About Us

The University of Guelph OCEA team is a competitive club team that competes as a part of the Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association. We compete in the West zone and travel to local shows around the Guelph area. We ride out of Old Orchard Farm in Moffat Ontario where we have the opportunity to train under the amazing Linda Hale.

The OCEA is an accessible show circuit for university students and recent alumni. Horses are donated to every competition, and riders are judged based on their equitation and ability to adapt to new horses.

Our team is a close group of twenty riders who all share a love for horses and competing. Aside from competition the University of Guelph OCEA team fosters a positive and inclusive environment where lifelong friendships can be formed!

How it Works

We run in person tryouts at Old Orchard Farm. Tryouts for the 2023-2024 season are scheduled for early September. Every rider will be randomly assigned to two different horses, one for jumping and one for flat. Riders are judged on their position, and ability to adapt to a new horse. The top five riders in every division are selected for the team.

OCEA Division Qualifications

Using the qualification chart you can determine which division you are eligible for by referencing your show requirements. If you have specific questions regarding division qualifications, or would like someone to confirm your eligibility please email us!

How to Register

To register for tryouts you must complete the tryout form by the deadline and pay your tryout fee of $40. This fee goes towards the farm's time and use of their school horses. You must tryout in person to be eligible for the team.

What should I wear to tryouts?

We don’t expect riders to wear formal show attire for tryouts (show jackets certainly not required), but it is recommended that riders to show up for tryouts looking polished and put together. Think clinic-type attire (neutral breeches and a collared shirt).

What day/time do lessons take place and what happens if they conflict with class/lab schedules?

We always ensure that lesson schedules don’t conflict with any of our riders’ class schedules, so not to worry! The team lesson schedule isn’t finalized until we have the roster selected and all team member’s class schedules to ensure our athletes can also focus on their studies.

All OCEA Team lessons take place during the week (sometime from Monday to Thursday), typically during the morning or early afternoon.

Is there anything I should bring to tryouts?

Some snacks and drinks are provided at tryouts, but we recommend that riders bring a lunch and water bottle – tryouts usually start early in the morning and could run until mid-afternoon depending on the number of riders trying out. No need to bring anything extra to tryouts, other than your boots and helmet!

Helpful Links

2023-2024 Tryout Form

Divison Eligibility Chart

OCEA Website

Tryout Format Details