Membership in MEC is open to all students, faculty and staff at the University of Maryland, College Park. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any members or offer lessons to anyone who is not in one of the above categories.

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When are the Meetings?

MEC meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30pm in various locations that we will announce prior to the meeting. In order to be active in the club, members must attend or be excused from 75% of meetings each semester.

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Is Previous Experience Necessary?

MEC offers riding lessons for all levels of riders. We offer English style lessons for everyone from the complete novice to those of you who have grown up on horseback. Remember though, you have to be a club member to ride; don't forget to sign up!

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Will I Need to Buy Equipment/Tack?

All of our horses come completely outfitted for you, in their stylish saddles, bridles, and the latest in footwear. As for you, we provide helmets for those who don't have them, but the rest is up to you! When riding, members must wear long pants (not necessary those specific for riding, jeans are ok too) and closed shoes with a heel.

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How Do I Sign up for Lessons?

Lesson sign-ups take place during the first meeting of each semester. Students and instructors list their availabilities and are matched up based upon experience and availability times. Lesson spaces are limited, however, and it's important to attend the first meeting of the semester in order to not miss sign ups.

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How Would I Learn to Teach?

We'd love to have you instruct in our program! In order to teach a lesson, you must be a member of MEC. All instructors are evaluated by the MEC directors, and are assigned a riding level to teach if they are qualified. All interested parties should also be prepared to present a résumé about their riding/teaching experience. For more information, please contact our director of lessons, at lesson.mec@gmail.com.

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What if I wasn't Scheduled for a Lesson?

Although MEC makes every attempt to place each interested member in a lesson, this is not always possible. The horses are limited in the number of lessons they can give each week (we don't like to wear out our equine friends), and our instructors have limited availability too (classes and work get in the way of so many fun things). If you are not placed in a lesson, you will be placed on a waiting list; if a spot opens up in our schedule that works for you, the teaching director will contact you. And don't forget, a new schedule is made up each semester, so you may be able to ride then, even if you can't ride this semester.

***For more information about lessons, please go to our programs page or contact our director of lessons, Hanum, at

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What else can I do besides riding?

MEC is more than just riding! MEC shares responsibility for the care of the horses on the campus farm and has great social events! Club members can help around the farm by cleaning and feeding the horses. Feeder/cleaner sign-ups are held during the first meeting of each semester, so be sure to be there if you want to feed or clean (for more information, please contact our Herd Health Director, at herdhealth.mec@gmail.com or visit our programs page). Additionally, the club offers instructional clinics throughout the semester that can be attended by all club members. We also organize various activities and trips throughout the semester, such as trips to visit the Budweiser Clydesdales, Western Trail Riding, and Medieval Times.
We also participate in social events like the homecoming parade on campus.


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Is MEC a competitive club?

MEC is a not a competitive club; our focus is on educating our members about proper horse care/skills, barn management, and riding. Our members and our horses do not travel to shows, nor do we host shows for people from other clubs. However, we do hold small schooling shows on the campus farm each semester, and our spring show is an exciting part of Ag Day. These shows are open only to club members. If you are interested in competing, please refer to the University's Equestrian Team, which is independent from MEC and is associated with Waradaca stables.

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Can I board my horse?

The campus farm and MEC does not offer any boarding options; the only horses on the farm are owned by the UMCP Animal and Avaian Sciences Department.

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Who teaches the horses?

Just like our riders, our horses are constantly learning! All our horses are in our training program, where they learn new things and have what they already know reinforced. Training also keeps our horses fit, allowing them to work happily for all our students. Training sessions for each horse are held several times a week, with both mounted and unmounted sessions. As to who keeps our horses fit and happy, the answer is again you, the club member! All our trainers and their assistants are MEC members. For more information about our training program, please contact our director of training, at trainin.mec@gmail.com and visit our programs page.

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How much does MEC cost?

To be an activie member in the club (does not have to include taking lessons), there is a $20 activity fee. All members wishing to take a riding lesson pay an additional fee of $200 per semester. 

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How do I join the listserv?

You can join the listserv/mailing list different ways. Click HERE to join the listserv. Or you can email the Administrative Director, at exec.mec@gmail.com to be manually added, dependent upon your approval to the group.

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Having Trouble Receiving List-serv Mail?

You probably are having the emails sent to a "Junk Mail" folder in your email account. Check that first, then you should check the status on the mailing list.

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What are SOPs? What are the Levels?

SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedures and these ground levels dictate how much you can do with and around the horses. SOP levels are based on knowledge and skill around the barns and you can be trained and then checked off by the herd health director to levels 1-3. It is important to know that all MEC members who wish to handle, feed, or clean for the horses must pass the SOP level 1 test. Levels 2 and 3 cover more advanced knowledge. In order to be a teacher for the program, you must pass the SOP level 2 test, and in order to train, you must pass the SOP level 3 test. SOP level 1 test is a practical test, there is no writing involved. Levels 2 and 3 require more knowledge and you must make an appointment with the herd health director to take the test. It is important to look over the study guides and prepare with them prior to taking each level test. Additional information can be obtained by asking other club members and the directors, by reading books available in the MEC library, and by searching academic sites on the web. For more information on the MEC Handling Levels or SOPs, please e-mail our herd health director, at herdhealth.mec@gmail.com. All study guides are available under Files.

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Help!! I'm new! What do I do??

There's a page just for new members that tells you what to do and when. Basically you'll need to fill out all the forms, pay the fees, and keep up with the responsibilities! All paperwork is available under Files. Still having trouble? Feel free to contact the President, at president.mec@gmail.com.

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