Baylor University Board of Regents directed its NCAA Division I-A intercollegiate athletics program to add women's equestrian as the school's 18th varsity team beginning in the 2005-06 academic year.
"Today's resolution by the Baylor Board of Regents builds upon the institution's history and continuing practice of program expansion for women's athletics and its strong commitment to Title IX compliance," said Regents chairman Will Davis.
"After examination of the relevant factors, it is clear that Baylor University and its students will be very well served with the addition of women's equestrian," said second-year Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. "Equestrian is experiencing strong growth, not only on a regional and national level, but within the Big 12 Conference. The State of Texas will provide strong feeder programs as we develop this program in the coming years."
Women's equestrian was selected by Baylor in large part based on the significant interest in the sport as reflected by the participation numbers in various organizations, not only in Texas (which is home to 81.7 percent of the Baylor student body), but nationally, too. In addition, equestrian was selected based on the school's ability to become nationally competitive in the sport; the sport's status as an emerging sport within the NCAA and its growth in the Big 12 Conference and in Texas.
Currently, 36 institutions sponsor women's equestrian as a varsity sport, including 14 at the Division I level, and the NCAA allows for a scholarship limit of 15. Big 12 institutions that sponsor women's equestrian are Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Kansas State, and all three programs have between 60 and 82 student-athletes on their teams. Baylor becomes the third Big 12 school to add equestrian since 1999.
Equestrian Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the format of an equestrian competition?
In the intercollegiate sport of equestrian, there are two divisions: English and Western. English style is also known as a Hunt seat and has nine (9) different categories which the riders compete in. These categories of equitation have a foundation in jumping and riding across country. Baylor competes in Equitation over Fences and Equitation on the Flat.
The Western side, also referred to as Stock seat, has seven different categories and involves the rider being judged on seat, hands, and the ability to control and show the horse. A rider in each class receives a "point rider" score which is added toward the total team score. Baylor's shows feature Horsemanship and Reining for the Western discipline.
How many student-athletes are on a team?
The number of student-athletes participating on an equestrian team can vary from school to school. Of the Big 12 institutions that have a varsity equestrian program, the average squad size ranges between 70 and 75. By competing in 16 different categories within the equestrian program, and the desire to have 4-6 people in each category, it is understandable how programs reach such a large squad size.
Do you transport horses for competitions?
No. Contrary to what people may believe, the horses do not travel to the competition site. The horses that are ridden at each show are provided by the host school. At the competition, the horse selection takes place on a random basis. No one knows what horse they will ride until 10 minutes before they ride.
Other than Baylor, who will compete in equestrian within the Big 12 Conference?
The sport of equestrian is considered an emerging sport by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and is the fastest growing sport in the Big 12 Conference. In the past five years, three Big 12 schools have decided to add this sport at the intercollegiate level. Those schools are Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. Baylor became the fourth school to add equestrian and we understand that other Big 12 institutions are giving it consideration. The future looks promising for a Big 12 championship event. In the 2006-07 season, the conference is set to host the premier Big 12 Invitational which will serve as an unofficial conference championship for the equestrian programs.
Does Baylor's equestrian team offer scholarships?
Yes. Baylor will begin offering scholarships for the 2005-06 school year. Baylor will ultimately award 15 athletic scholarships, which is the full complement currently allowed by the NCAA.
Can Baylor be competitive in the sport of equestrian?
Yes. We expect to attract academically and athletically talented young women to Baylor to participate in this program. With the mission of Baylor as a Christian institution and our commitment to academic and athletic excellence, we expect to compete for national championships on a consistent basis.
During the 2005-06 season, Baylor was invited to participate in the Varsity Equestrian National Championships hosted by New Mexico State in Albuquerque, N.M. The event is an invitation only tournament which determines the national champion for the English and Western disciplines as well as an Overall champion. Baylor's English program finished eighth in the nation after its inaugural season.
The VENC committee announced in April 2006 that Baylor has been chosen to host the 2006-07 Varsity Championships at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo Complex in the Dodge Show Pavilion April 18-20.
Where does Baylor expect to recruit its equestrian student-athletes from?
Although we may attract student-athletes nationally, we expect that the state of Texas will make up a significant portion of our roster. There is significant interest and involvement in the horse industry throughout this region. For example, there are more horses in the state of Texas than any other state. Other than California, more people in participate in the horse industry in Texas than any other state.
The American Quarter Horse Association (located in Amarillo, Texas) reports over 14,000 horse shows take place throughout the United States each year. In addition, they also report over 3,000 youth as members of their organization from the state of Texas. Finally, nearly 11,000 youth participate in the 4-H horse program in Texas.
The 2005-06 roster included riders from 11 different states; Texas (13), Colorado (2), Illinois (2), California (1), Florida (1), Indiana (1), New Mexico (1), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Wisconsin (1) and Wyoming (1).
The 2006-07 roster includes student-athletes from 12 states; Texas (11), California (3), Illinois (3), New Mexico (3), Ohio (3), Colorado (2), Indiana (2), Florida (1), North Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Wisconsin (1) and Washington (1).
Where will the Baylor equestrian program be located?
Construction began on the Willis Family Equestrian Center in April 2006 once Baylor's Board of Regents approved the facilities designs. Currently Phase I is complete which includes a covered arena with stalls and paddocks. The Facility is located on S. University Parks Drive between LaSalle and Hwy 6.
If I want to get involved with the Baylor Equestrian program, who should I contact?
We are forwarding equestrian requests to our Senior Woman Administrator, Nancy Post.
If you are interested in supporting the program, have an interest from a program development standpoint, or know of a student interested in competing in equestrian for Baylor, please contact Ms. Post at (254)710-3078.
We look forward to the community, alumni, and friends of Baylor becoming involved in this new women's athletic program.
