The official e-newsletter of The Equestrian College Advisor.

From the blog:

There are some conversations circling the world of intercollegiate and interscholastic riding right now having to do with safety and the way students move through the levels as they compete. Namely, there’s growing concern that students (both at the college level and those competing while still in middle and high school) are progressing too quickly through the levels of competition without necessarily having mastered the skills necessary to be safely successful once they’ve ascended. It’s not necessarily the fault of any one person or part of the organizations, but rather a result of the growth of the sport at all levels and the drive to win that powers many of the teams and coaches and a growing number of shows added to the calendars each year. As such, the system currently in place is no longer able to stay ahead of the needs of the organization and its student participants and requires examination.

But here’s where I want to throw my two cents in, readers. It pertains to the culture that we (the adults involved in this side of the sport) have created around the students participating in Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions – and the culture we’ve created around the college search process as well, as the two seem related. Read More

The four-letter word that worries parents the most about college is...

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Very cool new equine research out of Colorado State University on equine posture and stability!

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Distant Colleges – Are They for You?The idea of going away to college (we’re talking away, away, here folks - as in a different time zone away) is often very enticing to high school students. It presents the opportunity to live in a different region, meet different types of people, and step far outside one’s comfort zone as part of the educational experience. But is it right for you?There are several considerations you must take into account if you plan to look at schools outside your home region (or even your home country), including:

• Costs. Tuition costs vary widely between a public institution in your home state and one in another state (unless it has reciprocity with yours), but with private colleges, you may find that your financial aid awards are similar across the board. The main difference will be the increased cost of getting you to and from your chosen campus several times per year. Plane tickets are pricey; driving comes with increased costs for fuel, oil changes, and additional automotive repairs. Plan accordingly for these differences when you compare school costs.

• Schedules. Though the academic calendar for most U.S. colleges and universities is similar in all parts of the country, some calendar items could have a big influence on your life as a student; for example, many smaller, private colleges hold orientation sessions for freshman in May or June, which necessitates an additional cross-country trip. In addition, some schools have an extended Thanksgiving break, come back for a week of exams, then break up for the semester – which could cause additional travel headaches for your family.

• Cultures. Culture is a handy word that describes different elements of the college matchmaking process, but it’s important – especially if you’re thinking of leaving your home region. If you’re a small town student, will you thrive in an urban environment that requires you to navigate mass transit daily or will it overwhelm you? Will your religious or political beliefs be challenged if you attend college in a place where ideals differ – and if so, will you welcome the challenge or shy from it? These considerations and others must be taken into account.

• Family support. Right now, support from your parents, siblings, and possibly even grandparents, aunts, and uncles is within your immediate reach; if you’re hundreds (or thousands) of miles away, how resourceful will you be when you need assistance? Can you care for yourself if you’re sick with the flu? Can you handle your own bank accounts, vehicle maintenance, laundry, and grocery shopping needs? (More importantly – do you know the Netflix password?!)

Traveling far from home to attend college can be the perfect choice for your higher educational experience – but only if you plan for all pitfalls before you enroll.

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