WHO IS THE FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE EQUESTRIAN TEAM?

Framingham State College has fielded an intercollegiate equstrian team for over a decade.  Composed of undergraduate students at all levels of riding, the FSCET competes in horse shows governed by The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, or IHSA. The IHSA, an affiliated organization of the American Horse Shows Association, was founded by Bob Cacchione at Farleigh Dickinson University over thirty years ago, and is the sole governing body for college and university equestrian competition in the United States.  The IHSA has member organizations at institutions throughout the nation, and offers competition for riders from the most beginning levels, to Open-level classes for seasoned horse show regulars.  While in our region of the country IHSA competiton is limited to hunter seat equitation, western teams are fielded in other areas, and both disciplines come together annually at the IHSA National Horse Show, where the nation's best teams and individuals vie for national recognition.        Framingham State's team competes in IHSA Zone I, in newly formed Region 4, against such perennial powers as MIT, Tufts University, Boston University and Stonehill College.  We currently are a team of twelve members strong, training with Melody Taylor-Scott and her staff at Broad Hill Equestrian Center in Holliston, MA.  The previous riding expereince of our members varies from those who just discovered their love for the sport while in college to seasoned riders and competitors, many of whom have owned horses in the past, and some of whom still do.  Geographically, our riders have hailed from as far away as California and as nearby our own Middlesex County, Massachusetts, each bringing with them unique skills and a distinct fervor to see this year's team succeed.       Our riders train weekly at our host farm, Broad Hill Equestrian Center in Holliston, MA.  Here, they refine their skills and perfect their equitation, both on the flat and over fences, in preparation for IHSA competitions.  IHSA horse shows are hosted by various area colleges and universities, and riders compete for points which can qualify them both individually and as a team for regional, zone, and national finals.  Our goal as a team is to qualify as many riders as possible for these post season competitions, and, eventually, to have our team compete at the Zone and National level as well.  In the coming weeks, we will field a complete team for the first time in several years, with two of our veteran members moving up to the Open division. With a complete team, will work hard toward our ultimate goal of team success.  To find out more about our team members, please check out our TEAM BIOS.       Currently, the team is largely funded by the Framingham State College Athletic Department.  However, we are always looking for both private and business sponsors to help defray the costs of team uniforms and the additional practice hours that we very much need to be competitive among such talented teams and riders.  If you or your business would be interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Framingham State Equestrian Team, please email the at the address below to find out more details.

lmlacross@hotmail.com

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