2023 US Equestrian Collegiate Handbook

Earn an Equine Studies Certificate with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation.

• Extensive on-campus facilities include a 130-acre riding center, a 120’ x 300’ indoor arena, boarding opportunities and newly renovated stables

• Hunter/Jumper riding program

• NCEA, IHSA and ODAC competitive teams and lessons for all levels

• 100+ years of equine excellence

Excellent riders make exemplary leaders. Learn more at sbc.edu/riding.

WHEN THE COLLEGE SEARCH INCLUDES HORSES

BY GLENYE OAKFORD

Many colleges offer both academic and equestrian opportunities. Our College Search can help you find one that’s right for you.

Going to college doesn’t need to stop your equestrian career, thanks to the many collegiate equine and equestrian programs available around the country—even if you’re not taking your horse to school with you.

To find one that suits you, start with US Equestrian’s College Search (and find more information about intercollegiate programs) under the Start Riding tab on USEquestrian.org.

There are equine studies and equestrian programs for a wide variety of disciplines and breeds. The University of Vermont, for example, has a historic Morgan horse program, while others—like the University of Kentucky, William Woods University in Missouri, and more—offer competitive equestrian teams for Western, English, and saddle seat sports. If you’re interested in the military, West Point is among those institutions with both Western and hunt seat teams.

Collegiate riding isn’t only for those wanting to pursue an equestrian profession. It also promotes physical activity, introduces some to horses and horse sports for the first time, and improves student life overall.

“Having an equestrian team at SCAD has enriched many students’ lives by providing a positive environment dedicated to exploring discipline and perfection,” said Eddie Federwisch, the equestrian program director at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. “Students on the equestrian team are constantly prepared to learn, emphasizing their education and expanding their knowledge in and out of the competition arena.”

Having an equestrian program can also be a significant draw for a student, regardless of their planned majors or career paths.

“A lot of students from the U.S. and around the world are attracted to University of Kentucky because they love horses,” said Mick Peterson, the Ag Equine Programs director at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky. UK’s equine programs range from equine studies and management to pre-veterinary studies, and riding teams include specialized dressage and eventing, polo, rodeo, and saddle seat teams. “UK Ag Equine Programs represent Kentucky’s flagship university with a worldwide community of people who care about horses. In Kentucky, a huge number of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs all share a love of horses. No matter what you do in Kentucky, horses can be a part of your life.”

“I wanted somewhere that had an equestrian studies program,” said Meredith Denny, a graphic design major at SCAD, whose equestrian team has won more national championships in the last decade than any other collegiate team in the country; its Ronald C. Waranch Center houses both SCAD-owned and student-owned horses. Denny, a hunter jumper athlete before college, continued her riding career on SCAD’s equestrian team. SCAD’s equestrian program was a factor in her choosing to apply there.

“I wasn’t totally sure if that was what I’d end up majoring in, but I knew I wanted it as an option. As soon as I found SCAD, that was the only school I applied to.”

Equine studies programs and equestrian activities are a draw for many students, even those who aren’t planning a professional career with horses. Students who participate on intercollegiate equestrian teams not only continue their equestrian sport, they also gain valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork.

“One of the coolest things about intercollegiate riding is that it’s team-based, whereas before college that had never been something that was part of my equestrian experience,” explained recent Stanford University graduate Maria Filsinger Interrante, who captained Stanford’s dressage squad and was president of the school’s equestrian team overall as an undergraduate. She also recently won a prestigious Lemelson-MIT Prize for her work in helping develop a drug to kill multi-drug resistant bacteria.

“Being a team member really teaches you to think outside of yourself and work for the collective benefit rather than for your own benefit,” said Interrante, who is now working toward a joint M.D. and Ph.D. in Stanford’s Medical Scientist Training Program. “As far as leadership, this is something that’s been incredibly useful in all aspects of life, but especially in science. You should work to understand what motivates people and what they’re in it for, so you can work to help make their personal incentives align with the incentives of the team.

“That’s been an incredibly useful leadership tool,” she added.

