Since you've come to this page, you probably want to learn more about WAHSET. Well, you've come to the right place! The first thing you probably want to know is, "What is WAHSET all about?" The Mission Statement as stated in the rule book is this:
"WAHSET has as its main goal, recognition in the high schools of the equestrian athlete and to give them an opportunity to achieve that recognition in a fair, positive and educational format. The goals are to encourage team play, peer acceptance and good horsemanship. Competition is to follow sportsmanship guidelines as set down by the Washington State School Board, as well as the individual participating school activity guidelines and equine sportsmanship guidelines as set forth by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)."
Essentially, WAHSET provides a fun, team oriented environment for high school equestrians to challenge themselves not only competitively, but socially and academically.
The next big question is "Who can compete?" The answer: Any person grades 9-12 regardless of gender, race, or ability in any school in the United States of America. Even if your school isn't in Washington State, there are options available! The State is broken down into Districts (currently three on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, and two on the east side), and each district is broken down into schools. Athletes compete for their school at three district competitions with the hopes of qualifying for the State Championship Meet in May. District competitions are held throughout the early spring months (February through April) with team practice beginning as early as September 1st of that school year.
Reviewing our FAQ's will really help you decide if you want to join or not. WAHSET is different from many high school and horse organizations and there are some VERY important differences outlined in the FAQ's. To view those, see below.
The most important question to ask yourself before starting a team is "Does my school already have one?" You may not think you do, but it's a very good idea to check the complete list of schools linked at the bottom of this paragraph. Even if your school doesn't have a team of its own, it may be co-oping with another school. Co-op options will be explained later on.
Click the SCHOOLS tab for a complete list of schools
If you were able to find your school's name on the list, feel free to send them an e-mail. All of WAHSET's coaches and advisors are more than willing to help new members compete successfully on their team. If you were unable to find your school's name, read ahead!
Traditionally there are two ways of obtaining school approval: either through the school board or through your high school's athletic director or principal. Either way, you will need to have a very good understanding of this organization and be able to answer any questions your school may pose. The FAQ's clearly define the basics of WAHSET, but there still may be more questions you have about starting a team. Please contact the WAHSET state chair, Bev Matney and she will put you in touch with your district chair and assist you in any possible way!
Good luck and we look forward to having you as a member of WAHSET!
FAQs
What if I want to be part of WAHSET but don't have a horse?
Not all athlete's who participate in WAHSET have a horse or have to compete. There is the option to register as a groom with your high school's team. You will still be able to attend the meets and practices (not as a competitor) and may even be applicable for a varsity letter depending upon your school.
What's the cost for the athlete?
WAHSET's main goal is to keep costs relatively low for the athlete. There is a $185 fee to be paid at the time of registration for competing athletes and a $60 fee for non-competing athletes. This money covers insurance costs, entry fees, judge's pay, and arena rental. Stall and transportation fees are the responsibility of the athlete as well as uniform costs. Some schools will loan jerseys while others require you to purchase your own. Coaches and Advisors are NOT paid and work on a volunteer basis only. There are no per-class fees for the meets.
There is also a $50 team registration fee per team. This cost may be divided between the participating athletes or may be covered by team fund raisers.
How does WAHSET work to keep the cost for the athlete low?
All of the athlete's class entry fees are paid for at the beginning of the year and are included in the $185 registration fee. There is no financial penalty for dropping a class during a show. Many schools do fund raisers through out the competition year and off-season to help offset costs and purchase things such as team sweatshirts, jackets, and jerseys. The uniforms are not elaborate and consist of the team's solid colored polo shirt and the appropriate pants for the class ridden in (western, english, or saddle seat). Chaps are usually not permitted in many performance classes and no one has to go buy their own specific "show clothes". Stall fees ARE the responsibility of the athlete, but are kept as low as possible. Some hotels will give discounted rates for WAHSET members who are staying there for the duration of the meet if requested by the district chair or meet host.
What kind of events can athletes participate in?
WAHSET offers a number of classes in individual and team catagories. There is a wide range of performance as well as timed event classes and even cow events. Athletes can choose up to five individual events to compete in and as many team events as they would like to do. Click the CLASSES & PATTERNS tab for a complete list of events.
What does a team cost the school?
Absolutely nothing. The equestrian team may solicit funds from appropriate school activity sponsorship groups, but does not require funding from the school at all.
What IS required from the school?
The only thing that WAHSET requires from the school is the approval of the team or club. Some school's allow for the equestrian team to post announcements in their bulletin and advertise through posters and other means in the school. Allowing space to meet in a classroom or cafeteria during or after school hours is also an accommodation that schools have made available to their teams, however meetings do not have to be on school property. Varsity letters are also available at many schools with the equestrian team establishing their own lettering criteria in accordance with school guidelines.
