She said there is an incredible distinction from one horse to the next, comparing them to people's different personalities. The home schools also provide the saddles which, she said, might not fit properly. This definitely makes it more challenging. She said this might have been a factor in the team not making it to the national competition last year. While Vannucci and Carrier-Field have more than 26 years experience between them, many members have little or no experience.
Potential riders try out at a level equivalent to their riding experience.
Divisions accommodate those with no experience to those who have ridden all their lives. Those who make it in the lowest division will spend most of their time getting used to a horse and leaning to walk and trot. Grace said it usually takes a year for new riders to get to show. She said at the collegiate level, it is difficult to find people with less than two years of instruction, which is what the lowest division requires. No matter what the level of experience, there is a place for all levels in the show.