1.        How do students join the program?

        A student interested in participation in RIFNA can either contact RIFNA directly or call a RIFNA farm to learn more about the program.  Membership applications are available online at www.rifna.com or by contacting his/her equestrian club school advisor or by calling RIFNA at 770-781-3833.  Once students have completed and submitted the application and dues payment, they should provide a copy to their school advisor or coach.  The advisor/coach should maintain a database of all student applications for tracking purposes.

2.        Do the students have to own their own horse?

        No.  RIFNA shows and meets use the competition format of  the intercollegiate associations’ shows. Riding a variety of horses gives RIFNA members an advantage when competing for equestrian scholarships. Team members will be showing on the host farm’s horses.  RIFNA believes that this system provides all students an even playing field in the equestrian show world where the expense of horse ownership limits many students’ participation, as well as their competitiveness. At RIFNA shows and meets, the rider is being judged, not the horse.

3.        What type of riding disciplines are offered at RIFNA Farms?

        Competing riders will have riding and showing opportunities for Hunter Equitation, Dressage, and Western Horsemanship/Trail. 

4.        How much will it cost to join?

        Individual student dues are $50 per year, regardless of the number of disciplines in which he/she participates.

5.        What other costs might be incurred?

        RIFNA requires all students to have a properly-fitting ASTM/SEI helmet (including Western riders) that can be shared, if necessary.  Additionally, students are required to ride in proper footwear which can include cowboy boots, paddock boots, or tall boots.  To participate in meets and shows, students will need show jeans or britches, a belt, gloves, a hairnet, and the school polo shirt. 

        Riding lessons will cost each student approximately $40.00 each time, but this cost may vary depending on their region. The student will bring a clean saddle pad for lessons; however, the farm will provide all tack, horses and other related equipment. If students desire to use their own tack during lessons, it is recommended that the student discuss this with their coach or RIFNA farm manager.

        Students will also have the opportunity to show throughout the competition in RIFNA-sanctioned informal shows and invitational meets.  Each rider member will pay a modest per class fee for each riding class he/she chooses to participate in as well as an $10 office fee at each informal show or invitational meet.  Tournaments fees will vary depending on size and location.  While showing is encouraged, it is not required.

6.        What resources will my school have to provide?

        There is no cost to the school to participate in the RIFNA program

        RIFNA requests that each participating school identify an advisor who functions as the key point of contact between the school team and the RIFNA farm and/or  coach. Each participating school can decide what internal communication techniques they would prefer.  For example, several schools have expressed an interest to add an equestrian section in their year book.

7.        How do I become eligible to participate on a team?

        Students can join at any time during the year, as long as they meet the minimum eligibility requirements as established by their school club, complete the Membership Application and pay the yearly individual dues to RIFNA, pay any club dues required by his/her school or team, and commit to be an active participant in the organization.  

        These requirements are similar to those regulating most interscholastic sports.  The guidelines can be adjusted to meet your individual school needs.  Eligibility guidelines include full-time student status, a satisfactory attendance record, and confirmation that the student is not in a probationary status, and the academic guidelines as required by other clubs or sports at his/her school.

8.        How many students can participate?

        A minimum of 3 student riders at the high school level or 3 student riders at the middle school level is required for team recognition in RIFNA.  However, the maximum number of student riders on a school team is not limited.  Each RIFNA farm will provide guidance for the optimal team size.

9.        How often will students get to ride?

        Athletes that are showing for their school will have a minimum of 30 riding lessons in a year at a RIFNA barn, to be completed before participating in Regionals.  Noncompetitive riders, who are interested in learning about riding, but not showing, can ride weekly, bi-monthly or monthly in a lesson.  Many of your students may already be working with a trainer. The RIFNA program is designed to compliment their existing involvement with horses.  Riders that have show ring experience would have an important role on the team, but their role would not overshadow the role of the novice rider. 

10.     Does each student have to participate in shows?

        Each student can decide whether or not they wish to participate in meets/shows.  This is an individual decision on behalf of the student and his/her family.  The goal of the program is to introduce the fundamentals of riding and horsemanship to all interested students.  Show participation is a single facet of the entire program experience.