| Intercollegiate Horse Show Association |
| The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association "IHSA" is the
governing body for competeting college equestrian teams. |
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| Background |
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Robert Cacchione and John Fritz established the association
in 1967. IHSA was developed to allow student riders of any skill level or economic background to be able to compete and succeed at their own levels of skill and
experience. IHSA recognizes huntseat and western styles of riding. However, Radford only participates in the huntseat discipline at this time. |
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| Levels & Classes |
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IHSA competitions hold classes in hunter seat equitation over
fences and hunter seat equitation on the flat. |
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There are three (3) levels of over-fences competition: |
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-Open Equitation Over Fences |
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-Intermediate Equitation Over Fences |
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-Novice Equitation Over Fences |
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There are five (5) levels of competition on the flat: |
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-Open Equitation |
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-Intermediate Equitation |
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-Novice Equitation |
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-Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter Equitation |
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-Beginner Walk & Trot Equitation |
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| Horse & Tack |
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Teams do not move horses to shows. Riders from all colleges ride horses
provided by the host college(s). Immediately prior to their class, the riders of the class line up and draw their horse, usually by pulling a slip of paper from a hat. Riders
draw whatever tack happens to be on the horse they've drawn creating a challenge that tests true horsemanship ability overall. There is no schooling time; riders mount, adjust
stirrups, and ride in before the judge. Shows are conducted this way to ensure a level playing field for all and to truly test the rider's ability. The host school(s) provide
a horse description list with brief comments about each horse. |
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| Attire |
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Traditional huntseat attire is required at all IHSA shows. This includes tall
field boots, rat catcher shirt and collar, approved show helmet, show breeches (olive is the standard color), hunt coat, and black gloves. The rider's hair must be covering the
ears and tucked neatly inside the helmet. |
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