How to Prepare a Tryout Video for a Collegiate Equestrian Team

Many equestrian teams are now asking for videotapes of potential riders to evaluate their riding rather than waste money and a trip for in-person tryouts. Also with NCAA rules, a NCAA coach cannot evaluate a rider except under certain restrictions. Videotapes give the rider the chance to show off their best attributes on a variety of different horses in just a matter of minutes. This is a great asset for coach, rider and parent.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video camera
• 3 different horses
• Photographer

1. Find 3 horses that are different. Be sure that you are familiar with at least 1 of them so that as a rider you can show off your skills.

2. Start the video by quickly introducing yourself. This should take no more than 15 seconds.

3. Begin the video on the horse that you know best. Show 1 time around trotting, 1 time around cantering and then go right to a course. Use a course that has some challenging maneuvers, such as a roll back turn or a trot fence. Do not edit the tape to take out mistakes. Coaches want to see how you react in certain situations.

4. Figure out which horse out of the random 2 selections you are most comfortable getting on next. Ride this horse around a course. Once again do not edit your course if at all possible.

5. Ride the third horse for the video. This horse should be the horse that you are least familiar with, even better one that you have not ridden at all. Coaches are looking for how well-rounded you are as a rider.

6. Keep the video simple but use it to express yourself as an athlete and an individual.

7. Type up a format of the video and submit it with the video. Summarize each horse and ride on this format.

8. Submit your riding resume along with the video and format.

Resources

• Varsity Equestrian
• IHSA