Horse Riding Practicum
UConn's Department of Animal Science offers a self-improvement, non-credit, extracurricular horse-riding program entitled "Horse Practicum." The Practicum is open to all students enrolled at the University as well as faculty, staff and the community. Although priority for riding is given to Animal Science majors, all participants are welcome on a space available basis. Lessons are offered in Hunt Seat, Dressage, Trail, Polo and Western at a variety of levels. The Riding teams are Equestrian, Dressage and Varsity Polo.
Schedule
Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
10:00-11:30AM | Trail | ||||
11:00AM-12:00PM | Intermediate II | ||||
12:00-1:00PM | English Beginner | ||||
1:30-2:30PM | Intermediate I | Dressage UL | |||
2:30-3:30PM | Advanced | Western Beginner | Intermediate Ground Poles | ||
3:30-4:30PM | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate I | Advanced Beginner | Equestrian Team | |
4:30-5:30PM | Equestrian Team | Dressage Team | Advanced Flatwork | Equestrian Team | Equestrian Team |
5:30-6:30PM | Dressage Team | Dressage Team | Western Intermediate | Equestrian Team | Dressage Team |
6:30-7:30PM | Polo Fundamentals II | Varsity Polo | Polo Fundamentals I | Varsity Polo | Advanced Polo |
*If you are interested in a particular lesson, but the scheduled time conflicts with your availability, please contact Alena Meacham, Director of Riding, via email at alena.meacham@uconn.edu to explore potential alternatives.*
Dates and Fees
Session | Dates | Fees |
Practicum | January 22, 2024 - April 26, 2024 (13 Weeks) | $663.00 for 1 Lesson per Week |
Polo Session I* | January 22, 2024 - March 29, 2024 (9 Weeks) | $459.00 for 1 Lesson per Week |
Polo Session II** | April 1, 2024 - April 26, 2024 (4 Weeks) | $204.00 for 1 Lesson per Week |
Trail | April 4, 2024 - April 26, 2024 (4 Weeks) | $204.00 for 1 Lesson per Week |
* Riding Practicum is open to all riders 11 and over (with exception to Polo, which is offered to all riders 13 and over). Dates are subject to change based on University Guidelines. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Lesson spaces are not guaranteed*
**Registration for Polo Session II will open on March 11, 2024**
Registration and Payment Deadlines
Lesson | Deadline |
Team Tryouts | January 18, 2024 at Midnight |
Practicum | January 21, 2024 at Midnight |
Practicum *Session II Polo | March 29, 2024 at Midnight |
Team Lessons | January 22, 2024 at 8:00 AM |
Trail | April 1, 2024 at Midnight |
Intermediate Ground Poles | January 25, 2024 at Midnight |
Registration Instructions
Choose a program to enroll in from the options listed below and carefully follow the corresponding instructions. Please note that the registration procedure varies for each program
Practicum Lesson Registration
Trail Registration
- Email jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu to inquire if there is space available and she will send the password for you to register.
- Complete your payment for the trail session on Marketplace.
- Complete your digital Registration/Acknowledgement and Consent Form.
- Email jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu to schedule a trail test and receive a payment link for the test ($51).
- Complete your digital Registration/Acknowledgement and Consent Form.
- If you pass the trail test, a payment link will be emailed to you to pay for the session. Your registration form will automatically be updated to reflect your registration for the full session.
- If you do not pass the trail test, the rider can elect to enroll in a practicum lesson and follow the instructions above.
Equine Team Tryouts (UConn Students Only)
- Dressage Team: Melissa Tindall - melissa.tindall@uconn.edu
- Equestrian Team: Marilyn Bennett - marilyn.bennett@uconn.edu
- Varsity Polo: Kylie Dalton - kylie.dalton@uconn.edu
Additional Information for all Riders
All students will be required to supply the following equipment: (1) a properly fitting ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet within 5 years of manufacturing date and (2) boots that have a heel with a rubber sole.
- Riders must be paid in full and registration forms completed by the deadlines listed above.
- Makeup lessons will not be offered.
- There are no refunds, however refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for extraordinary circumstances.
- Questions regarding forms, payments or webpage issues please email uconnhorseriding@uconn.edu
- Questions regarding registration please email horsepracticum@uconn.edu
- Alena Meacham - Advanced, Advanced Beginner, Advanced Flatwork, Dressage UL, English Beginner, Intermediate I & II, Western Beginner, Western Intermediate
- Melissa Tindall - Intermediate Ground Poles
- Jennifer Sale - Polo Fundamentals I & II
- Kylie Dalton - Advanced Polo
- Jenifer Nadeau - Trail