I am majoring in equestrian studies and proudly serve as one of four team captains on the SCAD Equestrian Team, holding the role of First-Year Coordinator. In this specific role, I assist incoming freshmen in acclimating to the dual responsibilities of being student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of upholding our team’s lasting legacy.

Since joining the SCAD Equestrian Team in the Fall of 2022, I have been dedicated to advancing my equestrian skills and contributing to our team’s success. I’ve been riding almost my whole life and wanted to continue my passion for horses throughout college and my future career.

I’ve been riding and competing within the Arabian Circuit for the last 10 years and have a newfound love for the world of hunter/jumpers. My time at SCAD has introduced me to IHSA and the hunter/jumper discipline. This exposure to a new discipline and association has significantly broadened my riding capabilities, allowing me to become a more versatile and well-rounded rider.

Under the guidance of our two amazing coaches, Ashley Henry and Sammy Perlman, my IHSA journey has been incredibly fulfilling. Their mentorship, combined with the support of my teammates, who have become like family, has enriched my collegiate equestrian experience to the fullest. Additionally, working with so many exceptional horses graciously donated to our program has provided me with so much new knowledge and insight into my personal growth and development as a rider.

The Road to Nationals

There was so much hard work and dedication not only for me but also for my whole team, which contributed to getting us to Nationals this year. There was so much dedication on my part to get to this point with active riding almost every day and working out mentally and physically to be the best version of myself before the competition. 

My coach sent us all a quote by Julie Reed before the show really resonated with me: “Going to practice is the most minimal thing you can do. Everyone goes to practice. Champions are great because of what they do outside of practice.”

The importance of showing up every day and working just as hard outside the barn is so significant. The SCAD Equestrian team brought about 15 horses to IHSA Nationals, so we prepared ourselves and prepped our horses all week at the show. We made sure they were looking and feeling their best, not only for our riders, but for everyone else. I worked inside the barn all week to help get our horses out for schooling and their designated classes. It was a whirlwind of a week, and I watched many of my other teammates compete before my class on Saturday. 

On the day of my competition, I focused on mental and physical readiness, including stretching and observing the horses during their schooling sessions. At the draw table, I engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow competitors, harnessing a sense of community before we all stepped foot in the same arena. I was fortunate to draw Dee, one of our own horses and a personal favorite of mine, which was an unreal experience. Competing on Dee was truly special, and I was honored to place 10th in a highly competitive class. Even though it wasn’t the placing I had hoped for, I am still very proud of my performance, and most importantly, I had fun and a great ride. 

Not only was the competition a success, but I also met some amazing people throughout the weekend. I got to have great conversations with the people I was competing against, not only at the draw table, but also after we had all competed against one another. Everyone I talked to was supportive and kind, and it was nice to make connections while at the show.

Beyond the competition, the relationships forged with fellow riders and my coaches and my teammates’ support made my trip to the IHSA Nationals extremely fulfilling. The horses, the people, and my coaches being there with me every step of the way is what made it so impactful for me. I am so grateful to have such great support and cannot wait to work even harder. As I look forward to my Senior year, I am committed to building upon this foundation, striving for excellence, and contributing to the success of the SCAD Equestrian Team. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m excited to have one last year as a SCAD Bee and a member of this amazing association. 

Find out more information about the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association here.

Learn more about the 2025 IHSA National Championship here.

Nationals wasn’t just another horse show. It was the moment everything came full circle. The atmosphere at Nationals is hard to put into words. Everywhere I looked, there were incredibly talented riders from across the country. The energy was electric, and even though we were technically competing against each other, there was a shared understanding. That sense of mutual respect made the experience even more special.

Being Part of a Team

One of the biggest highlights for me was the feeling of team spirit. Even though you ride alone in the ring, Nationals made it feel like we were all in it together. Whether we were watching each other’s classes, helping each other get ready or just laughing in the stands, this constant support system reminded me why I love my team so much. It’s not about the points or ribbons; it’s about the people who’ve been with you through it all.

When it was finally my turn to ride in both Horseware Ireland Team Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and on the Flat, I remember standing at the in-gate with my heart pounding. I was nervous, but in the best way. I focused on my horse, took a deep breath and just tried to soak it all in. I settled into my nerves in the over-fences class and put in great work in the flat. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember feeling proud: proud of how far I’ve come, proud to represent my team and proud to just be in that ring.

Personal Growth & Lasting Memories

But beyond Nationals, the whole experience of IHSA has meant so much to me. I had no idea how much I would grow—both as a rider and as a person. IHSA has challenged me in ways I never expected. It’s taught me how to ride unfamiliar horses with confidence, stay calm under pressure and adapt when situations don’t go as planned. There were definitely tough days—times I drew a tricky horse or felt like I let myself or my team down. But those moments taught me resilience. They taught me to keep showing up, keep learning and never to take a ride for granted. And when things went well, all the hard work was worth it.

