About Us

History of the Team

After four years of perseverance, paperwork, and patience, the University of California, Berkeley Equestrian Club was finally founded in the fall of 2010. In the spring of 2011, the team gained its Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) membership, solidifying the team as a recognized club sport. The novel team competed in its first show in February of 2011, walking away with a wide array of ribbons and proving early on the competitive nature of the riders. In the 2011-2012 ISHA season, the team’s first full show season, we secured the spot of Reserve Champion in our region.

The Team Now

The team competes in the IHSA English – Hunt Seat Equitation Division, Zone 8, Region 1, going head to head against schools, such as Stanford University, UC Davis, and Cal Poly SLO. Members are of all levels and experience, making horseback riding an accessible experience for all the students at UC Berkeley.

Mission Statement

The Cal Equestrian Team is committed to creating a safe, fun, and competitive environment for students at UC Berkeley who share a love of horses. With first class trainers and top of the line facilities, the program strives to enable riders of all backgrounds to develop their horse knowledge while gaining confidence and leadership skills. Founded upon teamwork, horsemanship, and sportsmanship, the team works to provide a rewarding experience and lifelong friendships for all of its members.

Not Just a Sport

For many riders, the choice of attending UC Berkeley involves making the difficult decision to sell their horse or leave him or her behind at home. We are comprised of overjoyed Cal students, who can have horses close to them and engage in a sport that is not just a sport, but a passion. With the stress of a rigorous academic schedule, various club leadership positions, jobs and never-ending pressure to succeed, the few hours every week that members attend lessons and those weekends away at horseshows provide a respite from campus life, a chance to de-stress and participate in an activity they love, and a time to revel in the harmony created by horse and rider. The Cal Equestrian Team is a tight-knit family, where every member takes joy in coming together and sharing their passion with each other.