Lessons for all abilities
Whether you have only been on a horse once or have ridden all your life, Solent Equestrian has something to offer you. When you sign up you will be invited to come to a taster session; after this you will be placed into a group with others of a similar ability to yourself and will head off to one of our local riding schools - Quob/Gleneagles - for lessons.
Lessons cost between £17.50 and £25, depending on which group you ride in and how frequently, eg, once a week or every other week. All lessons are an hour long, riding between four to six riders
Lessons through the team are given a significant discount off their normal price - between 30% and 40%
There will also be opportunities for trips, such as beach rides and hacks, as well as our annual trip throughout the academic year.
Download the new members welcome pack
BUCS
We have two BUCS teams, the first team, which consists of four riders that compete for the University, and a reserve/development group that comprises of four to six riders.
BUCS teams train once a week throughout the year with the opportunity to compete in four BUCS competitions, held on Wednesdays.
BUCS competitions consist of three rounds: four mini-leagues over the winter term, regionals in spring term for the winner and then nationals for the regional champions. Each event consists of a dressage test followed by a jumping round on a horse that the competitor has not ridden before. Before each section, you are given time to work-in - seven minutes before dressage and five minutes before jumping. Each round is based on the skill of the rider rather than the ability of the horse. The competitions are run at riding schools, so there is no need to have your own horse!
Find out more about British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)
Team trials will be held in the last week of October/November 2020 (date tbc, Covid pending) and sign up sheets will be available during welcome sign up days or through the team's email (see bottom of page).
Price last year for BUCS: £350 for entire academic year split into two payments. ** 2019/20 prices
Non-BUCS
Lessons
This year we are looking to have between two and four non-BUCS groups, consisting of four to six riders in each. Riders will be placed in similar ability groups in slots that fit around time tables.
Non-BUCS riders have the option to ride every week or every other week, depending on the riders' preferences and numbers.
These lessons are predominately flatwork and field sessions, however, if appropriate, jumping is included.
Team tasters will be held in the last week of September 2020 (date tbc) and sign up sheets will be available during welcome sign up days or through the team's email.
Price last year for non-BUCS: £200 year split into two payments. **2019/20 prices riding every other week
Hacking
This year we are looking to add to our range of activities by having a ‘happy hackers group’ - a less formal group who want to ride out of a school. This group will ride several times a term with a much more fluid and relaxed approach, whether you wish to go once or do them all. Please note, your riding ability will need to be assessed before joining this group for safety reasons. Must be confident in trot and canter.
Varsity and other events
There are also opportunities for non-BUCS members to compete at Varsity, our inter-competition/gymkana (interest of members dependent).
Varsity is held in May and is a 'friendly' competition against Bournemouth University, in which many of Solent's sports teams compete. It is similar to a BUCS competition, though only with a jumping element, but both BUCS and non-BUCS teams can be entered. There are eight riders for Varsity.
Various events are run throughout the year and are a great place to meet like-minded people or, if you are new to riding, to come and ask questions and get to know everyone.
Events can be anything from BBQs in the park, to film nights, to fun evenings with our teams. We try to involve everyone as much as possible so if you have any ideas just let our social sec know! We offer various events throughout the year! There is also a Christmas meal at the end of first term and the big sports awards event at the end of the academic year which all sports teams attend.
Events and trips
As a team we like to go on horsey adventures. We also offer hacks in the New Forest and beach rides. We hold an annual trip of three to four days' riding each year, either in the UK or abroad depending on what the teams' preferences are.
**All dates and prices will be confirmed in September for lessons and trips.
Joining information
Club
Email: teamsolentequestrian@gmail.com
Facebook: Solent Sport Equestrian
Instagram: @sportsolentequestrian
Membership costs
- Cost varies for all members.
Download the Solent Sport initiations policy
Training times
Training times vary but are held at Quob Stables
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