HUNTER SEAT AND WESTERN COMPETITION HEATS UP TRYON INTERNATIONAL DAY ONE OF THE 2025 IHSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
HUNTER SEAT AND WESTERN COMPETITION HEATS UP TRYON INTERNATIONAL DAY ONE OF THE 2025 IHSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Alex Alston was national champion in both the Dover Saddlery Individual Open Equitation Over Fences and on the Flat. Photo by Maddy Falkowitz
Gladys, Va. – May 3, 2025 – Day One of the 2025 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Championship, hosted at the Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina, featured some of the top collegiate riders in the country. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chris Mitchell of Albion College after his years of service to the IHSA and its members.
The Dover Saddlery Individual Open Equitation Over Fences was the first division of the day in the Horseware Ireland Hunter Seat Arena, with 16 riders vying for the national championship. Competition proved tough as scores in the 80s dominated the class. After all riders navigated the Bill Yeager (Midland, Virginia) designed course, the judges tested riders sitting in third, fourth and fifth places as they were all within a three-point range. The shortened course consisted of four of the original nine fences with no related distances, a halt finishing with counter cantering the Horseware Ireland vertical.
With a 91, Day One’s top score in the Horseware Ireland Hunter Seat Arena, Savannah College of Art & Design (Savannah, Georgia) junior, Alexander Alston (Wellington, Florida) aboard the Hollins University gelding, My Way, took the Dover Saddlery Individual Open Equitation Over Fences National Championship title for the second consecutive year.
Alex Alston with Bob Cacchione and USHJA Executive Director Whitney Allen.
Photo by Jordan Atwell-Purcell
“It was awesome, honestly,” Alston said of his round on My Way. “I walked in and I picked up a great gallop and the jumps kind of showed up and it went my way. So we're very happy.”
Watch highlights from Alex Alston's winning round in the Dover Saddlery Individual Open Equitation Over Fences.
Cheers rang from the Western Arena as championship competition began with the AQHA/NRHA Individual Ranch Riding. In its fifth year of National-level competition, Ranch Riding has exploded in popularity with IHSA teams.
Savannah Lindsey from North Carolina State University is the national champion of the AQHA/NRHA Individual Ranch Riding. Photo by EQ Media
Twelve horse-and-rider combinations executed the pattern featuring extended gaits, lead changes–simple or flying–ending with a halt and back. The 2025 National Champion is Savannah Lindsey (Fayetteville, North Carolina) from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina), riding Happy provided by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU/Murfreesboro, Tennessee). Reserve honors went to St. Mary-of-the-Woods College’s (St. Mary’s, Indiana) Kyley Pelfrey (Greencastle, Indiana) aboard Oakie, provided by MTSU. Missouri State University’s (Springfield, Missouri) Sophie Karney aboard MTSU’s Whiz earned the third-place prize.
NRHA Team Reining, presented by NRHA and NSBA concluded Day One competition in the Western arena. Twelve riders with their draws rode the pattern to the delight of the crowd and judges. The 2024 national champion is Chase Summerville from St. Andrews University on Ned, provided by Wilson College (Swannanoa, North Carolina).
Chase Summerville, St. Andrews University, National Champion of the NRHA Team Reining, presented by NRHA and NSBA. Photo by Winslow Photography
“I actually drew Ned at the semi-finals in New Jersey, so I rode him previously,” Summerville said. “So I was super excited to get him today. I felt like I could really go out there and show him off and that's what we did. He was absolutely amazing for me.”
Watch Chase Summerville and St. Andrews University Head Western Coach Carla Wennberg's comments and highlights of his pattern.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Chris Mitchell was honored with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Photo by EQ Media
In a special ceremony held in the Horseware Ireland Hunter Seat Arena, Albion College Head Hunter Seat Coach and IHSA Board Member Chris Mitchell was formally presented with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award. He was joined center ring by several past recipients in a moving show of respect and camaraderie. Following the presentation, Jane Da Costa, executive director and founder of Metropolitan Equestrian, paid tribute to Mitchell’s enduring commitment to collegiate equestrian sport in a heartfelt video message.
“I'm humbled to be part of that group that was out there,” Mitchell said. “It’s like the history of the IHSA! That was amazing. The recognition really means a lot. I would like to thank my wife and my family for being supportive. My wife understands it because she rode at Centenary University before we met. The Jane (Da Costa) video was unexpected. It did make me cry.”
IHSA National Championship competition resumes Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Highlights include the Hunter Seat High-Point Rider, presenting the Cacchione Cup and the Back on Track Western High-Point Rider Horsemanship classes.
FAST FACTS
What: Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship, including individual and team championships.
When: May 2-4
Time: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where: Tryon International Indoor Complex
Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, North Carolina 28756
QUICK LINKS
Go to Horse Spot for up-to-date schedules and results!
Watch the Livestream on Horse & Country:
For those unable to attend in person, IHSA's Official Media Partner, Horse & Country TV, will capture all the action. Horse & Country is offering a 15% discount on an H&C+ Annual Membership. Learn more here.