Some of my favorite memories didn’t happen in the ring. They happened in the van rides to shows, during long days at the barn or while sitting on the floor of a hotel room sharing stories. It’s the little things that made this experience so special: the inside jokes, the pre-show pep talks and the quiet support from teammates. This team became a second family, which is something I’ll always carry with me.

I have to give a huge shoutout to our coaches. Without their support and belief in me and the team, none of this would’ve been possible. They pushed me when I needed it, encouraged me when I was down and celebrated every little win with me. Having someone who saw potential in me—sometimes even when I didn’t see it in myself—made all the difference. I’ll always be grateful for that kind of guidance.

Graduating With Confidence

As I get ready to graduate, I’ve been thinking a lot about what IHSA has given me. Yes, it gave me stronger riding skills and some pretty great ribbons. But more than that, it gave me confidence. It showed me what I’m capable of when I work hard and believe in myself. It gave me friendships I know will last long after college. And it gave me some of the best memories of my life. Competing at Nationals two years in a row felt like the perfect ending to this journey. It was the big moment—the final award—but also a reminder of how much I’ve grown since I started my journey. I’ll miss the shows, the horses and the team, but I know this isn’t really the end. IHSA will always be part of my story, and I’ll carry these lessons and memories wherever I go.

So, thank you, IHSA and Lynchburg, for the rides, the horses, the people and the chance to be part of something truly amazing. I would not have been able to come this far without any of this. Nationals was the cherry on top of an unforgettable experience, and I’ll forever cherish my time with my team.

Find out more information about the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association here.

Learn more about the 2025 IHSA National Championship here.

The scholarships are available to US Equestrian competing members and subscribers who are current high school seniors and are preparing to enter college full-time in the fall of 2025. Equestrians from all US Equestrian-affiliated breeds and disciplines pursuing any major are encouraged to apply.

Applicants may meet the requirement to continue their involvement with horses during college through equine-related coursework, participation on a college riding team or club or horse-related internships, jobs or volunteer work. Funds will be issued directly to the recipients’ educational institutions to be applied to their tuition costs.

Meet the 2024 Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship recipients.

How to Apply for 2025 Higher Education Equestrian Scholarships

The application package includes proof of full-time college enrollment, a letter explaining the applicant’s involvement in horse-related activity, a reference letter from an individual in the horse industry and an essay written by the applicant answering questions about their current and future involvement with equestrian sports.

Click here to access the application form and see full application instructions.

The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025. Please direct any questions to Lexie Stovel at lstovel@usef.org.

Founded by Robert “Bob” Cacchione in 1967, the premise of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) is that any college student should be able to ride in horse shows regardless of their riding level, gender, race, sexual orientation or financial status. Since its inception, the IHSA has provided countless opportunities for college students in the United States and Canada. Present day, IHSA includes over 400 member colleges across 45 states and Canada and has a whopping 10,000 members.

The IHSA acts as a home for equestrians of every level. From long-time riders who are on track to become professionals to curious college students just finding horses, the IHSA provides an affordable way to get involved in the sport. Horses and tack are provided by the colleges, eliminating the expenses of horse ownership and the costs that come with it. Those who may have never had the means or motive to explore the horse world are welcomed with open arms. When I was part of the IHSA, we had students join the team who had never sat on a horse’s back before, and we loved it! Watching your teammates grow and learn, no matter their skill level, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the IHSA.

“I have a lot of kids who are not experienced riders,” says Peter Cashman, Executive Director of the IHSA and coach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “To see them win their first blue ribbon is so exciting. When you’re teaching them and the light bulb goes off in their head and they finally understand what you’re trying to teach them, it’s so gratifying.”

At competitions, mounts are drawn at random to allow an even playing field across each level from the Beginner Division to the Open Division in both the hunter seat and western disciplines. Every rider is tasked with the challenge of performing their best on a horse they have never ridden before. Trainers, teammates, family and friends watch from outside the ring as the riders put in their best rounds. And while one person may be riding, it is truly a team effort.

“Whether it’s Nationals, whether it’s a tournament, whether it’s a local regional show, you’re riding all different horses. But the thing that is consistent, is that this group of people, your IHSA team, is there on the sidelines,” says Dr. Ella Pitman, former Mount Holyoke College IHSA rider. “They’re cheering you on, they’re walking courses with you, they’re helping polish boots, they’re making sure your stirrups are right. They are there. They are always there.”

While competition does play a role, it’s the students’ enthusiasm and team spirit that make the IHSA what it is. Members have the ability to ride while also building a close community with fellow equestrians. As an IHSA veteran myself, some of my closest friends and strongest relationships came from being a part of the team at Auburn University. We laughed together, cheered together, worked long hours together, and supported each other. In the end, it forged lifelong friendships that I’m thankful for every day.