Stanford’s riding program is based at an on-campus equestrian facility that’s a five-minute bike ride from Interrante’s residence. That convenience made riding easier when she came to college as a freshman, she said.

“Stanford has immense pride in our historic Red Barn and the equestrian programs offered through the Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation,” Stanford athletics director Bernard Muir said. “Hundreds of students also take part in our physical education horsemanship classes, leadership programs, and collaborations with many departments on campus, such as quarterly plein air painting classes offered through the art department.

“The inclusion of a world-class equestrian facility on campus is a draw for prospective students who wish to continue their athletic and academic pursuits at the highest level,” Muir added, pointing out that Stanford’s grads include such riders as show jumper Lucy Davis ’15, who won team silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and dressage athlete Chase Hickok ’12, who won the Grand Prix Open Championship at the 2016 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®.

Peer and faculty support also help students combine their academic and equestrian lives, says Denny, who notes that campus advisors can help students hone good time-management skills. “There were also a few other graphic design majors on the equestrian team,” Denny said, “and if we were going to a horse show on the bus together we’d sit close to each other and help each other out with projects and get feedback from each other. That really helped me to complete those projects and feel like I was totally capable of getting everything done that I needed to.”

Collegiate riding programs also often give first-time equestrians the opportunity to try horse sports.

“We had a lot of people who joined the team as walk-trot riders and had never ridden before,” Denny said of SCAD’s team. “We were always encouraged to bring people we knew who were interested in riding but never had tried it. The new walk-trot and walk-trot-canter riders would have extra riding time on the weekends to increase their skill level so they could go to a horse show, and they were really valuable to the team. That was really cool to see, the encouragement of new riders and competitors.”

The Art of Horsemanship

US EQUESTRIAN ANNOUNCES UPDATED EQUESTRIAN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETE PROGRAM FOR RIDERS IN 5TH THROUGH 12TH GRADE

The US Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program is getting a new look! US Equestrian is excited to unveil a new name and an updated look for its popular student athlete recognition program. The newly renamed US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program will continue to provide recognition to athletes who participate in equestrian sports through their middle and high school careers. This will be the first of several exciting announcements of our revamping process with the new US Equestrian Athlete Program.

Participants can apply for the program for up to eight years total, beginning in fifth grade and continuing through their senior year of high school. In order to receive recognition for a year of participation, athletes must compete in at least three competitions (both USEF-licensed and non-licensed are accepted) or log a minimum of 100 hours of riding, driving, or training time.

Athletes will receive a patch for their first year of participation and a pin for each subsequent year for which they complete the requirements. The pins and patches feature an updated program logo, which is also available on a new range of merchandise at shopusef.org.

“The US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program recognizes the dedication that our young athletes demonstrate year after year,” says US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “Balancing school work, extracurricular activities, and training for and competing in equestrian sports is a commendable achievement. Through this program, we aim to provide recognition for our young athletes’ hard work, comparable to the recognition those in other sports receive for their interscholastic athletic pursuits.”

To participate in the US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program, athletes must be current competing or fan members of US Equestrian. Members can apply for the program through their Member Dashboard on USEF.org. Participants can also submit proof of completion of requirements through the Member Dashboard. View the full requirements and Frequently Asked Questions here: usef.org/forms-pubs/2puL6-uiDiE/faqs-requirements

The US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program is the first phase of an upcoming series of programs that will recognize achievement for time spent in the saddle for members of all ages. Learn more about the programs offered by US Equestrian and the benefits of membership at USEF.org.

photo: Essence of Equine

Equestrian Studies

COLLEGIATE RIDING PROGRAMS

AMERICAN NATIONAL RIDING COMMISSION

A USEF EDUCATIONAL PARTNER A USHJA AFFILIATE

The primary goal of the ANRC is to promote the American System of Forward Riding. ANRC programs encourage riders at all levels to seek knowledge, develop skills, and create good riding habits. These initiatives include:

