If you’re considering continuing your riding career after high school, it’s essential to start looking at collegiate programs. Teams from the National Collegiate Equestrian Association and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association recruit throughout the year, so it’s important to get noticed early on. Here’s what you need to do to get on a coach’s radar, understand the application timeline, and find programs that suit you.
How to Improve Your Odds of Getting Recruited
What riding level do you need?
NCEA coaches typically recruit riders who are already competing at a high level. For western riders, this means participating in regular AQHA- or NRHA-sanctioned shows in horsemanship and reining, rather than just local schooling shows.
The #1 trait coaches look for: adaptability
Coaches value adaptability, as NCEA riders are often required to compete on unfamiliar horses with minimal warm-up time. Demonstrating experience with a variety of horses and maintaining composure under pressure are important qualities.
Grades matter more than you’d think
Completing NCAA-approved core courses and registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center by sophomore year is crucial. Coaches also take note of extracurricular activities, as they demonstrate your ability to balance academics with riding commitments.
4 ways to stand out
- Attend a prospect camp
- Create a comprehensive recruiting video
- Maintain a record of your show performances and prize money
- Initiate contact with coaches early on and provide regular updates
How to Apply
Every NCEA school follows the same NCAA calendar, with specific milestones and deadlines along the way.
The timeline
- Freshman/sophomore year: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, research schools, attend college meets, and start documenting your riding achievements.
- June 15 after sophomore year: Coaches can begin actively recruiting you.
- Junior year: Unofficial and official visits to schools become available.
- Senior year: Complete core courses and testing, and sign a National Letter of Intent if offered.
What to send
Submit a riding video, a riding resume, and a brief introductory email labeled with your name and graduation year. Don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t receive a response within two weeks.
Find My School
Explore the Program Match tool to discover colleges and universities that offer equestrian programs tailored to your preferences. following sentence:
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