Moore County Scholastic Equestrian Team
at Glenbaer Farm, LLC
1240 Old River Road | Carthage, NC 28327 | (910) 947-2357
Team Coach & Farm: Mrs. Andrea Glenn, Glenbaer Farm
Advisor: Ms. Mary Harcourt, Moore County Schools
Now available: MCSET Application
What is an interscholastic equestrian team?
An “interscholastic equestrian team” is a competitive riding group comprised of middle-school and high-school students. The team travels to host facilities throughout the region in order to compete against students of similar grade level and equestrian experience. At these competitions, team members are required to ride the host facility’s horses, presenting the intrinsic challenge of understanding and performing with an unknown horse.
What are the benefits to participating on the Moore County Scholastic Equestrian Team?
Team members are given the opportunity to gain valuable experience riding a variety of horses during practices and competitions, become familiarized with the intercollegiate format for equestrian events, and garner important athletic and social skills in a friendly, low-pressure team environment. Along with having a great time riding and competing, team members are able to compete for scholarship opportunities for college. Recruitment possibilities may also be available with colleges involved in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association/Intercollegiate Dressage Association.
How do I become eligible to participate on the team?
Any Moore County student in grades 6-12, whether enrolled in a public, private, or home-school arrangement is welcome to join MCSET. Riders of all levels are encouraged to join, from individuals just starting with horses to experienced riders at the upper levels of competition. Because this is a team environment, each member is expected to commit to being actively involved with the team and other members. Beneficial teamwork and horsemanship skills will be emphasized at all times.
What is the format of the MCSET?
Riders are welcome to join MCSET for the riding and training experience. It is free to join the team, and each team practice is at a “team rate” of $35/session. Once on the team, members are given the opportunity to compete in shows on different circuits.
MCSET will be participating in the Riders Interscholastic Federation of North America (RIFNA) and Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), as well as local area shows for practice. As competition calendars are determined for the upcoming year, riders interested in competing on circuits will also need to join the respective associations. Options and planning will be discussed and reviewed with the team members.
How do students join the team?
Andrea Glenn at Glenbaer Farm may be contacted for an application. Upon receipt of each completed application, Andrea will contact the rider’s parents to schedule an evaluation ride, as well as to provide the MCSET Riding Release and Medical Information Sheet that must be completed prior to the evaluation ride.
What type of riding disciplines are offered? Is competition required?
MCSET at Glenbaer Farm will be offering a huntseat section and a dressage section. Depending on team membership enrollment, MCSET riders may be permitted to practice and compete for one or both sections. Competition levels start with walk/trot divisions for both disciplines, culminating in First Level for the dressage team and 3’ equitation classes for the huntseat team. While these levels may not seem very demanding, the intrinsic challenge is being able to figure out and bring out the best that each new horse has to offer with only a brief, limited warm-up session prior to entering the classes.
While strongly encouraged to compete, MCSET members are not required to enter any shows. However, because this is a friendly and competitive team, members are actively supported to ride, train, and compete together. Riders will be given the opportunity to compete at the associations’ competitions, as well as local shows throughout the region.
How often will students get to ride?
Members of MCSET are expected to participate in one team practice each week ($35/rider) on Glenbaer school horses. Prior to participating in any competition, each team member is required to ride in three team practices within the preceding 30-day period.
An “optional ride” may be available to team members also at the team rate ($35/rider). This will be available on a limited basis, depending on schedule and time restraints. This second session may be on a Glenbaer horse (as available), or on the rider’s own horse that is trailered to the farm.
All team members are actively encouraged to continue riding with their regular instructor/trainer. The MCSET is designed to supplement any existing involvement with horses.
Must a team members own her own horse?
No. Interscholastic competitions utilize the format of the intercollegiate associations (IHSA & IDA). Riders compete by using the host facility’s horses. At each competition, the coach participates in a random draw to select a group of horses for the day’s competition. The coach then assigns each team member to one of the group’s horses for the duration of rider’s classes.
In order to prepare for this competition format, team members will use Glenbaer Farm’s school horses for team practices. Andrea will assign different horses for team practice each week in order to allow a wide variety of riding experience. By becoming acclimated to riding an assortment of horses, each team member will be much more prepared for this system of competition.
How much will it cost to join? What other costs might be incurred?
Fees
Joining MCSET is free. Each team practice (one per week) is $35/rider. Associated fees for joining and competing in RIFNA and/or IEA will later be discussed, but it is NOT required for MCSET team members to join either association if they do not plan to compete.
Equipment Expenses
MCSET team members are required to have a properly-fitting ASTM/SEI helmet. Proper footwear is required at all times in the barn and while mounted. Tall boots and breeches, jodhpur boots/“riding sneakers” and chaps/half-chaps are all suitable options for the team practice.
For competition, students will also need breeches/boots, a black belt, black gloves, and a hairnet. Depending on each association’s requirements, the school polo shirt and/or show coats with blouses may be needed.
When feasible and safe, team members are encouraged to share and borrow equipment from other team members and individuals within the local equestrian community. Consignment tack shops throughout the area are also a money-saving option.
Going Forward
Andrea is currently in discussions with several companies and individuals regarding sponsorships, grants, and scholarships. It is projected that the MCSET team members will eventually incur no out-of-pocket expenses.
Is there a work-study option?
Work-study opportunities may be available on a limited basis for team members. Members who are interested in assisting with team activities (including jump crew/course setup, care of team horses and equipment, and help with organizing) may be permitted to work off the cost of team practices. Team members will also be given priority in “working student” positions at Glenbaer Farm, where riders may assist with daily training activities and facility/stable care in exchange for regular lessons. Interested team members may discuss this possibility with Andrea.
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