“There are so many stories you hear about friendships that are found between an open rider and a walk-trot kid on the same team that would have never been in the same area at a horse show,” says Cashman. “They wouldn’t have made this connection. But, through the love of the horse and being on a team, that relationship has built and grown and stayed with them for life.”

Riding aside, the IHSA is helping shape the future of the horse industry. In general, the equestrian community is seeing less and less newcomers to the sport. The IHSA is working to break this trend by recognizing the importance of creating professionals. And, “professionals” doesn’t always mean riding professionals—the organization helps mold members into trainers, veterinarians, barn owners, insurance providers, journalists and more who will move the industry into the next generation of growth. The IHSA connects those who are exploring a career path in the equine industry to a network of horsemen and women who can work together.

“So many of their classmates and kids who rode on other teams who they became friendly with are now in the industry,” says Cashman. “They intermingle with each other. If they’re looking for horses or if somebody is looking for a job, they network, and they’re helping the whole horse industry.” The IHSA community reaches farther than just college students—as riders graduate and move onto their next phase in life, they will help the next generation of athletes, and that generation the next, and so on and so forth.

Though the IHSA was founded so that any college student would be able to ride in horse shows, it is so much more than that. It is a home, it is a community, it is a learning opportunity, it is the future of the horse industry, and it is the experience of a lifetime.

This article and Horse Week feature video are brought to you by the Intercollegiate  Horse Show Association. 

Horse Week: October 3 – 9

Learn how the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association kicks off the careers of many equine industry professionals in the IHSA’s Horse Week feature video, Life Lessons 101 on Tuesday, October 5 at 8 p.m. EDT. Check out more must-see equine content October 3-9, 2021 during Horse Week brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health at www.horseweek.tv.

WATCH the trailer for Life Lessons 101 below.

Are you ready to take your love of horses to the next level?

Autumn is upon us, and just because you’re college-bound doesn’t mean you have to hang up your boots and helmet. Why not look for institutions with riding programs or pursue your passion with a related degree or associate degree program?

Even in the age of coronavirus, horses remain a part of our lives, and employees are still needed in various facets of the equine industry. Besides riding, training, teaching lessons and stable management, challenging jobs await you in such fields as equine health care, marketing, equine law, equine publishing and facilities management. To pursue many of these career paths, you’ll need specific technical credentials that you can acquire at college with a little advance planning.

Some, like jobs in equine veterinary practice, veterinary research, veterinary pharmaceuticals or equine health care, will likely require a four-year Bachelor of Science program. As an alternative, a solid business degree through a four-year equine program could help pave the way for a job in the growing field of equine business. Particularly if you are good with the public and like dealing with numbers, a position as an equine facility manager or a comptroller at a large breeding farm might be right up your alley.

A four-year equestrian studies program combined with classes or another major in business or tech management can also help set you up for not only training, teaching or facility management but marketing work at equine companies, breed associations and governing bodies in equine sport. Master’s degrees to expand your reach are even a possibility at some institutions.

Associate or two-year equine degree programs are another option that affords a lot of flexibility, especially if there is hands-on component combined with classroom time. When you want a solid foundation, these abbreviated programs can provide a good starting point for many pathways, since they generally include the basics in riding, training and stable management, as well as core liberal arts courses. They’re also a great way to test the waters in a certain career track, with internships and summer jobs that help you get a foot in the door. In addition, two-year programs offer you a chance to determine whether your chosen path is a good fit for you.

If you love horses, teaching and kids—and/or working with the disabled—the field of therapeutic riding is another route worth considering, with more TR centers being built around the country every year. Look for colleges that offer four-year degrees in TR or that offer a TR emphasis within an equine program, as well as preparation for Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International certification.

Last but not least, you can always choose a non-equine career path but study for it at a college that also offers riding programs, riding clubs or even varsity/intercollegiate competitive riding. What better way to take a break from the books? When all is said and done, the equine-inclined have more choices than ever when choosing a college, especially if combining several related fields of study in your degree. So mount up, go forth and conquer!

Here are a few options to get you started:

Albion College

#OneTeam is the ethos of the equestrian program at Albion College. #OneTeam is the bond between our horses and their riders. #OneTeam is the way the students from our hunt seat, dressage and Western teams unite to make the Held Equestrian Center their home away from home. #OneTeam is the way our staff work with faculty to find innovative and fun ways to incorporate horsemanship into lessons about history, culture, the sciences and business, too. #OneTeam partners the Held Center with our veterinarians, farriers and other professionals to care for our equine partners and help our students become better horsemen and women. Albion College is one of the nation’s top 100 liberal arts colleges and consistently ranks as a great educational value, as well as producing alumni who are top earners and experts in their fields. Full support for varsity and club equestrian athletes on campus creates a dynamic, well-rounded experience for riders during their four years. Learn more about the Albion equestrian experience today. We invite you to become part of our #OneTeam! www.albion.edu/equestrian

