Head Trainer
Team Advisers
Jamie Planck Martin and Linda Andrisani of Providence Hill Farm. Jamie can be reached (601)594-4540 or jmartin@providencehillfarm.com. Linda can be reached at (601)981-9097 or office@providencehillfarm.com. The stable phone is (601)925-0557.
Faculty Director
Susan Musselwhite, Assistant Athletic Director, (601)925-3362 or musselwh@mc.edu.
Riding Team and Riding Course
All students, both men and women, and beginners to experienced riders, may join the team and/or take the PE riding course.
Facilities
The Equestrian Program is conducted out of Providence Hill Farm. Providence Hill Farm has a nationally renowned riding program and the finest facilities found any where, including:
• 36 Stall Heated Barn;
• Covered Arena (100’ x 250’);
• All Weather Footing Outdoor Arena (180’ x 280’);
• Grand Prix Jumping Field;
• Covered European Walker;
• Large Turnout Paddocks; and
• Riding Trails on 2,000 acres.
Providence Hill Farm is approximately a 15 minute drive from campus. For driving directions and more information about Providence Hill Farm, visit www.providencehillfarm.com.
Practice Horses
Students need not bring their own horse in order to ride. Providence Hill Farm provides practice horses and lesson horses for all levels.
Boarding/Private Lessons
All Riding Team Members and MC students may take additional lessons at Providence Hill Farm, may board their own horses at PHF and may attend other horse shows with PHF, at PHF’s standard rates, all of which are posted on PHF’s website at www.providencehillfarm.com.
Varsity Hunt Seat Riding Team
• Competitions
The Riding Team competes in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions and at local and regional horse shows. At the IHSA competitions, the team travels to and uses the horses at the host school. Horses are drawn from a hat and the riders do not get a warm-up. IHSA shows are judged solely on equitation. The level of competition starts at beginning walk-trot and works up through the novice and open divisions. At the local and regional horse shows, the team uses MC horses, PHF horses or the student’s own horse.
• Team Membership and Practice Sessions
Team Membership and participation is for the entire academic year. Team Members will be required to take 2 team lessons and an extra practice ride per week during the entire academic year. Team lessons and weekly practice rides will be scheduled mornings, afternoons or early evenings to accommodate school schedules of Team Members. All Team Members will receive one (1) credit per semester from the Physical Education Department.
• Student Expenses
All students must provide their own riding attire for practice sessions, competitions and lessons. All students are required to ride in an ASTM/SEI certified helmet and riding boots at all times. Team Members must pay $500 per semester to participate on the Team. All coaching fees, IHSA membership fees, IHSA entry fees and travel fees will be paid by MC. MC also pays most local and regional horse show expenses. Each Team Member will be required to pay for lodging and meals at out of town competitions and miscellaneous expenses.
Course Credit
Each student will receive one (1) Physical Education Department credit for each semester of participation.
Hunt Seat Equitation Course
Course
Students who are interested in riding but who are not interested in joining the Riding Team may take Hunt Seat Equitation as a Physical Education Course.
Student Expenses
There is an additional charge of $500 per semester for each riding course.
Course Credit
Each student completing one semester will receive 1 credit from the Physical Education Department.
Liability and Medical Release
All students enrolled in the Equestrian Program and their parents must complete, sign and return to Providence Hill Farm prior to participation the Rider’s Release and Hold Harmless Agreement and the Medical Release Form used by Providence Hill Farm, and Documentation of Personal Insurance for Participation as an MC Equestrian Participant used by Mississippi College.
Other Activities
Students enrolled in the Equestrian Program may participate in USEF and Schooling Horse Shows, trips to watch Grand Prix and other events, clinics, other competitions and recreational riding.
Indication of Interest
If you are interested in participating in Mississippi College’s Equestrian Program, please complete and return the Indication of Interest Form. If you have questions or need additional information about the program, contact Jamie Planck Martin at Providence Hill Farm at 601-594-4540 or at jmartin@providencehillfarm.com or Susan Musselwhite at Mississippi College at 601-925-3362 or at musselwh@mc.edu.
Donation of Horses
Mississippi College accepts donation of approved horses to the Equestrian Program. For more information, contact Jamie Planck Martin of Providence Hill Farm at 601-594-4540 or at jmartin@providencehillfarm.com or Susan Musselwhite of Mississippi College at 601-925-3362 or at musselwh@mc.edu.
Scholarships
As a NCAA Division III College, Mississippi College cannot offer athletic scholarships; however, the College offers several types of financial assistance to students.
Internet Sites of Interest
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association – www.ihsainc.com.
American National Riding Commission – www.anrc.org.
Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association – www.mhja.net.
United States Hunter Jumper Association – www.ushja.org.
United States Equestrian Federation – www.usef.org.
