The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association was established in 1967 at
Fairleigh Dickinson University by Robert Cacchione and John Fritz. The
purpose of the IHSA is to promote competition for riders of any skill
level regardless of financial status. Students compete individually
and as team members at both Regional and National levels. For all who
take part, these IHSA competitions develop sportsmanship, team
enthusiasm and horsemanship.
The IHSA's competitions are affordable because individual colleges
host each event and provide the horses. However, this is not the only
unique aspect of IHSA competitions. Not only are riders not allowed to
use their own horses, but personal tack and schooling/warm ups are not
permitted.
Horses are selected for each competition through a drawing. This enables
riders to compete on an even keel and truly test their horsemanship ability.
Levels range from beginner walk-trot through advanced open equitation
competition. At the more advanced levels, competition includes jumping as
well as flat work. Riders advance through the levels by accumulating points
at the horse shows.
Once riders qualify at the horse shows, winners compete at the regional
finals. The top two winners from that competition go on to the zone finals.
The best two individuals from the zone finals progress to the national
championship held each year in May.
In addition to qualifying individual riders for nationals, each team strives
to be the high point college representing the region at the National Horse Show.
The IHSA is a recognized member of the
American Horse Show Association (AHSA)
and the
American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).
Because of this, the IHSA is actively involved with the top professionals in
the industry and all horse shows
are judged by AHSA and AQHA recognized officials.
For more information on the IHSA, please see the
IHSA Web Page or contact our Zone President:
