The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association’s Western Semi Finals will take place at the Gloucester County Dream Park in New Jersey from March 14-16. This competition is one of three regional semifinals where participants compete to qualify for the national championship in North Carolina. Riders in this competition must compete on horses they have never ridden before, creating a unique and challenging experience.
The IHSA competition allows riders of all levels, from walk-jog to open, to compete. The collegiate program is heavily subsidized by participating schools, providing an opportunity for students with financial constraints to ride and compete. Founded in 1967, the IHSA is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization in the world, with 8,000 members in 47 states and Canada.
Full-time undergraduate students of member colleges are eligible to compete in the IHSA, with riders qualifying through a point system. The top competitors from regional events move on to the semifinals, with the top two in each class from nine geographic zones qualifying for the national championships. Admission and parking for the event are free, and more information can be found on the IHSA website.
