Frequently Asked Questions

1. What disciplines does OCET offer?

OCET offers two different styles of riding: hunt seat equitation and western horsemanship/reining. We take lessons for both of these divisions at Equine Differences. Some of our members have experience in these disciplines, and others have backgrounds in eventing, dressage, saddle-seat, barrel racing, and other disciplines. Some don't have any experience and starting riding in college! Point is, there's a space for everyone :)

2. How do I become a part of OCET?

It's as easy as signing up! We have a general interest meetings at the start of every year (soon after the Club Fair) where all of our members sign up. You must attend this meeting or contact a team officer if you cannot attend. While joining the team early in the semester is ideal, you may join at other times. 

The only requirements are:

• Eligibility to participate in club sports (full-time Oberlin student),

• A lesson scheduling/IHSA placement form, due at the beginning of the semester,

• A signed liability release form from EQD.

As a member, you take riding lessons at Equine Differences and come to team bonding events. We also offer the opportunity to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) for riders, levels beginning through advanced!

3. Can I join if I have never ridden before?

Yes! We welcome riders of all experience levels, including complete beginners that have never ridden before, for both lessons AND showing. College is the perfect time to try something new, and we love sharing our passion for horses. Even experienced riders often explore new disciplines, many of our Hunt Seat riders have successfully transitioned to Western and vice versa!

4. How much does it cost to be a part of OCET?

Look at our lesson page for more information! Riding is traditionally a very expensive sport, but OCET works hard to make it as affordable as possible. Lesson rates at EQD are $50 for a one-hour semi-private (2–5 riders) and $65 for a one-hour private. You can take as many or as few lessons as you'd like. However, if you plan to show, you’re required to take at least one lesson per week, along with a $35 team lesson the week before each show. We work closely with the Student Finance Committee (SFC) to increase funding, so lesson costs may be subsidized to a lower cost depending on our budget for the year. OCET also offers limited financial aid so if you need additional support, reach out to our Treasurer to get set up. 

Thanks to generous support from Oberlin’s Club Sports Council, all show entry fees, travel, and hotel costs are fully covered. Riding in college through OCET is often one of the most affordable ways to stay involved in the sport, and we’re committed to keeping it accessible to everyone.

5. Do I need my own equipment?

6. Do I need my own car?

Nope; One of the perks of being on the team is that we guarantee rides to lessons. We use both Oberlin College's Student Rideline service (thank you Campus Safety!) and members with cars. With that said, this takes a lot of coordination, so be respectful be on time and give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel.

We can’t provide rides for personal barn visits outside of lessons, but we’re happy to help you coordinate with others who may be going. If you're bringing your own horse to Oberlin, having a car is a big help—for flexibility, emergencies, and day-to-day care—but most people carpool, horse or not.

7. How much of a time commitment is OCET?

You can be as involved as much or as little as you want! Many members balance OCET with other activities, including varsity sports. Most members take weekly lessons, which is about a 2.5 hours commitment (including riding, horse care, and transportation to and from the barn).

For shows, Hunt-Seat ones are typically a weekend-long and we go to 2-3 per semester, leaving Friday evening or Saturday morning and returning Sunday evening if we are staying the night. Western ones are usually one-day shows and we travel Friday night or Saturday morning (depending on the distance of the show) and returning Saturday evening.

There’s plenty of downtime at shows (and most have Wi-Fi), so you can bring homework. You choose which shows to attend—we’ll ask for your commitment a few weeks in advance, and entry fees are nonrefundable.

8. Can I bring my own horse to Oberlin?

Yes! Equine Differences has stalls for privately owned horses—but reserve early, it's a first-come-first-serve basis. Other local barns may have availability too. While you can bring your own horse to ride, you'll ride EQD school horses in lessons if you plan to show with the team. IHSA emphasizes versatility, so riding different horses is key. Most team members don’t bring their own horses, so it’s definitely not required to be a successful rider!

9. How do competitions work?

Read more information on our showing page! OCET competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), where riders compete on horses provided by the host school. Horses are assigned randomly, and there’s no warm-up—you mount, adjust your stirrups, and go straight into the ring. It’s challenging but fair, since everyone rides unfamiliar horses. Classes range from beginner walk/trot to advanced jumping and reining. You’re placed based on your experience and can move up to higher divisions (or “point up”) over time. Advancement goes from regionals to zones to nationals. We compete both individually and as a team, and OCET consistently ranks high among small liberal arts colleges in our region. Shows are fun, supportive, and a great way to bond with teammates. Even if you're not riding, you're welcome to come cheer us on!