(540)953-3155 wsshunter@aol.com

Radford Redcoats Equestrian Program

Carol Gwin – Head Trainer, wsshunter@aol.com

Barn number:  540 953 3155

 

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, approximately 15-20 minutes from campus, we offer lessons to all levels of students, ranging from beginning riders through upper level riders showing at the “A” levels.  Our barn boasts 15-20 lesson horses, tack, and two outdoor lighted arenas.  We also have 850 acres of fields and trails to ride on. 

 

The equestrian team consists of approximately 12-15 riders of all levels that compete in the IHSA Zone 4 Region 2 competitions with ten other colleges and universities.  The equestrian club consists of 30-40 students that ride or have an interest in horses.  The program is based on hunter seat equitation although we have several students who have an eventing, dressage, or breed background.  All types of riders are welcomed. 

 

Costs for Riding:

Riding Team:  If selected for the riding team, students must ride in two lessons per week.  In addition, team members must take at least one practice ride per week, attend bi- monthly meetings, and help put on our fall IHSA show.  Team members generally show

4-5 times on the fall and 3-4 times in the spring.  Cost to ride for the entire semester is $550.00 plus team dues.  Entry fees are paid by each rider and are generally $50 or less per horse show.

 

Riding Club:  This is designed for the horse enthusiasts who would like to have a weekly lesson, perhaps ride one time a week in addition to their lesson, and have the opportunity to compete in our in house horse shows at the stables.  We also offer trail riding to students that are an intermediate level or better.  Cost to ride once per week for ten weeks (generally covers a semester) is $270.00.  Cost to ride one time per week in a lesson and one other additional time per week in a practice ride is $380.00 plus club dues.  Club members are encouraged to attend our bi-monthly meetings, help with our IHSA show, and participate in our fundraising events. 

 

Commonly asked questions:

1.  Do you offer transportation to the stables?  No, although there are numerous students with cars traveling back and forth, we recommend having your own car, especially if you are on the team and want to ride numerous days.

2.  How do I make the team?  Are there tryouts?  We do not have tryouts.  Students are observed in their riding classes and asked by the coach if they are interested in riding on the team.

3.  Do you have school horses that we can take to open shows?  Yes, we have several horses that are available for showing.  We also have green horses available for projects for students who enjoy working with green horses.

4.  Can I board my horse at the stables and ride it in lessons?  We offer limited boarding slots for students who own their own horses and are happy to teach students on their own horses.

 

5.  Can I work at the stable?  Yes if your schedule allows.  We generally have several students that work at the stable cleaning stalls or feeding. 

6.  Do I have to have my own show clothes?  Yes, riders may borrow a few things from other team members, but if you are selected for the team, you should expect to have to purchase clothes and equipment that is suitable for hunter seat equitation classes. 

 

Directions from Radford University:

Take Rt. 11 towards Dublin and at the Sheets station turn right onto Rt. 114.  Follow Rt. 114 until it intersects with Prices Fork Road at a traffic light.  There is a Citco gas station on the left at this intersection.  Turn left onto Prices Fork road and follow this road for about 3-4 miles.  Eventually the speed limit will drop to 35mph.  Continue, passing a BP station on the right, an elementary school, and then turn left onto Brooksfield Rd.  Go approximately 2-3 miles on Brooksfield and you will see the stables on your right.  It has white board fencing and the address is 3589 Glade Rd.  Stay bearing to the right as you drive in.