Fresno State Athletics
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
12/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
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| Official IHSA Web Site |
The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) is the governing organization for all intercollegiate horse show competitions. Established in 1967, the IHSA has grown to an organization that encompasses 20 regions with 235 member colleges from 35 states and Canada - representing more than 4,500 riders.
Highly praised for its structure of competition, the IHSA allows riders with various degrees of experience in the hunter and western disciplines to compete individually or on a team.
Founded on the premise that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows, the IHSA helps to eliminate the expense of students owning horses. In IHSA shows, students ride horses that are furnished by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal horse equipment is not allowed and prior practice or warm-up is not permitted.
The theory behind the structure of this organization is to equalize the competition and better test the horsemanship of the contestants. Classes range from walk/trot for first year students to the Open Division for the more experienced riders.
The first through sixth place riders in each class are awarded. A reserve award is given in the event that a winner should be disqualified. A rider's placement in a class determines how many points that rider is awarded for her performance in that particular event. The school with the highest accumulation of points is awarded the High Point Award for the show. Points accumulated over the season also determine a rider's eligibility for regional / zone / national finals.
Riders are judged on their performance, ability to ride an unfamiliar horse, test of control and obedience, maintenance of correct riding position and overall presentation of style and horsemanship.
