Equine Training 101
By: Jennifer Johnston Hoggle

Many college-bound riders have nightmares about long hours of studying behind a desk piled high with books. Long hours previously spent at the barn are now occupied in front of a computer or in the library. These students may not be aware that their school is a member of the Intercolle-giate Horse Show Association. The IHSA provides students with a unique college experience, allowing them to participate in riding activities, enjoy fellowship with other horse-loving team members, and gain horsemanship experiences at challenging levels.

The goal of the IHSA is to provide college riders the opportunity to ride and compete regardless of financial status. Horse showing is an expensive sport, but the IHSA has narrowed the margin of expense for college teams by requiring host schools to provide equipment and horses. Students do not have to own a horse in order to take part in IHSA activities. In fact, competitors are not allowed to ride personal horses or use personal tack. The host college provides horses and tack. The only requirement is the riders must provide their own riding attire.

Some teams and teammates share clothing to save money. However, it is better if riders have their own clothing so they can practice in show boots and breeches and get used to the show attire before going to the show.

Saddles are provided by the host college or, in some cases, by the owner who loaned the horse to the IHSA for the day. Riders are not permitted to bring their own saddles to shows. They also may not adjust anything on a horse they may be riding, with the exception of the stirrups. Only stewards, authorized college personnel or horse owners can adjust, change or tighten equipment for potential riders.

Intercollegiate competitions are much like any other competition, but the IHSA has its own unique qualities. Riders and horses are paired up based on a drawing. The rider has no time to warm up or adapt to the new mount. Judges are not supposed to make decisions based on how the horse and tack look. Only the rider's position and the use of aids are being judged. Since the host college provides all horses and tack, it is up to the rider to ask horses to perform to the best of their abilities. Riders must adapt their riding abilities and skills to many different types and styles of horses with only a moment's notice. IHSA and rodeo rough stock riders have a lot in common since, in both cases, it’s the luck of the draw.

When hosting a show, the college may own some of the horses as well as borrow from friends and students. Some colleges have their own string of horses, while other colleges do not own any horses and students take private or semi-private lessons off-campus at private facilities. The better scenario is for a student to attend a college with an on-campus riding arena, barn and college-owned horses. For example, Judson College owns its own barn, arena and jump course. The majority of horses are donations, with a few exceptions.

Generally speaking, IHSA horses are quarter horses, paints, thoroughbreds, warmbloods, palominos or appaloosas. The IHSA does not permit gaited horses, and Arabian horses must be approved by show stewards before they can be used at shows.

The rider's position and ability is the main focus. Riders can be asked to perform individual patterns or can be judged exclusively on rail work. It is important to test and challenge competitors' ability to ride patterns and transitions.

Competitors compete on different levels for IHSA points. Once a certain number of points have been won, the rider moves to a higher division. Levels range from Beginner Walk-Trot through the Open Classes, which can also include reining or jumping competition. Coaches select one rider from each level to be the point rider for the school's team. The points earned by this rider are used to calculate team points for regional, zone and national qualifications, as well as rankings at the individual shows. Regardless of their level of competition, riders gain experience and encourage each other as a team.

The lowest level of competition is Beginner Walk-Trot. To be eligible to compete in IHSA, a beginner must be able to ride safely in any saddle on most any beginner-type horse and be able to control the horse at the walk and trot. Most beginners can show IHSA while in college if they really want to put the effort and time into preparation. The IHSA is a recognized member of the American Horse Show Association (AHSA), which means the IHSA is actively involved with the top professionals in the industry. Shows are judged by AHSA and AQHA(American Quarter Horse Association) recognized judges.

There are now 29 regions and nine zones in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, encompassing 48 states with 7,000 riders and 300 teams. The average IHSA region includes 11 colleges, 225 total riders and competes in approximately eight horse shows per year. For more information about IHSA, visit the web site at http://www.ihsa.com

Jennifer Johnston Hoggle is Director of Equine Science for Judson
College in Marion, AL.