Asbury University

God-People-Horses—all in one place! Located just a few miles south of the horse capital of the world, the Asbury University Equine Program strives for its students to become Christ-centered leaders in the equine industry. The unique location of the program allows for limitless opportunities for students to excel in their equine-related education at Asbury and to gain practical experience on the many local farms and businesses. The Equine program allows for students to pursue their interests whether in Equine Management, Equine Training, Equine Science, Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Facilitated Mental Health or Pre-Veterinarian Medicine. www.asbury.edu

Emory & Henry College

Whether you want to pursue a college degree in equine studies or ride competitively at the collegiate level, Emory & Henry College (E&H) is the perfect place for students to graduate with a top-notch, private, liberal arts education in beautiful southwest Virginia. E&H students start learning, doing and connecting, enabling them to become a valuable part of the equestrian industry. Emory & Henry offers a B.A., a B.S. and a minor in Equine Studies—and a pre-professional program for pre-veterinary. Students participate in hands-on learning through unique research and work opportunities, from performing equine health-related research studies to assisting in running collegiate horse shows. The nationally-acclaimed Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College boasts 21 national championships in competitive riding since 2001. Emory & Henry’s IHSA, IDA and ANRC teams offer opportunities for students to gain competitive experience in hunters, jumpers, equitation and dressage. Graduates from the E&H equestrian program succeed in careers ranging from instructors, trainers and barn managers to professional riders. They also enter veterinary medicine or achieve positions of industry leadership, working with some of the best in the equestrian field. www.ehc.edu/equine

Otterbein University

Learn by doing at Otterbein University. The Department of Equine Science prides itself on experiential learning opportunities and individualized attention. Students are immersed in their own living laboratory and have the opportunity to expand their passion for horses into a competitive career path. Become a part of the every-growing equine industry and explore one of the three highly marketable degrees that Otterbein has to offer: Equine Business Management, Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies and Equine Veterinary Technology. https://www.otterbein.edu/equine

 Emily Holowczak, a senior at Mount Holyoke College and member of the school’s riding team, gives us an insider’s report on all the action at this year’s IHSA Nationals. 

Walking into the arena at IHSA Nationals is a moment I will never forget. The lights were bright, the crowd hushed and for a precious few moments it was just me and the horse. There’s nothing quite like having the large arena stretched out before you, a site where all of the countless hours of hard work and preparation are put to the test.

Competition kicked off early on Thursday morning with Individual Open Equitation Over Fences. Spirits and nerves were high as riders were eager to perform. After several lovely rounds and a callback for additional testing, Michael Andrade of Centenary University took home the first championship award. Individual Intermediate Over Fences followed, where Mount Holyoke (MHC) had one of their horses competing. We brought two horses to the Nationals named Marty and Giovanni, the latter being used for the class. While MHC didn’t have any riders competing in the class, we were excited to see Giovanni make his Nationals debut. The chestnut gelding was ridden by Jennifer DePietro of Johnson & Wales University, where she put in a beautiful round to win the class. Giovanni had his moment in the spotlight, as DePietro had pictures taken with him in the winner’s circle. Individual Novice Over Fences was next, leading up to the first Collegiate Cup class of the day for the team riders. Sheridan Beard clinched the top honors, putting Skidmore on the board and in the lead, a position they would maintain throughout the competition. Our own MHC rider had a beautiful ride to finish with an honorable mention. After a quick arena drag, my class was next in Individual Intermediate Equitation on the Flat.

I drew a horse named Aoki provided by Pembroke Pointe Show Stables. The large gelding had distinct markings and I smiled knowing that I could stand out with him. I had few moments to greet him, and was soon ready to mount up and head to the arena. After a final boot polish and some encouraging words from my teammates, all the flat riders lined up, ready to go. Suddenly, everything seemed to progress in slow motion. With butterflies aflutter, I took a few moments to breathe deeply as I approached the in-gate. I could feel the goosebumps fly up my arms as I walked through the entrance and glanced around the arena. This was it!

The class was soon called to order, and I realized it was going to be a challenge to navigate the ring and get noticed. With sixteen riders all vying for a spot alone on the rail, the arena that once looked so large suddenly felt very small. Luckily, I saw an open spot on the opposite side and cut across the arena. I remember looking to the stands to see my team and parents watching with excitement, and a wide grin spread across my face. In that moment, I felt confident.

The class seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, we were lining up in front of the judges. No additional testing was required, so I gave Aoki a pat and hopped off. All sixteen of us lined up for pinning and volunteers entered with ribbons and prizes. I felt great about my ride, but also knew I was amongst the best riders in the country and that making it to the top ten would be difficult. Six honorable mentions were called first, and my number was not included. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I learned I had made the top ten, which was my ultimate goal. I finished in ninth place!

Several flat classes followed throughout the day, and MHC riders competed in both the Collegiate Cup Novice Flat and Collegiate Cup Intermediate Flat. My teammates had lovely rides to finish with honorable mentions. With the first day completed, we packed up our belongings and headed back to the hotel.

