What do I need to get started with the SWSL?
To get started with the SWSL, riders must be in grades 5-12 to compete, must have access to a horse and professional trainer, and must be able to ride in either Saddle Seat or Western disciplines. As this is a school league, a representative of the rider's school must attend the 2 annual Mandatory Meetings posted on our Calendar Page. Review the SWSL rules on our Rules Page to ensure the rider will be able to abide by the SWSL policies, then download the SWSL Checklist on our Forms Page, which outlines the forms you will need to fill out in order to compete. If you have any questions, send us an email and we'd be happy to help.
Where can I find…
The SWSL Facebook Page? - facebook.com/saddleseatwestern/
The SWSL Rule Book? - saddleseatwesternleague.com/rules
The USEF Rule Book? - usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rulebook
How is the late fee determined for entries? - The date of the entry submission is determined by the postmark on the posted entry. If the postmark date is past the submission deadline, you will be subject to either a $100 or a $150 late fee per late entry.
If two riders are splitting the same horse, how are the fees divided? - The USEF Fee, CDF Drug Fee, and LAEC Grounds Fee can be split between the riders. The Admin Fee and Class Fee are paid individually by each rider.
If a rider is competing in both Western and English divisions, do the fees apply to both? - A separate Entry, Class Fee, Grounds Fee, Horse Fee and Admin Fee must be submitted for the Western and the English classes. If the same horse is used in both the Western and English divisions, Grounds Fees and Horse Fees will be addressed on an individual basis.
If I have questions about an entry, who should I contact? - Our Show Secretary is available at elizabethcurrer@gmail.com.
How can I make sure I’m notified of all updates and changes? - Sign up for our emailing list on our website using the “subscribe” button, and follow our Facebook page to make sure to receive all updates and notices.
Do the USEF Safe Sport requirement changes affect me? USEF members who are 18 years old and above and have a USEF Adult Competing Membership are required to take the Safe Sport training. There is no fee for completing the Safe Sport Training. Full information is available at www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/safe-sport.
Where can I find the information on competition points? - Rules regarding points are available in “RULE IX” in the SWSL Rule Book.
When are the points posted? - Points are posted the week following the competition at saddleseatwesternleague.com/results. It is the rider’s responsibility to report any discrepancies. All points are deemed final two weeks after the points are posted.
Do the divisions correspond with school level? - No, the rider, trainer, & guardians decide what division to enter based on skill level.
If a rider repeats a division, how does that affect the rider’s points? - The rider may still compete for school points but will ineligible to receive individual points.
What are the requirements for applying for the Senior Scholarship? - Rider must currently be a senior in a member high school, must have participated in three (3) SWSL shows during both the 2018-2019 season and the 2019-2020 season, and must have been a member of the SWSL for a minimum of three (3) seasons. Find out more about our scholarships on our Resources Page.
Can more than one rider receive a Senior Scholarship? - No, it is SWSL policy that one senior per season receives the Scholarship.
What attire is required for the shows? - The requirements for competition attire can be found in the SWSL Rule Book under “RULE V, Section B” for Saddle Seat classes, and “RULE VI, Section A” for Western classes.
How do I pick up show numbers before the competition? - Numbers will be available 1 hour before the competition start time at the Show Secretary’s table by the competition ring. Numbers must be picked up by the trainer or rider themselves.
Are there fees for scratches? - Yes, Scratch Fees and Office Fees will apply. Refund rules are outlined in the “Adds & Scratches” section of the competition’s Prizelist, available on our Forms webpage prior to the competition.
Can a rider compete without a trainer present? - No, a trainer must be present at the competition, and must be the trainer who signed the rider’s entry form, or a representative thereof. If a trainer must unexpectedly miss a competition, many trainers within in the SWSL community are able to substitute as that rider’s trainer.
Can I bring a non-competing horse to the show? - Yes, but non-showing horses are subject to a Non-Showing Fee & a Grounds Fee.
How can I ask questions about a competition placing? - If you have questions about a placing, you and the Show Steward may speak to the judge after the completion of the entire division’s classes.
Where are the competition pictures posted? - Photos of first place winners are posted on the SWSL Website. Photos of all competitors are posted on the SWSL Facebook Page.
Does the SWSL offer official mementos for the riders & families? - Yes, SWSL rider banners that feature the rider's name, SWSL approved photograph, and applicable awards or status can be purchased through the SWSL website.
