week
in a class structured according to the rider’s level of
skill. Students selected for the varsity team are required to ride
a minimum of three times per week and have the opportunity to ride
up to five times per week. The semester fee is
based on the student’s level of participation. Although
Goucher’s school horses are fully equipped, riders may use
their own saddle, provided the staff approves it for proper fit.
All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. Storage is
provided at the stables for personal equipment.
A limited number of stalls are available for student
boarders. Please follow the guidelines for sending a boarding video.
The intercollegiate riding team is considered on of Goucher’ s 17 varsity sports and competes in IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Zone IV, Region I competition. During the year-long intercollegiate season, the riding team and individual members accumulate points by competing at the Regional Level, with opportunities to advance to the Zone and National Levels. Interested students may try-out for the varsity riding team initially as freshman, but may be considered for the riding team at any time during their college career. The first stage of the recruiting process begins when the prospective athlete contacts the Goucher College Office of Admissions or the Equestrian Director and expresses interest in being evaluated for the team. The varsity riding team is competitive and the coaches are highly selective in choosing which students will best represent Goucher. Being a member of the team is an honor. Students are expected to adhere to the team philosophy and work diligently to master the riding skills and techniques necessary to achieve success.
To further enhance their riding education, Goucher riders have
the opportunity
to grow by participating in clinics with noteworthy
professionals. In additional to the IHSA season that runs from
September to May, Goucher competes annually in the ANRC (American
National Riding Commission) National Equitation Championship in
April. This four-phase competition, featuring an outside hunter
course, is perhaps the most challenging and educational experience
for the students selected to participate. Goucher students may
become involved in other activities offered by the ANRC including
clinics, invitational competitions and the rider certification
program.
