There is no distinction by size of the institution. Berry College competes in a region that includes Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. The division or level in which a rider competes is based on previous experience. Each year 10 competitions are held for both hunt seat and stock seat throughout the region. The host institution provides all horses.
Riders compete by draw within their level of expertise.
Once the rider is mounted, he or she is in the arena being judged. There is no time allowed for schooling. This approach requires significant horsemanship skills for successful riding. Teams and individual riders can qualify for the national championships through a point system at regional competitions. Regional champions continue to compete against other regional champions in an elimination tournament to earn a berth at the national championships.