Showing

The WPU Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).  The association organizes horse shows in a unique way that allows college equestrians to compete against each other on a level playing field.  Traditionally, one might argue that the first place ribbon often goes to the person who has the deepest pockets.  The finest well trained horse, worth a million bucks, can make even the simplest rider shine in the saddle.  IHSA shows counteract this with two practices.  First, only the rider is judged - not the horse.  Second, show horses are randomly assigned to a rider at the beginning of the day. 

At a traditional horse show a rider trains with one horse for weeks, months, or maybe years.  At an IHSA horse show a rider may draw a horse never seen before.  At a traditional horse show the rider is expected have a warm up ride.  At an IHSA horse show the horses are warmed up by barn hands and nobody showing is allowed to ride before their class.  Because of this, a successful IHSA competitor must be proficient and versatile enough to adapt to any type of horse - and still look good in the saddle.

The WPU Equestrian Team is part of Zone 2 Region 1.  Other schools in this zone include Centenary, Drew, SUNY New Paltz, USMA, Bard, Stevens, Sarah Lawrence, Pace, Marist, and Vassar.  Shows throughout the season are hosted by different schools at different barns.  Typically there are about 8 shows per year, plus additional shows if riders advance to zone or regional competitions.  WPU competes in English seat only. 

The divisions offered at shows range from beginner walk trot to open jumping.  Riders who enter the IHSA are required to fill out a detailed questionnaire to ensure they are entered in the appropriate division.  Somebody who is experienced in the show ring should not be registered to compete in the beginning level.  IHSA also offers showing opportunities to Alumni. If enough people sign up to show, multiple classes are offered within a division.

Divisions offered at IHSA Shows:
English:
1 - Walk Trot (WT) Equitation on Flat
2A - Beginner Walk/Trot/Canter (WTC) Equitation on Flat
2B - Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter (WTC) Equitation on Flat
3 - Novice Equitation on Flat
4 - Novice Equitation Over Fences
5 - Intermediate Equitation on Flat
6 - Intermediate Equitation Over Fences
7 - Open Equitation on Flat
8 - Open Equitation Over Fences
9 - Alumni Equitation on Flat
10 - Alumni Equitation Over Fences
Western:
11 - Walk-Jog Horsemanship
12 - Intermediate Western Horsemanship
13 - Novice Western Horsemanship
14 - Advanced Western Horsemanship
15 - Open Western Horsemanship
16 - Open Reining

In essence, this is both an individual and team sport.  Individuals enter into classes and earn points based on how well they do.  First place earns 7 points, 2nd place - 5 points, 3rd place - 4 points, and so on.  Riders that earn 35 points in one division qualify to compete at the regional level and must also move up to the next division. 

Teams do not earn points for every rider (otherwise the biggest team might always win).  At the beginning of a show day each team designates one "point rider" per division.  Any points a point rider earns goes towards the team total, and a champion is determined at the end of the show day.  Non-point riders still compete and earn individual points.  Alumni divisions are not assigned point riders.

How much does it cost to show?  At a traditional horse show a rider may spend hundreds of dollars in class fees.  At IHSA horse shows riders pay $25 per class.  Team funding for membership or showing fees may vary from year to year.  Please talk to an officer for more information about the cost of showing.  Riders are expected to purchase show attire on their own budget.

Other useful links about showing:

• www.ihsainc.com - Official IHSA website
• www.campusequestrian.com - News (Look for Zone 2 Region 1)