New England to Host the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championships
April 23, 2007
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA - The top collegiate equitation riders in the nation will be competing at the 40th Annual Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, May 3 through 6, 2007.
A highlight to this year's competition will be the attendance of United States Equestrian Federation president David O'Connor, who will be presenting a \$1,500 cash scholarship to the winner of the USEF/Cacchione Cup on Saturday. This class will be the culmination of three days of flatwork, jumping and individual testing. The winner will receive an invitation to be one of three riders to compete in Europe on Team USA for collegiate riders.
Hunt Seat Equitation judges Mr. Randy Mullins of Tennessee and Mrs. Linda Shahinian of New Jersey will rank riders in each of eight levels of competition, from beginner to Medal/Maclay level. Western equitation judges Mr. Mike Jennings of Virginia and Ms. Dawn Clason of Ohio will pin six levels of Western equitation, from beginner to open/reining. All competition is co-ed.
One of the unique challenges of an IHSA competition is that none of the riders are allowed to bring their own mount. Show organizers rely on the local equine community for the loan of horses suitable for competition in each of the levels. Riders then receive their horse assignment through random draw. Riders receive no warm up time prior to beginning their class.
"When I founded the IHSA in 1967, I wanted to create something affordable for riders at any level," says Bob Cacchione, founder and president of IHSA. "Some of today's top riders came through the IHSA, including Olympic medalists Beezie Patton, Peter Wylde, Greg Best and Mark Weissbecker."
Last year's competition was tightly contested. Mt. Holyoke College (Massachusetts) narrowly edged out Penn State and Stanford (California) to take the Collegiate Cup for Champion Hunt Seat Team. The AQHA Trophy for Champion Western Team went to Ohio State, who were four points ahead of reserve champion Kansas State.
Nicknamed the `sport of scholars', the IHSA has given its members the unique opportunity to experience team competition in a largely individual sport. All riders are full time undergraduates in a four year degree program.
The IHSA is grateful for its many sponsors, including the AQHA, USEF, National Reining Horse Association, Hodge's Badge, Light n Lasting Jumps and Equisure.
Admission is free. Competition will begin at 8:30 AM each day and run until about 3 PM. The Eastern States Exposition Center/The Big E is located at 1305 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, MA. Directions are available at www.thebigE.com. For more information about the IHSA, visit its website at www.ihsainc.com.