UTK WESTERN EQUESTRIAN TEAM
Diamond J Ranch is proud home of the Tennessee Volunteers!
The University of Tennessee has several amazing opportunities for all student equine enthusiasts— whether you’re an accomplished rider wanting to continue in the show ring, have never climbed on a horse before, or are somewhere in between. The IHSA team offers students the chance to ride and compete on the Western Team, Hunt Seat Team, or join as a Horsemanship (non-riding) member. It’s the perfect way for students to meet other like-minded individuals, creating friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
What is IHSA? (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Assoiation)
The IHSA welcomes full-time undergraduate students to participate in both English (hunter seat equitation) and Western (Western horsemanship, ranch riding and reining) disciplines within a format designed for riders at all levels of experience. At IHSA competitions, show hosts provide horses for competing riders, assigning horses via random draw. This format eliminates the expense of owning or transporting a horse and brings intercollegiate equestrian competition within financial reach of over 8,000 college and university students each year in the United States and Canada. IHSA membership is open to all colleges, universities and junior colleges.
Who can join?
The UTK Western Equestrian Team welcomes any enrolled undergraduate student to join!
There is no need to try out for the team, however there are limited riding spots offered due to available lesson horses. Students can also join as "Horsemanship" members (non-riding).
Students do not need to own a horse or have ever ridden before in order to join. Students interested in joining are encouraged to attend the fall interest meeting and Western Team Orientation on August 22nd, 2026.
Commitment & Costs
Students are required to participate in group lessons once a week for 11 weeks (12 weeks for returning students), as well as a 2 hour weekly commitment to barn chores.
Costs:
Returning members (12 weeks): $660
New members (11 weeks): $605
Club fees are also required.
While there are not currently any riding scholarships available through the university, Diamond J Ranch will be offering an opportunity for one highly deserving incoming student to ride for free their Freshman year in 2027 (more details to be announced).
Involvement
Diamond J Ranch hosts several onsite events which students are encouraged to be apart of! From team fundraisers, to barrel races, open arena nights, tack swaps, potlucks, and so much more, there are always opportunities for students to be involved in their local equine community without even leaving their home barn. Learn more on our "Events" page!
Student Boarding
We offer full care boarding to students wishing to bring their horse with them to college, and a discounted rate to students whose horses can be apart of lessons during the academic year (September-November and February-April). If you're riding on the team and looking for the ideal place to keep your horse, Diamond J Ranch might be the perfect fit for you!
Discounted rate: $500/month
Regular rate: $875/month
For students interested in boarding and having their horse be apart of the team, please contact Coach Julz and complete this google form: