What division a rider starts in may be decided by the coach based on ribbons earned in various associations or if the rider has no show experiance by ability. This varies from person to person - when a rider joins the coach will determine what level they may ride in. Even if a person has never ridden a horse they may join the team. When a rider earns 35 points in their division, they move up to the next and go to regional competition. It takes and average of two years for a rider to get that many points, but many go faster.
Points accumulate and even if a rider leaves school for a semester or longer the points still count.
When a new division is started, the points go back to zero. The only equipment required is show clothing. At shows, no one may ride their own horse, use their own tack. Crops and spurs are only allowed in special circumstances. Traditional Hunter show clothing is the style.