My alarm went off very early Friday morning and we were soon back at the showgrounds. The day began with Collegiate Cup Intermediate Over Fences. My teammate Sara Hearn was riding for MHC, and we all headed to the draw table with her. Sara drew a horse named Clay, provided by Skidmore College. “I have been so obsessed with this horse!” Sara exclaimed. She had her eye on the fancy bay from the first day of Nationals and was hoping to draw him. Sara put in a stunning round to win first place for Mount Holyoke! We now had seven points on the board.

Next up was the Cacchione Cup Over Fences phase, which saw my teammate Mollie Kowalchik compete. Mollie’s round was absolutely stunning, earning her a score of 87, which ended up being the highest score of the Nationals competition! Mollie also had a beautiful flat phase, and ended the day in first place leading into testing on Saturday. Rounding out the day for MHC was Collegiate Cup Walk-Trot and Collegiate Cup Walk-Trot-Canter, in which our riders posted an honorable mention and an eighth-place finish, respectively.

Saturday marked the last day of the hunt seat competition. My teammate Maddy Skrak was up first for the Collegiate Cup Open Over Fences class. After a stunning ride, Maddy was called back for additional testing. As results were called, she took fourth in the class, adding more points for MHC. Next was the last phase of the Cacchione Cup class. The top ten riders were called back, and Mollie was last to go in the order for jumping. The complicated test course was rather long and featured two trot fences. Mollie put in a great ride aboard a large grey horse. After two days, pinning for the most prestigious class in the IHSA got underway. Mollie clinched Reserve Champion, while top honors went to Makayla Benjamin of Sweet Briar College. Later, the last Collegiate Cup class saw our MHC rider post an eighth-place finish, and we earned seventh place overall, tied with Virginia Tech in the Collegiate Cup competition. Skidmore College, Savannah College of Art and Design and Stanford University were the top three teams, respectively.

Ending my IHSA career at Nationals was certainly a highlight of my collegiate riding career. I was honored to compete as an individual as well as support my teammates in the Collegiate Cup and Cacchione Cup. So many memories have been molded by the IHSA, and I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of it for my entire time at college. As a “catch rider” and working student for the majority of my riding career, I never dreamed I could make it to a national competition. IHSA gave me the keys to unlock new possibilities, and I am happy I could share my experience at Nationals with Practical Horseman!

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship is celebrating its 51 anniversary, bringing together another excellent opportunity for riders of various levels to compete. This year’s upcoming show is May 3-6, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, home of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the coveted Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, in Harrisburg. The WeatherBeeta Group is a proud sponsor of the IHSA and is donating various types of prizes for winners from our WeatherBeeta, Dublin Clothing and Collegiate lines.

The IHSA has over 400 colleges and university teams with about 10,000 members across the U.S. and Canada. About 450 students will be competing at the upcoming National Championship. Notable previous winners of the Cacchione Cup, named after IHSA founder Bob Cacchione and awarded to the national individual hunter seat high point rider, include Beezie Madden, Peter Wylde, Daniel Geitner, James Fairclough II and Chase Boggio. 

“Not only do IHSA riders learn skills in the saddle and at the show, they also learn about horse care and stable management,” says Cacchione, also the IHSA executive director.

With a great emphasis on learning, sportsmanship and fun, the IHSA provides riders of all levels an opportunity to ride and compete regardless of their skill level, financial status or riding experience. At WeatherBeeta, it is our mission to design products that fit a rider’s lifestyle and budget while also providing both horse and rider with all-day comfort. Both WeatherBeeta Group and IHSA believe in giving everyone a fair opportunity to not only compete but to look and feel great in the products they are using.

WeatherBeeta strongly supports the IHSA and wishes everyone the best of luck at this year’s National Championship. 

Come spring, most high-school seniors will experience the joy and relief of getting accepted into a college. For equestrians, however, the moment may be tempered by a tough decision: whether and how to keep horses in your life for the next four years of school.

Below are 10 suggestions to make that decision easier.

1. Take Your Horse with You

Ask 10 people if it’s a good idea to take your horse to college and you’ll get 11 different answers. Add to that the myriad variables involved, starting with academic goals, riding ambitions, budget and time availability, and there’s no easy answer. There is a consensus that having your horse at school adds a heavy ball to what is already a juggling act of your college experience. Some riders swear by it, reporting that having their steed at school maintains structure and continuity in their lives and mandates careful time management—often money management, too. The hard work of horsemanship can be a stress reliever and simple quiet time with your horse can offer comfort in this new and unfamiliar phase of life.

The cost of keeping a horse at or near your school varies, but there are ways to defray it. If you choose a school with a riding team, you may be able to lease your horse part-time to the team. Privately owned stables may offer the chance to work off board by mucking stalls, teaching lessons or helping with online marketing.

