IHSA
We attend local rated and un-rated competitions individually, and compete as a team with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone IV Region I. Students interested in competing will have to pay for membership, coaching and entry fees.
From the IHSA Website:
The IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional, zone, and national levels. The association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship, and fun. Competition plays a role but the students’ enthusiasm and team spirit are the major factors. The objective of IHSA competition is to offer the opportunity to riders in their first years of riding as well as to students with show experience. Eliminating the expense of shipping or even owning horses puts IHSA competitions within reach of many who would otherwise miss the equestrian experience.
Horses and Tack
Teams travel to the hosting team's facility. Riders from each school ride horses provided by the host school, chosen by a draw. Riders are not allowed to use their own tack or practice on the horse. They find the horse, mount, and ride in to be judged.
Scoring
Each class is judged and riders are awarded ribbons and points. When a rider scores enough points (35) to qualify for the regional championships, he or she moves to the next higher level for the remainder of the year, returning to compete at the lower level at Regionals. Top riders at Regionals advance to the Zone Championships, and top riders at Zones advance to the IHSA National Championships at each year end. Points carry over from one year to the next.
Team Scoring
For each show, the coach selects one rider from each division to compete on behalf of the school. Those scores are totaled to select a Champion Team for each show. The scores cumulate throughout the year, and the high point team at the end of the season is named the Regional Champion Team. Regional Champions advance to the Zone Championships and the top teams from Zones advance to Nationals. National team competition follows the same format, with one rider from each division representing each team against the other Zone Champion teams. National team competition is held in separate classes from the individual competition at the National Championships, and is referenced by the trophy names -- Collegiate Cup (hunter), and AQHA Trophy (western).
Individual Fees
Every year, riders must submit an Individual Membership Application with a $30 annual IHSA membership due for either hunt seat or western disciplines or $40 for both disciplines. Entry fees vary between regions, typically between $14 and $18 per class, but can be as high as $25 in certain regions. A rider can compete in one class on the flat and one over fences at each show, or one western horsemanship class (open riders can also do reining).