Many equestrians begin their training at a very young age. Perhaps more than almost any other sport, equestrian training requires an intense commitment of both time and finances. When equestrian students grow up and go off to college, it can be difficult to find schools that have equestrian teams. Of course, you can always train in private facilities and compete in circuits, but being able to train and compete with your college or university is a great opportunity for campus engagement. Luckily, there are several schools in Southern California with great equestrian teams! If continuing to train and compete is important to you, consider applying to these schools!
California State University, Fullerton
The Equestrian Team at CSUF is a social student organization with the purpose of providing students with the opportunity to partake in equestrian activities and to compete at collegiate competitions. The team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The team competes in zone 8, region 2. The Equestrian Team of CSUF promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, with opportunities for riders in their first years of riding as well as to students with extensive show experience to enjoy collegiate competition throughout their college years.
Since the university is located in Orange County, the equestrian team has access to many equestrian resources and spaces, such as the Orange County Equestrian Center, Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, and Reveal Equestrian here in San Juan Capistrano!
Chapman University
The Chapman Equestrian Club is a small, experienced group of riders who compete regularly through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The team operates as a club sport at Chapman University. Interested students should contact them through the Chapman Athletics web page. Like California State University, Fullerton, this college is located in Orange County and has access to the same community and resources.
University of California, San Diego
The UCSD Equestrian Team is comprised of roughly 25 girls who compete throughout the fall and winter seasons to quality for Regionals, Zones, and ultimately Nationals. They compete in Zone 8 Region II, against schools like USC, UCLA, USD, Pomona College and Cal Poly Pomona, and even participate in some local home shows. The team is divided into English and Western styles. They have sent riders to nationals every year without fail since their inception!
University of Southern California
The Equestrian Team at USC is dedicated to achieving the highest standards in traditional equitation as well as leadership and responsibility. Its mission is to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate in riding competitions and training throughout their college experience. While everyone competes at different levels and brings different kinds of experience to the team, they all share a love of horses, our passion for riding, and our dedication.
Pierce College
In addition to having an equestrian team, Pierce College actually offers an equine academic program! The Pierce Equestrian Center provides equine career training, lifelong learning, recreational opportunities, equine events, and community entertainment. The equine program offers classes in riding and driving in a variety of disciplines, methods of equine care, handling, and training. If you’re looking to make a career out of working with horses, this may be the place for you!
California Polytechnic University Pomona
The California Polytechnic University: Pomona Equestrian Team is devoted to offering students the chance to develop their horsemanship regardless of experience. Riders don’t even have to own their own horses! Team members train on twelve team mounts and are responsible for all aspects of their care. The team trains on campus at Cal Poly’s own W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, where they have access to the support and guidance of its equine professionals and staff.
Claremont Colleges
The Claremont Colleges Equestrian Team allows students enthusiastic about horses and equestrian sport to participate in lessons and compete in Zone 8 Region 2 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The team is comprised of both recreational and competitive riders with a wide array of skill levels. In order to make the team accessible to as many students as possible, the school provides multiple lesson and competition subsidies each semester to interested students.
If you are an equestrian looking to attend college, consider one of these local campuses where you can continue your training and passion! Who knows, this sport may even provide you with scholarship opportunities. If you need a place to practice on the weekends, Reveal Equestrian provides the perfect area for horse riding. Our instructors also provide personalized equestrian training in San Juan Capistrano.
