September is Here

September has arrived, bringing (a few) cooler mornings, fuller calendars, and the annual realization that this school year will not, in fact, organize itself.

For every student, the first priority remains gloriously unexciting: Get good grades.

A demanding course schedule only helps when the transcript shows that a student can manage it. Start assignments early, ask teachers for help before challenges arise, and resist the temptation to treat the first marking period as a practice round.

And juniors? Create your testing plan now. Decide whether to take the SAT or ACT, choose initial test dates, and leave enough time for preparation and a possible retake. Don't drift into spring hoping that standardized testing will sort itself out through optimism and good intentions.

For seniors, September marks the shift from “thinking about applications” to actually applying. Confirm your application plans and deadlines, request recommendations, and finish those essays. Check your email regularly too - colleges, counselors, testing agencies, and coaches all use email to communicate important information and deadlines.

Recruiting hopefuls should update videos, résumés, competition results, and academic information. Communicate consistently with coaches, students, and respond promptly when they reach out or reply. Those attending fall camps or clinics should research each program beforehand and arrive prepared to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and make a professional impression.

Parents also have a September assignment: review the financial aid process. This month’s newsletter includes an article about FAFSA updates. Is it thrilling reading? No.

Is it considerably more thrilling than discovering too late that you misunderstood a financial aid requirement? Absolutely.

Below, you’ll also find the usual list of upcoming equestrian camps and clinics, along with an internship opportunity for students interested in gaining real-world experience in the horse industry.

September doesn't require students to have everything finished but it does require knowing what comes next - and to begin heading that direction.

Interested in interning with The Plaid Horse?

Join The Plaid Horse as an intern. The Plaid Horse interns must be between the ages of 14-25 with the ability to work a minimum of 10 hours per week. Dates are flexible. Interns must be self-motivated and detail-oriented with extensive knowledge of the equestrian industry. Interns will learn the ins and outs of magazine publishing as well as online content creation.

All internships are remote and unpaid, but can be completed for academic credit. Students are expected to obtain and complete any forms necessary to receive credit for the internship experience. Learn More & Apply

Upcoming Camps & Clinics

Boring - but important!

FAFSA Updates Explained: How New Rules Could Affect Your College Aid

Paying for college already feels like aiming at a moving target, and the rules just shifted again. Between a redesigned application and a sweeping new law, the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) looks different from the form your older siblings probably completed. Here’s a plain-English guide to what changed and how it could shape your aid. Read More

For Seniors & Parents

Whose Job Is It?

Seniors should own their application process. That means tracking deadlines, checking email, attending meetings, requesting recommendations, completing applications, and communicating with colleges and coaches.

Parents still play an important role - a supporting one.

Parents can:

• Help maintain a family calendar of deadlines

• Gather financial information

• Discuss affordability before applications go out

• Provide transportation and logistical support

• Ask questions without taking over

• Encourage progress without interfering in it

Parents should not write essays, contact coaches on a student’s behalf, manage the student’s inbox, or become your student’s unpaid application project manager.

The goal is not simply to get your student into college; it’s to help them develop the independence they will need once they arrive there.

For Prospective Recruited Athletes & Parents

Before Recruiting Comes Readiness

If your younger student hopes to pursue a recruiting pathway, it’s easy to focus immediately on teams, coaches, videos, and dream schools. But recruiting begins with a foundation and September offers an excellent time to assess it.

Ask:

• Is my student earning grades that will keep many college options open?

• Is my student building independent communication skills?

• Have we assessed their riding experiences and current level honestly?

• Are we learning about multiple collegiate riding opportunities beyond just one division, format, or a handful of famous programs?

Parents, you can provide resources, ask informed questions, and help students understand the process. Students must learn to introduce themselves, write emails, speak with coaches, and take responsibility for all follow-up.

The strongest recruiting preparation does not begin with a perfectly edited video. It begins with a capable student who can succeed academically, represent themselves professionally, and contribute positively to a college team.

(Interested in talking with former Division I coach Alle Durkin? Learn more here.)