Registration for the University of Connecticut Department of Animal Sciences Equestrian Program for the fall semester is open.
The non-credit equine internship is an extracurricular activity open to all students, faculty, staff and the public enrolled at UConn. Although priority is given to animal science majors, all participants are welcome, space available, according to an Aug. 14 press release from UConn’s Department of Animal Science.
18 lessons are offered in five riding disciplines, including hunt seat, dressage, trail, polo and western at various levels, from beginner to advanced.
There are still spots available for the second semester of the internship, a 12-week program from September 9 to December 6. The total cost is $660., according to the website of the Department of Animal Sciences. The first internship semester has already started and the places are full.
For those interested who cannot register due to scheduling or availability, one-on-one lessons, lesson packages, private lessons and semi-private lessons are available, said Jaran Smith, educational program assistant for the Department of Animal Sciences. Prices for one-on-one lessons vary and can be found on the department’s website.
Equestrian teams are open only to UConn students, Smith said. The riding teams offered are dressage, equitation, varsity polo and western. The fee for team tryouts in fall 2024 is $55.
Alexa Norquist, a senior studying chemical engineering, began taking polo lessons two years ago as part of the classroom program and joined the polo team last year.
“I was able to discover a new sport that I love,” said Norquist. “I highly recommend trying something new with the instructional program because the coaches and instructors are wonderful and I’ve been able to meet a lot of new friends through the program.”
For those interested, there will be a mandatory fall internship meeting on September 5th at 7 p.m. in the WB Young Building in Room 100.
All students are required to bring a properly fitting, approved riding helmet that is no more than five years old, as well as two boots with heels and rubber soles, the website says.
No catch-up lessons are offered and refunds will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Questions about the program can be directed to Alena Meacham at [email protected].
