About Us
The Dressage Team at UC Davis is a completely student-run equestrian organization and an active member of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA). We are recognized as a Sports Club Team through the University of California Davis and are based at the UC Davis Equestrian Center. Our team members have consistently qualified to compete at the IDA National Championships since the founding of our team. Our achievements include 2019 IDA Region U Reserve Champions, 2017 IDA Region U Reserve Champions, 2017 National Qualifying First Level rider, 2017 Coach of the Year, 2011 National Qualifying Team, and Individual National Qualifiers in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Read more about the team's achievements in The California Aggie and our feature in Chronicle of the Horse about our successful 2018-2019 IDA Season.
Riders of all backgrounds and experience levels are accepted on our general team. We currently have riders training and competing at Introductory, Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth, and FEI levels. Some of our riders use privately owned or leased horses, but team members are also able to use UC Davis-owned school horses at the UC Davis Equestrian Center. We offer a lesson program with our wonderful Coach, Natalya Slipchenko, as well as clinics, schooling shows, and leadership opportunities.
Read more about the team's achievements in The California Aggie and our feature in Chronicle of the Horse about our successful 2018-2019 IDA Season.
Riders of all backgrounds and experience levels are accepted on our general team. We currently have riders training and competing at Introductory, Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth, and FEI levels. Some of our riders use privately owned or leased horses, but team members are also able to use UC Davis-owned school horses at the UC Davis Equestrian Center. We offer a lesson program with our wonderful Coach, Natalya Slipchenko, as well as clinics, schooling shows, and leadership opportunities.
While we enjoy working hard and competing, the team has a very supportive and relaxed culture. We are focused on understanding and developing our riding skills and horsemanship while having a fun time. In addition to weekly lessons, we host theory and learning sessions, movie and pizza nights, and an end of the year Awards Banquet!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I join the Dressage Team at UC Davis?
- The team hosts a meeting during the first week of each quarter for new members to join the team, meet our coach, and learn more about the team. These meetings are announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are interested in the team follow us and you will receive updates about the team meetings. As always, feel free to contact the team at davisdressageteam@gmail.com !
- How do I get on Show Team and are there tryouts?
- There are no tryouts for our general team, but show team members are evaluated by our coach for their riding skills. We require that show team members be on the general team for a minimum of two quarters before competing, as well as show commitment to the sport of Dressage and the Team.
- Do I need my own horse?
- No! We are lucky to have donated horses to use in lessons for members that do not own horses. Our coach also can match riders to horses that are available to lease. School horses leases are $200.00 for one quarter or $25 per ride. Private leases will vary in cost depending on the horse.
- If I have my own horse and want to bring it to UC Davis, what are my options?
- There are multiple boarding options within the Davis area, including the UC Davis Equestrian Center on campus. If you are interested in the on campus EQC, find out more at: UC Davis EQC . Some local boarding options within 15 minutes of the university include: Pine Trails Ranch, Trinity Acres, McMullen Ranch, and Willow Creek.
- How expensive is the team?
- Team dues are $75.00 per quarter for members.
- How expensive are lessons?
- Our coach's lessons cost $50 each as of 2022.
- Do any team members show outside of IDA?
- Yes! Many of our team members that own or lease private horses go to rated shows. The local show facilities are: Starr Vaughn, Murieta Equestrian Center, and the Woodland Stallion Station.