Welcome!

The Bates Equestrian Team is a club sport open to anyone who is interested in riding or in learning to ride. There is no experience necessary and we encourage anyone who thinks they might enjoy being a part of the team to come and give it a try. Student founded in 1995, the Bates Equestrian Team competes in traditional huntseat with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in Zone 1 Region 2. We compete against other schools such as UVM, Middlebury, Dartmouth , Colby-Sawyer College , Bowdoin and Mt. Ida College to name a few.

The team practices year round and competes seasonaly in intercollegiate horseshows in the fall and spring. In accordance with the IHSA mission, the intercollegiate program attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allow more students to compete. Students ride horses that are provided by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants. There are classes available for all abilities ranging from walk/trot classes to Open Division for more experienced riders, so all members are encouraged to show with the team.

The team practices at Chez Chevaux Equestrian Center in Durham, Maine , which is about a 25 minute drive from the Bates campus. Horses and tack are provided and the center's facilities include both outdoor and heated indoor training grounds. Team members generally have two lessons a week under the guidance of our coach, Karen Lappas.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the team or would like information on the Bates College Equestrian Team, please e-mail Susannah Stone at sstone2@bates.edu, Emily Grant at egrant@bates.edu or Lacey Ogden at eogden2@bates.edu.