The University of Tennessee Equestrian Team (UTET) is affiliated with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). We are a member of Zone 5 Region 1, and travel across Tennessee and Kentucky for competitions. Post season competition for the highest placing riders during the regular season include Regionals, Zones (Hunt Seat), Semi-Finals (Western), and Nationals at locations across the country. Hunt Seat riders compete in Equitation on the Flat and Equitation over Fences. Western riders compete in Horsemanship, Ranch Riding, and Reining. Since 1975, the UTET has helped collegiate riders compete without needing to own a horse. All levels of experience are welcome, and riders who have never ridden before are as valuable as those who have competed at the National and World levels.
The team practices at 2 private barns: one in West Knoxville (Hunt Seat) and one in Lenoir City (Western). While we highly encourage our riders to compete with us, showing is optional. Members have the opportunity to ride in weekly lessons based on horse availability, with preference given to competing members. All members will also be members of the Tennessee Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.
Tennessee Collegiate Horsemen’s Association is a group dedicated to providing exposure to the equine industry for any student who is interested in learning more about horses regarding care, health, sport, etc through events, trips, and seminars. Club members also have the opportunity to attend the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association (ACHA) conference each spring.
The Horse Judging Club provides the opportunity for students to travel across the country and participate in nationally recognized collegiate contests. Students participate in practices to learn more about evaluating horses, both for conformation and performance. Students are not required to compete but have the ability to choose to do so. At any horse judging contest, students are expected to successfully evaluate equine conformation, equine performance across a wide range of classes and disciplines, and to give oral reasons. Each section of these contests are incorporated into each practice and team meeting conducted by the horse judging club and their coach. In addition to improving equine evaluation skills, students can expect to improve their skills in public speaking, decision making, and critical thinking. The Horse Judging Team is proud to represent the University of Tennessee and welcomes students from any background, major, and experience level.
The Eventing Club competes under the US Eventing Association Intercollegiate Division. Eventing is a 3-Day equestrian competition consisting of Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping. Members are able to earn points based on their overall placing and division at the completion of a recognized competition. Awards are available at the end of the US Eventing Association season for the top ranked universities.
Members are expected to own/lease their horse and are welcome to train with a trainer of their choice.
The club does not provide horses for lessons or competitions.
The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) is a national organization. IDA offers organized competitions and the opportunity for students to make dressage part of their college experience.
Members are expected to own/lease their horse and train at Seals Sport Horses in Blaine, TN.