The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) is a non-profit organization that encompasses 29 Regions in 9 Zones with 350+ member colleges in 45 states and Canada - representing intercollegiate riders in Hunter Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship, and Reining.
The IHSA promotes both Hunt Seat and Western competitions for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams. Weekend competitions are held throughout the academic year. The team hosting a competition provides the facilities, horses and saddlery for the competition. Riders compete against other riders with comparable riding experience. Riders represent their colleges both individually and as teams at Regional, Zone and National level competitions and are judged by licensed USEF or AQHA judges. Teams may be recognized as either club sports or varsity sports by their institutions and may take instruction and practice at college equestrian faciliites or at a host stable near campus that teaches hunt seat equitation or western horsemanship.
The association was founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione and his professor Capt. Jack Fritz at Fairleigh Dickinson University. The IHSA was established 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. The 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 provide riders in their first years of riding as well as students with show experience an opportunity to ride and compete while in college. By eliminating the expense of owning a horse or saddlery, riders who have just learned to ride or could never own a horse of their own have a chance to learn about and enjoy competitive riding. Riders who have been riding or competing prior to college are able to continue to enjoy their sport and improve their skills while in college.
IHSA Zone 5 includes the southeastern states of Tennessee, Western Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The Zone is further divided into Regions with Region 3 including teams from Central Florida Community College, College of Charleston, Florida State University, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida and Wesleyan College. IHSA Nationals will be held in Lexington Kentucky at the Kentucky Horse Park in both 2010 and 2011.
Regional President
8877 Old River Road, South
Brooklet, Georgia 30415
PHONE: (912) 823-9062
FAX: (912) 823-9030