• A Forward Riding Certification Program as a self-study online course. The ANRC DVD Series: “The American System of Forward Riding: Life Lessons Learned with Horses” by Shelby French and R. Scot Evans is a step-by-step visual guide with accompanying workbooks available on the ANRC website. This educational program, exclusive to ANRC, provides insight and clarity to a historically based systematic training method and is available for to all riders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts. Candidates that earn a certification are eligible to apply for a Captain Vladimir Littauer Education Grant up to $1,500. A Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course weighted at 30% of the total score

• The ANRC National Championships are held annually to showcase talented riders performing in a unique team competition format. Now in its 44th year, this college venue has grown steadily in both size and popularity. High School teams and adult amateur teams have been recently included to further complement ANRC’s educational mission. The competition includes four phases:

1. A Program Ride (supplied by ANRC and includes USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Tests) weighted at 35% of the total score

2. A Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course weighted at 30% of the total score

3. A Derby Course (natural jumps in a field) weighted at 30% of the total score

4. A Written Test based on ANRC Forward Riding theory questions and a designated stable management

Students may compete on a college-owned horse or privately owned horse in the National Division at 3’, or the recently adopted Novice Division at 2’6”. The highest score in each phase is awarded to the rider that demonstrates excellence in equitation and a smooth performance throughout. Judges reward the rider’s accuracy, soft and effective use of aids, workmanlike position, and the rider’s ability to navigate each test correctly. The rider’s horse should remain calm yet alert; demonstrate athletic jumping, connected movement, with even paces, all important attributes of the American Forward Riding System.

During the competition, time is built into the schedule to review scores and timely feedback on their performance. At the conclusion of the competition and following the award ceremony, riders and coaches receive a copy of their scores, judge’s comments, and written test results. These materials give the participant a tangible measurement of their achievements and helps facilitate a dialog with their trainer or coach.

Championship participants are eligible for USHJA Affiliate Equitation awards. Both individuals and teams receive honors and awards from ANRC, USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association) and USEF (United States Equestrian Federation).

For more information about ANRC programs and the National Equitation Championships and ANRC’s educational programs, visit the official ANRC website at www.anrc.org or contact Patte Zumbrun, ANRC Chair, at pzumbrun@goucher.edu

INTERCOLLEGIATE DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION - IDA

The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) is a national organization founded in 2001 that provides a format for students to make dressage part of their college experience. Each academic year riders representing colleges throughout the US and Canada earn individual or team points that count towards regional standings and qualification for national finals.

IDA riders compete in Introductory, Lower Training, Upper Training, and First Level as individuals and as team members. IDA teams consist of 4 riders (one for each level) who earn points that count towards the team total to determine placing. Points earned at each show accumulate throughout the season. In

addition to riding tests, Dressage Seat Equitation classes are also offered for riders in the four levels.

IDA competitions are judged by USEF or USDF rated judges in accordance with USEF rules. Unlike any other form of competitive dressage, IDA offers the added challenge of competing on unfamiliar horses provided by the host college and assigned by random draw. Each rider is allowed a 10 minute warm up before entering the ring to be judged.

At the end of each academic year, the IDA hosts a national championship for those teams, individuals, and dressage seat equitation riders who win their respective regions. Twelve teams, twelve individual riders in each of the four levels, and twelve DSE riders from each of the four levels, compete for a wide array of trophies and prizes including dressage saddles. The USDF/IDA quiz challenge, a test of riders knowledge of dressage theory, takes place at the national championships.

IDA’s approach brings added fun and challenge to the sport of dressage while providing college riders an affordable means of competing as part of a team. Riders do not have to own a horse or tack to participate and previous dressage experience is not required.

At least 55 colleges are members, which field teams for IDA, providing over 700 riders in total to the program. Among those colleges many also offer riding scholarships

For more information please visit the IDA website teamdressage.com.

USEA INTERCOLLEGIATE EVENTING

In 2014, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors approved the creation of the Intercollegiate Eventing Program as an official program of the USEA. Originally proposed with input from the Intercollegiate Eventing League, the program was established to provide a framework on which eventing teams and individual competition could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. Collegiate athletic programs have been the training grounds for Olympians, amateur athletes and professional athletes for generations. Enabling students to train in the Olympic sport of eventing is a natural addition.

