The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Team competes in hunt seat equitation, which is judged on how well the rider handles their horse and holds their position on the flat and over fences. IHSA riders compete in divisions all the way from Introductory (walk/trot) to Open (jumping 3ft+) in 8 regular season shows per year.
At shows, riders compete on horses they draw at random to collect points and qualify for the regional, zone, and national competitions. Bridgewater College belongs to IHSA Zone 4, Region 2. The team has sent numerous riders to IHSA Nationals (including several national champions) and has a history of top placings in one of the most competitive IHSA regions in the country.
Team members are required by IHSA rules to take a minimum of two lessons per week. The average lesson package costs $1750 a semester in addition to show fees that vary depending on how many riders are competing. The IHSA team practices out of Hat Trick Equestrian in Mount Crawford, Virginia with coach Melanie Vest.
There are no tryouts for the IHSA team, but riders will be assessed at the beginning of each show season to be placed in an appropriate division for their abilities. IHSA members are required to participate in Equestrian Club activities and complete an annual volunteer service project, typically done around the holiday season.
The Virginia Horse Show Association Team competes in hunters, jumpers, and equitation at local and rated venues nearby. Most often, the VHSA team attends the Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association competitions.
At shows, riders compete on their own horses or a "leased" school horse from Hat Trick Equestrian. Riders sign up for these shows at their discretion and availability. Members are expected to compete in at least one show per semester.
Team members are encouraged to take a minimum of two lessons per week. The average lesson package (2 lessons a week) costs $1750 a semester, though this cost varies depending on the number of lessons you decide to take. Entry fees, horse use fees, coaching fees, etc. are an additional cost. The VHSA team practices out of Hat Trick Equestrian in Mount Crawford, Virginia with coach Melanie Vest.
There are no tryouts for the VHSA team, but riders will be assessed at the beginning of each show season to be placed in an appropriate division for their abilities. IHSA members are permitted to also compete on the VHSA team.
The National Collegiate Equestrian Association team competes in hunt seat equitation, which is judged on how well the rider handles their horse and holds their position on the flat and over fences. NCEA is open to female riders who are competitive at the 3'+ rated level.
At shows, riders compete on horses they draw at random. Riders are then matched up with a competitor from the opposing team to ride the same horse. Each rider competes independently and the athlete receiving a higher score from a judge earns a point for her team. NCEA teams may travel by bus or plane to schools across the country.
The NCEA team practices out of Cedar Creek Stables in Staunton, Virginia with coach Luanne Leonard. All training, equipment, and travel is paid for by Bridgewater College. Riders are recruited through Bridgewater Athletics, and those interested in starting the recruitment process should contact Athletics directly. Riders are expected to attend mandatory meetings, lifts, and practices weekly.
