Team Members Perceptions of Benefits of Participation on a University Equestrian Team

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions were designed for undergraduate college students with various levels of horsemanship skills to compete as both individuals and as teams. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Equestrian team (UNL-ET) was a student organization and functioned as a club sport. In the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic year, 142 individuals (74 and 68, respectively) tried out for the 38 to 45 member team which was split into both western and hunt divisions. The UNL-ET conducted weekly riding practices and monthly meetings, participated in barn chores, conducted fund-raising activities, and hosted IHSA competitions each semester. At the end of the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 regional competition, UNL-ET members were asked to complete a survey. Nearly 80% of UNL-ET members indicated participation on the team had a positive influence on their life skill development. Furthermore, 78% of team members indicated that they learned to “be more adaptable to new situations” and “adjust to new situations quicker” after the UNL-ET experience. Participation on the team required a significant commitment; however, members indicated it was easy to devote time to team requirements. A very positive influence on student's overall undergraduate experience was indicated by 62% ofUNL-ETmembers.