The American Quarter Horse Journal, April 20, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association is celebrating 30 years of sponsoring the western division at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association national competition. This year, IHSA Nationals is held at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, April 23-26.
IHSA was founded in 1967 as an organization promoting equestrian competition for college students. In 1979, they added the western discipline and asked AQHA to be a sponsor.
“IHSA is very excited to have AQHA as a partner,” said Bob Cacchione, Executive Director of IHSA. “When western started in 1979, AQHA was the first organization we went to and they have stayed with us ever since. They’ve grown with us along the way, and we are excited to be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.”
AQHA provides several awards for the western division winners including Tex Tan saddles, Professional’s Choice saddle pads, Montana Silversmiths sterling silver hand-engraved championship team buckles and official AQHA bronze trophies. Additionally, AQHA awards an AQHA bronze trophy to the high-point western rider and the all-around high-point rider.
“AQHA is proud to sponsor IHSA competition,” said Don Treadway, AQHA Executive Vice President. “These student riders are the future of the horse industry. Many will one day compete at the AQHA World Show or be involved with raising and riding American Quarter Horses.”
Since IHSA’s beginning with just two intercollegiate competing colleges, the organization has grown to include 29 Regions in 9 Zones with more than 300 member colleges in 45 states and Canada – representing more than 6,500 riders in both hunt seat and western disciplines.
IHSA allows riders with various degrees of experience to compete individually or on a team. The association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of their financial status or riding level.
At competitions, students ride horses that are furnished by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants. Classes range from walk/trot for beginning students to the open division, including reining and hunt seat equitation over fences, for more experienced riders.
To learn more about IHSA and the national competition, visit www.ihsainc.com.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
