I am a prospective Bowdoin student. Can I visit the barn?
All visits are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact Madison Nortz by email at [email protected] to schedule a time to visit the barn. Unfortunately, we do not offer visits during school breaks as our captains are not on campus during this time.
What are your semester dues?
The Equestrian Team strives to remain as low-cost as possible. Bowdoin’s Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC) covers the cost of fall lessons and some shows. Students must provide their own helmets, boots, schooling, and show apparel. Students who are interested in riding during the spring semester must pay for those lessons/shows/clinics out of pocket and provide their own transportation to the barn. We currently have several students who choose to ride in the spring, so we can usually arrange carpooling if you do not have a vehicle on campus.
Do I need to own my own horse?
Nope! We compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), which provides all competitors with a horse and tack. Our lessons are on horses provided by our instructor and also have their own custom-fitted tack.
I own a horse, can I bring it to school?
Absolutely! Please contact Renae directly to discuss boarding options. Stalls do not open up frequently, so please reach out as soon as possible to get your name on a list.
Do I need to have horse experience to join the team?
While the team is tailored toward individuals with prior riding experience, we welcome anybody who has a love for horses and is committed to learning to ride! In fact, quite a few of our current members came to Bowdoin with little to no riding experience. We have lesson horses for every level of rider, and our show association offers classes for everybody, from absolute beginners to seasoned competitors.
Do I need to participate in shows, or can I just take lessons?
Bowdoin’s Office of Student Activities asks that any student who receives SAFC funding also compete at some point during their time at Bowdoin. You are still more than welcome to ride at our facility if you do not want to show, but you must cover the cost of your own lessons.