To get started with the SWSL, riders must be in grades 5-12 to compete, must have access to a horse and professional trainer, and must be able to ride in either Saddle Seat or Western disciplines. As this is a school league, a representative of the rider's school must attend the 2 annual Mandatory Meetings posted on our Calendar Page. Review the SWSL rules on our Rules Page to ensure the rider will be able to abide by the SWSL policies, then download the SWSL Checklist on our Forms Page, which outlines the forms you will need to fill out in order to compete. If you have any questions, send us an email and we'd be happy to help.
Where can I find…
The SWSL Facebook Page? - facebook.com/saddleseatwestern/
The SWSL Rule Book? - saddleseatwesternleague.com/rules
The USEF Rule Book? - usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rulebook
How is the late fee determined for entries? - The date of the entry submission is determined by the postmark on the posted entry. If the postmark date is past the submission deadline, you will be subject to either a $100 or a $150 late fee per late entry.
If two riders are splitting the same horse, how are the fees divided? - The USEF Fee, CDF Drug Fee, and LAEC Grounds Fee can be split between the riders. The Admin Fee and Class Fee are paid individually by each rider.
If a rider is competing in both Western and English divisions, do the fees apply to both? - A separate Entry, Class Fee, Grounds Fee, Horse Fee and Admin Fee must be submitted for the Western and the English classes. If the same horse is used in both the Western and English divisions, Grounds Fees and Horse Fees will be addressed on an individual basis.
If I have questions about an entry, who should I contact? - Our Show Secretary is available at elizabethcurrer@gmail.com.
How can I make sure I’m notified of all updates and changes? - Sign up for our emailing list on our website using the “subscribe” button, and follow our Facebook page to make sure to receive all updates and notices.
Do the USEF Safe Sport requirement changes affect me? USEF members who are 18 years old and above and have a USEF Adult Competing Membership are required to take the Safe Sport training. There is no fee for completing the Safe Sport Training. Full information is available at www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/safe-sport.
Where can I find the information on competition points? - Rules regarding points are available in “RULE IX” in the SWSL Rule Book.
When are the points posted? - Points are posted the week following the competition at saddleseatwesternleague.com/results. It is the rider’s responsibility to report any discrepancies. All points are deemed final two weeks after the points are posted.
Do the divisions correspond with school level? - No, the rider, trainer, & guardians decide what division to enter based on skill level.
If a rider repeats a division, how does that affect the rider’s points? - The rider may still compete for school points but will ineligible to receive individual points.
What are the requirements for applying for the Senior Scholarship? - Rider must currently be a senior in a member high school, must have participated in three (3) SWSL shows during both the 2018-2019 season and the 2019-2020 season, and must have been a member of the SWSL for a minimum of three (3) seasons. Find out more about our scholarships on our Resources Page.
Can more than one rider receive a Senior Scholarship? - No, it is SWSL policy that one senior per season receives the Scholarship.
What attire is required for the shows? - The requirements for competition attire can be found in the SWSL Rule Book under “RULE V, Section B” for Saddle Seat classes, and “RULE VI, Section A” for Western classes.
How do I pick up show numbers before the competition? - Numbers will be available 1 hour before the competition start time at the Show Secretary’s table by the competition ring. Numbers must be picked up by the trainer or rider themselves.
Are there fees for scratches? - Yes, Scratch Fees and Office Fees will apply. Refund rules are outlined in the “Adds & Scratches” section of the competition’s Prizelist, available on our Forms webpage prior to the competition.
Can a rider compete without a trainer present? - No, a trainer must be present at the competition, and must be the trainer who signed the rider’s entry form, or a representative thereof. If a trainer must unexpectedly miss a competition, many trainers within in the SWSL community are able to substitute as that rider’s trainer.
Can I bring a non-competing horse to the show? - Yes, but non-showing horses are subject to a Non-Showing Fee & a Grounds Fee.
How can I ask questions about a competition placing? - If you have questions about a placing, you and the Show Steward may speak to the judge after the completion of the entire division’s classes.
Where are the competition pictures posted? - Photos of first place winners are posted on the SWSL Website. Photos of all competitors are posted on the SWSL Facebook Page.
Does the SWSL offer official mementos for the riders & families? - Yes, SWSL rider banners that feature the rider's name, SWSL approved photograph, and applicable awards or status can be purchased through the SWSL website.