"WAHSET has as its main goal, recognition in the high schools of the equestrian athlete and to give them an opportunity to achieve that recognition in a fair, positive and educational format. The goals are to encourage team play, peer acceptance and good horsemanship. Competition is to follow sportsmanship guidelines as set down by the Washington State School Board, as well as the individual participating school activity guidelines and equine sportsmanship guidelines as set forth by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)."
Essentially, WAHSET provides a fun, team oriented environment for high school equestrians to challenge themselves not only competitively, but socially and academically.
The next big question is "Who can compete?" The answer: Any person grades 9-12 regardless of gender, race, or ability in any school in the United States of America. Even if your school isn't in Washington State, there are options available! The State is broken down into Districts (currently three on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, and two on the east side), and each district is broken down into schools. Athletes compete for their school at three district competitions with the hopes of qualifying for the State Championship Meet in May. District competitions are held throughout the early spring months (February through April) with team practice beginning as early as September 1st of that school year.
Reviewing our FAQ's will really help you decide if you want to join or not. WAHSET is different from many high school and horse organizations and there are some VERY important differences outlined in the FAQ's. To view those, see below.
The most important question to ask yourself before starting a team is "Does my school already have one?" You may not think you do, but it's a very good idea to check the complete list of schools linked at the bottom of this paragraph. Even if your school doesn't have a team of its own, it may be co-oping with another school. Co-op options will be explained later on.
Click the SCHOOLS tab for a complete list of schools
If you were able to find your school's name on the list, feel free to send them an e-mail. All of WAHSET's coaches and advisors are more than willing to help new members compete successfully on their team. If you were unable to find your school's name, read ahead!
Traditionally there are two ways of obtaining school approval: either through the school board or through your high school's athletic director or principal. Either way, you will need to have a very good understanding of this organization and be able to answer any questions your school may pose. The FAQ's clearly define the basics of WAHSET, but there still may be more questions you have about starting a team. Please contact the WAHSET state chair, Bev Matney and she will put you in touch with your district chair and assist you in any possible way!
Good luck and we look forward to having you as a member of WAHSET!
FAQs
What if I want to be part of WAHSET but don't have a horse?
Not all athlete's who participate in WAHSET have a horse or have to compete. There is the option to register as a groom with your high school's team. You will still be able to attend the meets and practices (not as a competitor) and may even be applicable for a varsity letter depending upon your school.
What's the cost for the athlete?
WAHSET's main goal is to keep costs relatively low for the athlete. There is a $185 fee to be paid at the time of registration for competing athletes and a $60 fee for non-competing athletes. This money covers insurance costs, entry fees, judge's pay, and arena rental. Stall and transportation fees are the responsibility of the athlete as well as uniform costs. Some schools will loan jerseys while others require you to purchase your own. Coaches and Advisors are NOT paid and work on a volunteer basis only. There are no per-class fees for the meets.
There is also a $50 team registration fee per team. This cost may be divided between the participating athletes or may be covered by team fund raisers.
How does WAHSET work to keep the cost for the athlete low?
All of the athlete's class entry fees are paid for at the beginning of the year and are included in the $185 registration fee. There is no financial penalty for dropping a class during a show. Many schools do fund raisers through out the competition year and off-season to help offset costs and purchase things such as team sweatshirts, jackets, and jerseys. The uniforms are not elaborate and consist of the team's solid colored polo shirt and the appropriate pants for the class ridden in (western, english, or saddle seat). Chaps are usually not permitted in many performance classes and no one has to go buy their own specific "show clothes". Stall fees ARE the responsibility of the athlete, but are kept as low as possible. Some hotels will give discounted rates for WAHSET members who are staying there for the duration of the meet if requested by the district chair or meet host.
What kind of events can athletes participate in?
WAHSET offers a number of classes in individual and team catagories. There is a wide range of performance as well as timed event classes and even cow events. Athletes can choose up to five individual events to compete in and as many team events as they would like to do. Click the CLASSES & PATTERNS tab for a complete list of events.
What does a team cost the school?
Absolutely nothing. The equestrian team may solicit funds from appropriate school activity sponsorship groups, but does not require funding from the school at all.
What IS required from the school?
The only thing that WAHSET requires from the school is the approval of the team or club. Some school's allow for the equestrian team to post announcements in their bulletin and advertise through posters and other means in the school. Allowing space to meet in a classroom or cafeteria during or after school hours is also an accommodation that schools have made available to their teams, however meetings do not have to be on school property. Varsity letters are also available at many schools with the equestrian team establishing their own lettering criteria in accordance with school guidelines.