Athletic Equestrian League:
Frequently Asked Questions

The AEL FAQ page provides answers to the most common questions about membership, competition formats, team participation, registration, and costs. Whether you're a rider, parent, coach, or barn owner interested in joining the league, this resource helps explain how AEL competitions work, what is required to start or join a team, entry fees, and other important details.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for, the AEL team is always available to help guide you through the process. Please email Jenna at jenna@athleticequestrian.com

  • The annual team membership is $275 and the individual is $60. That’s it! No hidden fees or coach membership.

    The "Try It Fee" is $25/team and $10/individual. Then, after one AEL competition you would like to continue you pay the remaining balance of $250 for the team and $50 for individuals. All registration is done online!

    Show fees are around $75-$95/rider. The rider competes over fences, on the flat, and practicum. We do not have a competition limit. The best way to get better at something is to practice. No limits over here!

  • Nope. You may sign up whenever you would like. Memberships open August 1st and run through Nationals

  • No there is no minimum number of team members required. We say more the merrier!

    Not every team member needs to compete at each competition. Even if only one rider can make a competition they are welcome to compete as long as the coach is present.

  • The AEL Rules can be found under "Athlete Resources” or by clicking here.

  • The AEL was created to make everything easier for barns, riders, and parents. No need to go shopping for expensive horse show attire. The attire is “athletic” so most teams wear long sleeve quarter-zip tops or polo shirts. You are allowed to wear your team/ barn logo on your shirt! ASTM/SEI-Certified helmet that fits properly, breeches, tall boots, paddock boots/half chaps or paddock boots/ jodhpur garter straps.

  • When the AEL was created, we talked to students, coaches, judges, parents, horse providers, horse show managers, etc. You name the job, we talked to them! One thing the judges said was they have a hard time judging flat classes just off the riders' back numbers. So the colored wristbands are easy for the judges to spot then correspond to the flat scoresheet.

  • We wanted to make everything as easy as possible. Everything is online. Sign up, invitations, contacts/addresses to other competing barns, etc. When your team decides what competitions they will attend.
    1) You go to www.athleticequestrian.com
    2) Click on “Competitions”
    3) Select the competition you will be attending.
    4) View the competition invitation to see what fences test and practicum will be used.

  • The answers are in the CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) manual. Please use this book to find the answers and study!

    You can purchase here.

  • Of course! Please e-mail jenna@athleticequestrian.com and explain how we can help your child/student excel in the practicum.