Components of MUET:
MUET is made up of three sub-teams. There is a Hunt Seat team, a Jumping Team, and a Western team. All teams hold try-outs in the beginning of each semester and some riders compete on two teams! MUET is very lucky to have a knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff! There are multiple coaches for the teams.

Additional opportunities may be offered for Interscholastic Dressage, and Judging team.

Expectations and Commitments of an MUET Member:
As a member of MUET, you will be part of an energetic and dedicated group of horse-loving students. Each practice is one hour long and includes six team members. If a rider participates on more than one team, they will divide their practice times. Practices are mandatory and absences must be excused. Each member should be prepared to arrive early for their practice hour and stay late in order to make sure their horse is properly groomed and cooled down.

In addition to practices, all team members are required to attend a monthly meeting held on campus. All divisions of the team meet together in order to discuss team business.

As the team's schedule permits, outside practices and activities are often added for the benefit of all members. Unmounted practices such as ballroom dancing and other work-outs are mandatory. The team also holds various social activities throughout the year, which are optional but encouraged!

Expectations:
When it all comes down to it, MUET is a TEAM and it brings the individually competitive sport of horseback riding into a team-like competition. All members are expected to compete and practice good sportsmanship year round. This includes treating the other members of the team including riders, coaches, and horses with respect. A team member should be encouraging and supportive to all members.

What you will need to participate in riding?
Horse equipment is provided to include grooming supplies, bathing supplies, bridle, saddle, girth, boots, and saddle pads. You will need to utilize our bridles, girths, pads, boots and grooming supplies, we have limited space for saddles, but if you choose to use your own keep in mind we switch horses during the lessons sometimes and others may need to utilize your saddle.

Weekly lesson attire: The attire listed below is for your safety.

ASTM approved helmet that fits securely with your hair secured in hairnets up under the helmet or in the case of short hair is pulled back.

A shirt that meets your shoulder and is tucked into your pants.

Jeans and half chaps or full chaps with paddock boots , or breeches and boots.

Western may where jeans and a western boot.

Boots must be worn at all times when working around the horses.

Horse show attire Hunt Seat:

ASTM approved helmet, the look you are going for is the GPA or Charles Owens, hair secured in hairnets up under the helmet or in the case of short hair is pulled back.

A long sleeved hunt shirt in a conservative color and or pattern with choker, a monogram is nice but not a show pin. Ties for men, to compliment shirt. Shirt color and pattern should compliment hunt coat.

A hunt coat of quality fabric in a conservative color, navy for finals, coat must be tailored to fit you.

Tailored sportsman breeches or of similar fabric, fit and color. Very few others compare please check before investing. The tailored sportsman are the better investment because they last.

A belt with shirt tucked in.

Field boots are preferable in some cases dress boots will work, they must be snug fitting and tall enough.

Black gloves.

A crop if needed.

Conservative jewelry if any and same with make-up.

Western Attire:

Felt hat of 5X or higher quality in black, silver or tan. Hat should be shaped to you and kept in a hat container. Preferably quarter horse crease.

Women should wear a fitted, long sleeve horsemanship shirt or jacket to compliment chaps and hat.

Men need to wear a nice higher end western shirt and scarf tie that compliments chaps and hat.

Chaps need to be black or tan made of leather (rough out/smooth) or ultra suede. They need to be tailored to you.

Pants under chaps should match chaps and also be fitted.

Must have belt with appropriate buckle.

Western boots that match outfit, preferably not lacers.

Make-up and Jewelry to compliment attire.

Hair should be in bun or styled appropriately.

Gloves that match shirt.

If you are uncertain about your clothing or are going to purchase new or have existing items tailored, please ask the coaching staff for assistance and a shopping trip can be arranged.

When is the first meeting to discuss try-outs?
The first meeting will be held on the evening of Monday August 28, time and place to be announced. This meeting is for new and returning members of both western and hunt seat, and will give you the opportunity to meet the coaching staff as well as the team officers. Placement forms for new students wishing to try out will be completed at this time.

When are try-outs and how do they work?

Returning members will try-out the evening of Tuesday August 29, 2006

New members will try-out the evening of Wednesday August 30, 2006

Rain date August 31, 2006

The team roster will be posted on Friday September 1 and lesson sign up will begin

Please come to tryouts in horse show attire you own at this time, if you are missing items you can inform the coaching staff at your tryout and we can discuss your intentions of acquiring these items. Horse equipment will be provided. If you have concerns regarding your attire please feel free to contact the coaching staff. Times will be posted in advance, if you can not make your scheduled try-out because of class conflict please advise the coaching staff. These try-outs are for both western and hunt seat, if you are interested in both you must try-out for each discipline and this can be done on the same evening.

Who decides what division I am in for the IHSA?
Returning members will try-out for the division in which they competed in, or were originally placed if they have not yet competed. If you are unsure of the division please let us know. New members will fill out a placement form at the first meeting, based on previous riding and showing experience which you will fill out on this form, we will determine your placement. For more information on the IHSA and its divisions please visit www.ihsainc.com but please do not join as a member yet. We will help you in the weeks to come with this.

Can I try-out for the jumping team?
There are limited spots available on the jumping team as most horse shows limit the jumping entries to 6-8 riders. If your placement form places you in novice fences or above and you have at least 6 months continuous jumping instruction you may try-out.

How many people are on the team?
In the past approximately 80 members practiced with the team. The western team had about 20-25 members. We would like to keep these numbers in mind as we put together this year's team.

How many times a week does the team ride and how do I sign up for lesson times?
We are planning on having the team ride in two lessons per week, weather permitting. A third opportunity will be offered: to either exercise a horse, practice techniques worked on during lesson time, watch instructional videos and or strength training. Jumping and Reining team members will have one of their two lessons dedicated to this. A team member who rides both disciplines will have a total of two lessons, one in each discipline. Sign ups for lessons will occur after the team is posted on Friday September 1, 2006, more information to follow.

What other opportunities are there if I do not make the team?
We are currently researching additional opportunities for riders not selected for the team, however this will be based on horse availability and we will keep you updated on the progress of this, as it is not available at this time. We encourage riders to research the physical education riding program as an additional avenue for their riding.

Can I bring my horse to school?
Currently we do not have the facility capacity to house personally owned horses. If you visit windandwithers.com there is a list of facilities and their contact information in our area.

Each team competes several times per year. Each team usually competes at least twice a semester. Due to limited entries and the large size of our team, not all members will be eligible to compete at each show. The coaches will decide which members are eligible and will announce their decisions at least a week prior to the show.

Miami hosts a horse show at least once a semester. These horse shows are mandatory events for all members of each team division. In order for these shows to be successful each team member must pitch in to help the show run successfully.

Additionally, we travel to different areas and states for horse shows. All members are encouraged to travel to away shows, even if they will not be competing.

Each year, qualifying riders will compete at Regionals, Zones, and Nationals. These shows are based on a rider's point earnings and these entries will be announced throughout the year.