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What is the BINA AEL (Athletic Equestrian League) Team? In 2026, BINA is launching it’s first ever BINA AEL Team which will be open to recreational riders ages….and for adaptive riders who have experience with (list what those are). BINA is not a traditional “show barn”, but rather a community of those who want to be part of an inclusive environment which celebrates everyone’s abilities. Those who want to become members of BINA’s AEL Team and enjoy our beautiful Equestrian and Community Center in Sudbury will need to commit to involvement Beyond The Barn! AEL Team competition is for 4th-12th graders and also offers a Minis development program for 1st-3rd graders and an Adults program

What is the Athletic Equestrian League? The Athletic Equestrian League is an organization of equestrian athletes who compete in practical horsemanship. The individual competition is offered in both English and Western disciplines and has a Minis development division for 1st-3rd graders and competition for 4th-12th graders and adults. The team competition is offered in both English and Western and is for athletes in 4th-12th grade.

Riders in the AEL are judged against a set of standards, both on the flat or in horsemanship and over fences or in patterns, and receive a score on their ride. In addition, each rider does an unmounted practicum, and that score is added to their mounted score. Each rider receives a flat score worth 40 points, a fences or patterns score worth 40 points, and a practicum score worth 20 points, and all three scores are added together for their score for the day. Learn more here.

What commitments do I need to make in order to join the BINA AEL Team:  As mentioned above, we are not a traditional “show barn” but rather a community of those who support an inclusive community. Therefore, team members must be enrolled in weekly recreational or adaptive riding lessons at BINA in order to compete on the BINA AEL Team. Riders must also commit to volunteering once a month at one of BINA’s events. Examples of volunteer work include Community Service Days, social gatherings such as cooking events, storytelling, arts & crafts, helping on music or board game gatherings. There are numerous opportunities for all ages to get involved and help. Team members who are ages 14 and up may also volunteer weekly in our barn or riding lesson programs rather than at special events.

What is the cost to join the BINA AEL Team?

• Weekly Recreational or Adaptive Riding lessons at BINA cost $132.00

• Annual Fee per individual $105.00 ($55.00 directly paid to AEL online and $50 directly paid to BINA)

• Purchase of a CHA Composites Manual $59.95 from AEL online

• Each Competition Fee paid to AEL is around $75-$95/rider

• Each Competition Fee paid to BINA is based on the number of participants going to each competition. In order to keep the coaching fee reasonable, there needs to be a minimum of 3 riders competing at each show. Please note, parent/guardian are in charge of transportation for their own riders.

• Team Gear required include: black breeches, black collared BINA top, black ASTM/SEI-Certified helmet and riding boots.

• Any misc items any riders want to purchase at the competitions.

2026 Competition Schedule (riders are not required to attend each competition)

3/15/26: Faith Hill Farm, E. Greenwich, RI
3/28/26: Faith Hill Farm, E. Greenwich, RI
4/11/26: Hopkins-Muddy Brook AEL, Amherst, MA
4/12/26: Faith Hill Farm, E. Greenwich, RI
4/18/26: Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA
4/18/26: Echo Farm/Rising Starr, South Salem, NY
4/19/26: Floyd Woods Farm & All The Class Equestrian, Lempster, NH