FAQs for Prospective Students

How many people are involved in the co-operative?
The co-op size varies from year to year but has been continually growing, with a membership of over 40 students in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years!

Can I bring my horse to Earlham?
Yes! You are welcome to bring your horse to Earlham provided that there is space at the barn and that your completed Horse Application is accepted. The Horse Application will be reviewed by Barn Staff and is designed to allow both Barn Staff and the prospective boarder/horse to become better acquainted with one another in order to ensure a good match for the program. For more information on boarding your horse and to fill out a Horse Application, please see the "Facilities and Services" page. To review our Stall Priority Policy, see our Policies page.

I don't have a horse; will I be able to ride at Earlham?
Absolutely. Earlham has about 10 school horses each year available to be ridden by co-op members in exchange for their work in the program.

What does it cost to be involved in Co-op?
There is a cost of $75/semester for just the first two semesters of being in co-op, which covers the Assistants Course element of a first year's involvement (see the "Cooperative" page). In all future semesters being in co-op is absolutely free!

What does it cost to be on team?
The cost of being on Team is approximately $75/semester. Occasionally there are additional hotel/food costs when attending shows, but most competitions are close to Earlham so we avoid many extra charges.

What are the prerequisites/requirements for being in co-op? What about for the Equestrian team?
There are no prerequisites for being in co-op, and individuals with any level of experience may join. We welcome anyone with a positive attitude who is willing to fulfil time commitments and adhere to barn policies. To be on Team the only requirement is membership in the co-op.

What is the time commitment for being involved in the co-operative?
Being involved in co-op does take a lot of time; the first year involves a 7 hour/week commitment, and following years require 5 hours/week. It's important to keep in mind that in the first year this includes a 2 hour riding lesson for half the year, but in following years riding is not explicitly included. However, co-op members are welcome to ride the horses at their pleasure.

What does being in co-op entail in terms of routine work around the barn?
Being a student-run barn, we as students carry out the daily responsibilities around the facility. This includes daily morning and afternoon shifts, during which students feed and water the horses, turn them in and out, clean their stalls, blanket them when appropriate, and care for the general upkeep of the barn.

I am interested in being involved with horses without putting in as much time as the co-op requires; what are my options?
Anyone is welcome to take lessons in our lesson program with Earlham student instructors, which meet once a week for 8 weeks each semester. For more information on lessons, please see the "Lessons" page.

What kind of "gear" do I need to be involved in the program?
You are not required to own any specific gear to be involved in the program. It is required that anyone at the barn wear appropriate footwear and all riders wear a helmet when mounted, but both boots and helmets are available to borrow from the school. We do recommend that members own a pair of boots, but this is not required.

The Equestrian Team does require appropriate show gear (jacket, shirt, breeches, boots), but team members are generally happy to share items others do not own.

Can I get credit for being involved in the program?
Yes! Students get credit for being involved in co-op as well as for taking riding lessons. This credit goes towards fulfilling General Education requirements.

What discipline(s) does the Earlham Equestrian Program focus on?
Earlham students come from a variety of riding backgrounds, primarily made up of English styles (Hunt Seat, Eventing, and Dressage), while also drawing several Saddleseat and Western riders. Our lessons are generally taught in the English, hunt-seat tradition, but vary widely based on the interests and backgrounds of both students and instructors.

Are there any professional trainers associated with the Earlham Barn/available to Earlham students?
Outside of the EC Stables lesson program, individual students are welcome to take lessons with any outside trainers, who, after being approved by co-op, may give lessons at the EC Stables facility. Additionally, the Equestrian Team is coached by a local professional who instructs team practice each week, and may also be available for private lessons.

Can I visit/tour the barn when I visit Earlham?
Absolutely! Barn tours and talking to students associated with the barn are great ways to get a feel for how things work in the program. To set up a barn tour please contact the Admissions office. For more information contact the Barn Correspondent.

Where is the barn located?
Earlham's Suzanne Hoerner Jackson Equestrian Center is located on Earlham's back-campus, just a 10-minute walk from central campus! We are lucky and grateful to have our barn conveniently located.

If you have more questions please visit the "Contact" page and contact the appropriate barn staff member. With any additional questions or suggestions of what to add to this page, please e-mail the barn staff.