2. Ride for Your School Team

You don’t need your own horse to ride for most collegiate equestrian teams, so this is a much less expensive way to stay in the saddle. Riding unfamiliar horses, usually owned by the school, is the common denominator in collegiate equestrian competition governed by several organizations. In most cases, you practice on team horses at your school. At shows, mounts are randomly drawn and there is very little, if any, time to become familiar with them before entering the show ring.

See “College Riding Organizations” below for an overview of the different types of collegiate team riding opportunities.

3. Cultivate Connections Now

Reaching out to mentors and establishing a network of connections now, in high school, can have immediate and long-term benefits. Twenty-five-year-old Zazou Hoffman admits she’s not naturally an outgoing person but pushing herself to “engage with professionals” from a young age served her well. (She admits she had a helpful nudge from her mom in this department.) Effective catch-riding as a junior was a nice calling card for networking, too.

“It’s really important to engage with your local trainers and riders,” she advises. “If you can get to know them a little, you’ll have some people you can call if you need something.”

In Zazou’s case, her need was to get back in the saddle during her freshman year at the University of California Los Angeles. She had initially decided to take a break from horses, but wound up missing it too much, even while enjoying the academic and social scene at UCLA.

A call to coach Susie Schroer, of Los Angeles hunter/jumper program Meadow Grove, to see if she could hack a horse here and there turned up a part-time riding position. “It ended up being more of a commitment than I thought I was interested in,” Zazou recalls. “It did cut into some of the activities you would normally be involved with in college, but it also kept me balanced in terms of my schedule. I never got behind in my classes because I always knew I had to carve out time to help out at Meadow Grove.” The position often involved 20 hours a week when the training barn was at home and sometimes full days Thursday through Sunday helping out during the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal. “A lot of kids lose track of time management when they go off to college, but for me, I think my strongest quarters were when I was working for Meadow Grove.”

Upon graduating, the 2009 Maclay Finals winner was offered her current post of assistant trainer at Meadow Grove. This year Zazou is debuting on the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping circuit on two horses owned by client Saree Kayne.

4. Take Riding as Physical Education

Universities that have an equestrian facility on campus, typically those with equine studies and/or agriculture programs, often offer horseback riding as a physical-education class. The level of riding may not be quite what you are used to, but it’s an affordable way to get a regular fix of saddle time and stable scents.

5. Consider Unfamiliar Disciplines

College is a time of exploration that can reach far beyond academics. If you’re a jumper rider and you find yourself at a college in the Mecca of working ranch Quarter Horses, say “yes” to any chance to take another saddle and a different type of horse for a spin. Open minds open doors!

6. Comingle Academics And Equestrian Interests

Most college academic tracks encourage or require an internship in your field of study. If you’re an accounting or marketing major, for example, reach out to an equine-related company and ask about internships where those skills can be applied. You may or may not get out in the field with horses, but at least you’ll be working alongside fellow horsepeople and gaining career experience.

Or work it from the other direction: “There are so many ways to get involved in research with horses or as an athlete,” suggests Duke University senior and jumper rider Mackenzie Drazan. “Whatever your major is, think of ways to apply it to the equestrian world. If it’s economics, study the economics of the horse business.”

7. Volunteer with a Therapeutic Riding Center

Michelle Hockley, volunteer coordinator at SIRE Therapeutic Riding in Houston, Texas, loves college (and high-school) students. From a practical perspective, they are often available to cover afternoon and evening activities that adult volunteers cannot.

Volunteers with horse experience are great candidates for leader roles at SIRE.That involves getting a horse ready for his session with a client: grooming, laying out the tack, etc. Volunteers who are comfortable around horses and have consistently chipped in for a semester or more are candidates for SIRE’s barn buddies program. “You get assigned to be a buddy to one of our horses to give them some extra love.” Most opportunities involve ground work, not riding, although “there is a little avenue here where a few girls, experienced equestrians, will ride our horses.”

The side-walker role is completely client-focused, so it does not require previous horse experience but will get you out to the barn. Stall muckers and aisle sweepers are always in demand.

As far as time commitment, SIRE requires one hour a week, at a specific time, and “to treat it like a job—a fun one.

“It’s really a great place to volunteer,” Michelle continues. “It’s outside, it’s physical, the clients are amazing and I think it gives you a better appreciation for everything. It’s really neat to see these riders and horses bond.”

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is a good resource for locating a program near you. Visit www.pathintl.org, which has a national directory of centers.

8. Volunteer with an Equine Rescue

“We, and every rescue I know of, are always short of volunteers,” says Mary Martin, founder and president of New England Equine Rescue North, Inc., in West Newbury, Massachusetts. The available task list at NEER is long: barn and stall cleaning, grooming, yard work and general maintenance, for starters.

Mary notes that every rescue has a different approach to riding its horses. If the horse landed at NEER because of behavioral issues, retraining, if possible, is critical to the “rehabilitate and re-home” part of its mission. “I do allow volunteers to ride our horses, but they have to be very advanced,” Mary explains. “Most [horses] have issues that need to be worked through to make them adoptable.

