FAQs

Here is a list of the questions (and their answers) most often asked by people interested in MEC. Please feel free to e-mail the Membership Director at membership.mec@gmail.com if you have any other questions.

Who can join MEC?
Membership in MEC is open to all students (undergrad and graduate), faculty, and staff at the University of Maryland, College Park. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any members or offer lessons to anyone who is not in one of the above categories.

What kind of club is MEC?
We are a non-profit horsemanship club at the University of Maryland. We strive to impart horse knowledge (from riding to barn care) to all of our members, regardless of past experience or expertise. MEC thrives on a reciprocal atmosphere of learning of community learning, allowing for mutual growth among our members. All our members are volunteers and we couldn't run without their enthusiasm and support.

When are the meetings?
MEC meets the first Tuesday of each month at 8:00 pm in ANSC 0408. Any change in location will be announced on the listserv. In order to be active in the club, members must attend or be excused from all of the meetings each semester.

Is previous experience necessary?
Nope! MEC offers riding lessons and horse care opportunities for all levels of equestrians!

Will I need to buy equipment/tack?
All of our horses come completely outfitted for you, in their stylish saddles, bridles, and the latest footwear. As for you, we provide helmets and half chaps, but the rest is up to you! When riding, members must wear long pants (not necessarily riding pants, jeans will suffice) and closed-toed shoes with a heel.

How do I sign up for lessons?
Lesson sign-ups will be sent out in a form immediately after the first GBM and the New Member Meeting. Students must provide their schedules to be matched with lessons or chores based on their availability. Lesson spaces are limited, and it's important to attend the first meeting of the semester in order to be ready for sign-ups.

What if I wasn't put on the lesson schedule?
We work very hard to place each interested member in a lesson, but this is not always possible. Each horse has a limited number of rides they can have each week (we don't want to wear out our equine friends), and our instructors have limited availability too. When making the schedule, we take into account each person's availabilities and their priority. Members that have been in the club for a long time, did not get a lesson in the previous semester, or those who have worked multiple chores have a higher priority. If you are not placed in a lesson, you will be placed on a waiting list; if a spot opens up in our schedule that works for you, the Barn Manager will contact you. And don't forget, a new schedule is made up each semester, so don't despair! For more information about lessons, please go to our Programs Page or contact our President at president.mec@gmail.com.

What else can I do besides riding?
MEC is more than just riding! MEC shares responsibility for the care of the horses on the Campus Farm and has great social events! Club members can help around the farm by cleaning and feeding the horses. Chore availabilities are collected at the same time as lesson availabilities shortly after the first meeting of each semester. Additionally, the club offers instructional clinics such as saddle fitting, trips to places such as Medieval Times, and more! For more info on social events please contact our VP of Social Events at vpsocial.mec@gmail.com.

Is MEC a competitive club?
MEC is not a competitive club; our focus is education on proper horse care/skills, barn management, and riding. Our members and our horses do not travel to shows, nor do we host shows for people from other clubs. However, we do hold small schooling shows on the campus farm each semester, and our spring show is an exciting part of Maryland Day. If you are interested in competing please refer to the University's Equestrian Team, which is independent of MEC and is associated with Oatland Stables.

Can I board my horse?
The Campus Farm and MEC do not offer any boarding options; the horses on the farm are owned by the UMCP Animal and Avian Sciences Department and MEC and are primarily teaching animals for UMD students.

Who trains the horses?
Just like our riders, our horses are constantly learning! Before we accept donated horses, we make sure that they have basic ground manners and can safely walk, trot, and canter. However, to keep our horses fit and healthy, our barn manager along with a number of interns work with the horses to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. 

How much does MEC cost?
Base membership in our club is free. To interact with our horses in the club (not including taking lessons), there is a $20 activity fee. All members taking part in a riding lesson must pay an additional fee of $550 per semester. For more details about payment options please contact our Director of Finance at financ.mec@gmail.com or visit our Overview Page!

How do I join the listserv?
Visit our Contact Us page for information on joining the listserv. If you have any difficulties you can email the Executive Director at exec.mec@gmail.com to be manually added. If you aren't receiving any emails, double-check your "Junk Mail" folder.

What are SOPs?
SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedures. These are ground training levels indicating how much you can do involving the horses. SOPs teach knowledge and skills needed for certain activities. SOPs are required before participating in lessons and chores. These are separate requirements that do not build on each other. If you have any questions, please email the President at president.mec@gmail.com.