Williams Equestrian Team members can decide at the beginning of each semester whether they want to be competing members or social members. Competing members must attend weekly mounted practices with our coach, Linda Orton, and are urged to ride as much as possible both during and out of season. Social members can ride as much or as little as they like, either with the team coach or at other nearby stables. All riders are required to own an ASTM/SEI certified helmet, and competing members are responsible for having clothing and being prepared for shows (though the team has a collection of show clothes for students to borrow if necessary). All team members help with fundraising and attend non-mounted team events.

In addition to mounted practice, the team holds occasional ground practices and team snacks the night before each horse show for those riding the next day (others are encouraged to attend). In the past the Williams team has hosted an intercollegiate horse show in October; many of the ground team practices and some extra work days are devoted to preparations for this event.

The Equestrian Team is a club sport at Williams College, so the team receives funding from College Council and not the athletics department. The team supplements its College Council budget by fundraising. Money from the team’s budget pays registration and entry fees for the team and individual riders for all intercollegiate shows and helps to subsidize the cost of mounted team practice. In addition, the team’s budget pays for coaching at shows and many of the expenses associated with our home show.