“We also have horses that are dead- safe for a beginning horseperson to learn grooming skills,” she continues. “We’re happy to show people who don’t know about horses how to work with them safely.”

Volunteering at a rescue can be the equivalent of earning a masters degree in horsemanship, especially for those considering or enrolled in a pre-veterinary track. It can be an eye-opener for those coming from a background with fat, shiny show horses. A horse who’s food-aggressive, for example, might seem to warrant a permanent bad-boy label. Often, though, that behavior disappears once his starvation days are behind him.

Beyond having volunteers work directly with the horses, rescues also rely on administrative help, and social-media savvy is a blessing for promoting awareness, events and fundraising.

NEER is flexible regarding volunteer schedules, and there’s always extra need on the weekdays and during bad weather.

Vetting a rescue’s legitimacy is an important pre-volunteer step. NEER, for example, is a certified 501c3 charitable organization and is well-rated by several nonprofit monitoring organizations, including GuideStar. It’s also a member of A Home For Every Horse (www.ahome
foreveryhorse.com) and the Unwanted Horse Coalition (www.unwanted
horsecoalition.org). Both organizations are good places to start the search for a reputable rescue.

9. Volunteer at a Competition or Clinic

Competition and clinic organizers are almost always in need of warm bodies, and a warm body with horse experience is especially valuable. This is true of eventing and dressage competitions of any size and hunter/jumper shows that are smaller and/or run by local organizations.

Organizers usually have an online sign-up process or volunteer coordinators who will happily plug you into a fun and often educational position. This is a great way to get acquainted with the equestrian scene in your college’s area and start networking in ways that might lead to riding opportunities down the road.

Visit the websites of each discipline’s U.S. Equestrian Federation affiliate to find event calendars that can be filtered by region. For dressage, that’s www.usdf.org; for eventing, it’s www.useventing.com; for hunter/jumpers, it’s www.ushja.org. And don’t forget U.S. Pony Club: www.ponyclub.org.

Wherever you volunteer, take it seriously. Be reliable, respectful and enthusiastic about the opportunity to be out and about among horses and horsepeople. You never know where it will lead you.

10. Start a Team

Kate Boggan of San Antonio went to Texas A&M to earn an animal-science degree. The big school in College Station, Texas, has National Collegiate Equestrian Association hunt seat and Western teams, but as a lifelong eventer, Kate wanted an opportunity to ride for her school. So she started an eventing team herself. She had guidance from the school’s club activities’ administrators but did most of the work herself and with the team’s charter members. It helped significantly that Kate spent two summers interning for the U.S. Eventing Association just as the organization was launching its Intercollegiate Eventing Program. She gained first-hand experience with marketing and sponsorship issues and applied it all when the club got its official start in the fall of 2015.

Along with being able to event under the Aggies’ maroon banner, Kate got a significant leg up in her career preparation and planning. “I was interested in equine reproduction and I still enjoy that, but after starting the eventing team I found that I really love this administrative role, so I may be looking for a career on that side of the business,” she explains. “Starting the team opened up a pool of opportunities and skills that I didn’t even know I had.” The organizing, promoting, travel-arranging, budgeting and fundraising skills required to start and maintain a club equestrian team are terrific resume highlights for riders galloping off into any professional field.

Balancing barn time while enrolled in a college or university may be challenging, but it is possible to achieve. Whether it’s riding on a team, volunteering or trying something new, there are plenty of straightforward as well as unconventional options within reach.

College Riding Organizations

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association

IHSA offers opportunities for riders of all experience levels in both team and individual competition. IHSA features eight levels, on the flat and over fences with courses starting at 2-foot-3 in the Novice division and going up to 2-foot-9–3-foot for Open riders.

Established in 1967, the IHSA counts nearly 400-plus member colleges, whose teams range from the competitive to casual in terms of time commitment and intensity. The IHSA’s mission emphasizes learning, sportsmanship, fun and keeping equestrian involvement affordable for students.

The IHSA has several scholarship programs, and many of its member schools offer financial help toward college expenses. These range from academic scholarships to grants and traditional financial aid.
For more information, visit www.ihsainc.com.

National Collegiate Equestrian Association

NCEA competition is head to head. One rider from each school rides the same horse, drawn randomly in a Hunter Seat Equitation class, either on the flat or over a course ranging in height from 3-foot to 3-foot-6. The winner earns the point for her school.

The NCEA equestrian league was launched in 1998 and currently has 22 schools participating with varsity teams that are funded by each school’s athletic department, just as a football or soccer team is. Most coaches have some athletic scholarship money to offer and a few give generous packages to top-circuit riders.

For more information, visit www.collegiateequestrian.com.

