Tennessee Tech University Equestrian Team

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association is one of the national collegiate riding associations. The IHSA format allows for riders with different experience levels to enjoy the competitive atmosphere. Riders are placed in divisions based on previous riding and competitive experience, as opposed to age, sex, or status.

 

The IHSA style format of competition is unique in that students do not need to own a horse to be able to compete. Most of the horses are provided by the host college, but occasionally competing teams will bring horses if entries warrant. Division appropriate horses are put into a lottery and riders draw their mount from the pool. Horses are warmed up by coaches and volunteers, competitors do not get to practice on their horse prior to entering the show ring.

 

Riders are judged on horsemanship and equitation, not the abilities of the horse. Depending on the class they may be asked to ride around the rail, perform maneuvers, execute a pattern, and/or jump a course of fences. Riders compete in one class per horse show day, unless they are eligible to compete in a second class.

 

In the western discipline there are six divisions: Beginner, Rookie A, Rookie B, Level I, Level II and Open. Beginner-Open riders compete in Horsemanship, being judged on the rail and pattern work. Level II riders have the opportunity to compete in Ranch Riding in addition to Horsemanship. Ranch Riding tests the skill and versatility of a horse and rider as a working ranch team. Open level riders have the opportunity to compete in Reining in addition to Horsemanship. Reining is judged on a horse’s and rider’s ability to execute a pattern of maneuvers that mimic the skills needed on a working cattle ranch.

 

In the hunt seat discipline there are six divisions: Introductory, Pre-Novice, Novice, Limit, Intermediate, and Open. Introductory-Novice riders compete in Equitation on the rail or “flat”. Limit, Intermediate, and Open riders have the opportunity to compete in Equitation over Fences in addition to Equitation on the Flat. Riders jump a course of at least six fences ranging in height, the maximum height being 3’3” at the Open level.

 

The judge ranks the riders based on their horsemanship, and the top six placings are announced. Riders are awarded points based on each placing. At the show these points are used to calculated High Point and Reserve High Point. The High Point Rider and Reserve High Point Rider are the first and second highest scoring competitors of the day. The High Point Team and Reserve High Point Team are the first and second highest scoring teams of the day. Competitions are both individual and team sports.

 

A rider’s points accumulate throughout their collegiate riding career, and once a rider has earned enough points they move up to the next division and have the opportunity to compete a regionals at the end of the year. The top finishers at regionals have an opportunity to compete at zone finals, and potentially move on to compete individually at IHSA Nationals. The team’s points also accumulate throughout the year, the top placing teams moving on to compete at zone finals, and potentially the team competition at IHSA Nationals.

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For more information please visit http://www.ihsainc.com/