IHSA History & About

History of the

INTERCOLLEGIATE HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association was established in 1967 by Robert “Bob” Cacchione while he was an 18-year-old sophomore attending Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Cacchione developed the prototype competition program with the help of his professor and renowned horseman, Jack Fritz.

Some of the most notable riders in show jumping and the Western disciplines competed in the IHSA during their college years. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden competed for Southern Seminary and won the Cacchione Cup in 1984. Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde won the Cacchione Cup in 1986 while he attended Tufts University.

Bob Cacchione poses with a winning team. Beezie Patton Madden competing in the IHSA for Southern Seminary.

Launched with just two colleges competing in hunter seat equitation, the IHSA was praised for its competition format and quickly caught on. In 1979 the Western divisions premiered at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show (Nationals). In 1999 IHSA Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization.

The early shows were judged by great horsemen, like Frank Chapot, George Morris and Michael Page. Originally, Nationals were held at various college facilities but are now held at major equestrian competition venues.

About the

INTERCOLLEGIATE HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes men and women of all riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities. Founded in 1967, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 10,000 members in 47 states and Canada.

IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports.

Membership in IHSA means that college students can compete at horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete in beginner through advanced divisions with suitable, provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership and much of the related costs of the sport. Through the Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF), IHSA members are eligible for multiple need and merit-based scholarships.

Julia Roshelli, University of Finday 2019 AQHA High-Point Rider

Al Cook Photo

Adam Edgar, Savannah College of Art & Design, 2019 Cacchione Cup Champiom

Members compete to qualify for IHSA Regional Finals. The top riders and teams at Regionals advance to the IHSA Zone Finals (hunter seat) or Semi-Finals (Western). The top competitors and teams at Zone Finals and Semi-Finals qualify for the annual IHSA National Championship Horse Show.

Open level riders are eligible to compete for the USEF/Cacchione Cup and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Western Rider titles. National Championships qualified teams compete for the Collegiate Cup (hunter seat) and AQHA Trophy (Western) honors.

IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help to build successful careers.