American National Riding Commission

The ANRC is education-driven and dedicated to promoting the American System of Forward Riding as taught by Captain Vladimir Littauer. The focal point of its competitive endeavor is the invitational ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship, typically held in April. Schools field a team of their strongest riders to compete against other ANRC squads. Unlike in IHSA and NCEA competition, exhibitors can ride either the school’s or a privately owned horse in the championship. Riders are judged over four phases that include a USEF Hunter Equitation test, a 3-foot Hunter Seat Equitation Medal course, 3-foot Derby course and a written test covering riding theory and stable management. A Novice division offers similar tests at a 2-foot-6 fence height. (ANRC also has programs for middle- and high-school age riders.) Approximately 90 schools have contested the Championship over its 40-year history. For more information, visit www.anrc.org.

Intercollegiate Eventing Program

A handful of colleges have had eventing teams for many years, and the U.S. Eventing Association created a formal structure for collegiate eventing by launching the IEP in 2014. An increasing number of Intercollegiate Team Challenges are being added to existing horse trials throughout the country, especially in the southeast. The Intercollegiate Eventing Championships debuted in 2016 and, in 2017, teams from 17 schools participated. They were held during the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, Virginia, in May, and 2016 reserve champs, the Clemson Tigers, emerged the victors.

IEP teams vary in the details of how and by whom they are run, but almost all members ride their own or a leased horse. The rigors and risks of eventing make catch- riding an unsuitable option. Eventing is well-known for its team spirit, and many college squads offer membership to nonriders who want to chip in from the ground and share their horsey enthusiasm with like-minded students.

For more information, visit www.useventing.com/membership/intercollegiate.

Intercollegiate Dressage Association

The IDA was formed in 1995 and today counts approximately 40 colleges with teams participating in regional and national dressage competition. For shows, IDA schools field a team of four riders and compete in four levels, Introductory, Lower Training, Upper Training and First Level, riding horses provided by the host school.

For more information, visit www.teamdressage.com. 

For more on competition opportunities in college, click here.

This article was originally published in the December 2017 issue of Practical Horseman. 

Everyone says that when you go to college you will change your mind a hundred times about what you want to do while at school and in your future career. In my case, I began freshman year at a small New England college with two seemingly separate passions: horses and hotels. For the former, I wanted to be part of my college’s equestrian program and compete against other student athletes. For the latter, I hoped to earn a degree in hospitality management with a focus on the hotel industry. Now entering my junior year, I’m off to a new school with a goal of pursuing a hospitality-management diploma geared around horse-related events. Much to my delight, I managed to meld my two passions.

I don’t like to leave things to chance. So during my first year in college, I had my short- and long-term future figured out. After getting my hospitality degree, I would find a job at a hotel and work my way up the ranks, beginning at an entry-level desk position with the goal of becoming a general manager. However, my first professional exposure in the industry was eye-opening. It took me many stressful weeks and 22 attempts to land an entry-level internship. While the experience turned out to be amazing and the people I worked with taught me so much, I felt something was missing. Learning in depth about the industry for a few months was captivating in many ways, but the excitement and passion slowly wore off. Had I made a mistake? Luckily, a couple of events—one right after another—inspired great changes in my life.

As a sophomore captain of my college’s equestrian team, one of my responsibilities included organizing volunteers to manage the horse shows that we hosted. To ensure a successful event, I built lots of (probably unnecessary) spreadsheets and devised many strategies. In the end, I found the excitement of planning to be even more satisfying than the actual competition. As a result, I realized two things: one, I was exhausted and two, I wanted to pursue a new career path in horse-related hospitality events.

Shortly after the show, I found myself applying for a week-long internship at the Kentucky Horse Park at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association’s National Championship in Lexington. I quickly filled out the forms and crossed my fingers. This was an incredible opportunity—a chance to really see what it takes to run a massive, world-renowned horse show. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when the good news of my acceptance arrived. Weeks later at the park, I met event coordinators, large-scale food vendors, volunteer coordinators, the press and the army of people it takes to create a successful event year after year. During the event I worked to coordinate photo opportunities for the social-media team and also provided sponsors of the event with photos featuring their products. As a competitor for most of my life, I was astonished to see the other side of a show of this size. I was hooked.

With new thoughts on academics and my career, I decided to transfer from my seaside college to the University of Kentucky. While leaving a school that I called home for two years brought lots of tears, I was ready for a change (and ready to wear lots of blue, UK’s color). Kentucky, the horse capital of the world, is famous for horse events. It is where I needed to be to achieve my goal.

Over time, I have discovered that college is not about following a preordained path. Instead, it is a place that encourages experimenting and supports trial and error to help you identify a true passion (or two). It is where you discover who you are and, more importantly, who you aspire to be. It is highly unlikely that you will be the same person with the same dreams from the moment you walk into orientation to the day you accept your diploma. My greatest advice would be to not fear change. This is something I must remind myself constantly because no matter how scary it sounds, without change I would not be where I am today—or where I will be tomorrow.

This article was originally published in the December 2017 issue of Practical Horseman.