Intercollegiate Team Challenges are quickly becoming popular additions to recognized horse trials in the United States. Teams

competing in events identified as Intercollegiate Team Challenges are able to self-identify to the competition organizer, and will compete in the regular horse trial competition as individuals. Combining their individual scores, their team scores will be tabulated and matched against other teams.

The inaugural USEA Intercollegiate Championships were held in 2016 and continues to grow each year. The Intercollegiate Eventing Championships offers all USEF recognized and FEI equivalent levels and no qualification is necessary, however schools represented must be registered Affiliates of USEA and competitors must be enrolled as undergraduate students or have graduated no earlier than six months prior to the championship.

For more information about the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program please visit useventing.com/membership/intercollegiate.

INTERCOLLEGIATE HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION – IHSA

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes all genders at all riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship, ranch riding and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities.

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.

Members compete to qualify for IHSA Regional Finals. The top riders and teams at Regionals advance to the IHSA Zone Finals (hunter seat) or the IHSA 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.

For more information go to ihsainc.com and follow IHSA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION (NCAA Emerging Sport)

The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), in concert with the mission and vision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), is committed to providing collegiate opportunities for female equestrian student-athletes to compete at the highest level, while embracing equity, diversity and promoting academic and competitive excellence. NCAA Equestrian student-athletes, coaches, and programs adhere to their respective NCAA Division rules and regulations. Currently 27 colleges and universities sponsor equestrian as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women with more being added each year. More than 1,400 women are listed on NCAA team rosters across the United States.

The NCEA features a head-to-head team competition format for Dual Discipline Teams (Jumping Seat and Western) in four events: Jumping Seat Flat and Fences, Western Horsemanship and Reining. The NCEA features a head-to-head team competition format for Single Discipline Teams (Jumping Seat) in two events: Jumping Seat Flat and Fences Student-athletes from each team are matched to their mounts by random draw prior to each meet. Horses are designated by event to be ridden by each pair of opposing student-athletes competing head-to-head. The rider receiving the higher score from the judges earns a point for her team. The team with the most combined points from the events is the winner.

The NCEA National Championship is held in April each year. Qualification for this seeded bracket championship requires participation in a minimum of three NCEA regular season meets. The NCEA National Champion is determined by competition between the two teams that advance from the semifinal meets.

The NCEA promotes the advancement of NCAA Equestrian within college athletics and its guiding vision is to be recognized globally as the premier level of competition for elite female collegiate equestrian student-athletes.

For more information, please visit our website collegiateequestrian.com.

US EQUESTRIAN COLLEGE SEARCH

The US Equestrian Higher Education Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors will provide 5 $1,000 grants to high school seniors graduating in the Spring of the current competition year, who plans to continue his/her involvement in equestrian activities through an equestrian related degree or participation on a collegiate equestrian team. Applicants must be active members of US Equestrian. Essays and application forms must be submitted to the US Equestrian office before the deadline.

Visit usequestrian.org/youth for more information.

The search for the right college is considered one of the most exciting and potentially overwhelming times for young adults. With all of the information available and factors to consider, it can be especially difficult for young equestrians to narrow the search to schools that fit them best. Between academic courses and equestrian opportunities, the idea that you may not have come across your “perfect” school is a constant concern.

The US Equestrian College Search was created to make the process of finding a school easier for equestrian athletes. This online tool is designed to guide students in making an informed decision by matching them with colleges that meet their academic and equestrian goals. The Search provides a list of institutions that meet the criteria provided by the students. Students are then able to view the profile of each institution that meets their goals.

Visit the US Equestrian College Search at usequestrian.org/youth to find a school that matches your needs!

Over $145,000 Given Back to USHJA Members in Grants & Scholarships in 2021! We believe in giving back to our community–explore all the grants, scholarships and assistance funding available to you!

• $25,000 Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education

• Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals

• J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant

• Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Grant by USHJA Zone

• College Scholarships available by USHJA

Photo: Kim Beaudoin