Message from the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Executive Committee

To the IHSA Community:

With the Board of Director vote to cancel postseason horse shows, many schools are left wondering where to go from here and how to keep their riders engaged during the spring semester. The decision to cancel postseason was no easy task. COVID remains a threat to the health and well-being of our athletes and their safety remains our top priority. Our members schools continue to be challenged with decisions concerning students’ return to campus and participation in sports. Furthermore, the risks of travel continue to preclude many regions of the country from competing, or in some areas, even practicing.

Of the 400 member institutions, only a handful were able to compete this fall. Accommodations for those regions able to travel allowed some schools limited competition under IHSA, local, and state COVID guidelines.

In lieu of traditional IHSA competition, some areas have held limited scrimmages while others have held small competitions under IHSA format for three or four schools competing on their own horses. Other areas are hoping to have a senior only competition to allow those riders a last chance to compete during their collegiate career. Regions may offer opportunities such as these for those able to travel and compete this spring provided COVID guidelines are upheld.

Additionally, due to the success of our inaugural online horse show in the fall, the IHSA is offering a series of two spring online competitions. The prize list for these will be released shortly and series champions will be awarded. No travel expenses make this an affordable alternative to traditional competition and eliminate much of the risk of exposure to COVID.

There is still plenty of time to join the association this year so athletes will have the opportunity to compete in the online competitions. Both teams and individuals must be current members to compete. Members also gain access to wonderful sponsor benefits and stay connected to the IHSA.

As a courtesy reminder, there were a few rule changes that went into effect in the fall of 2020 and will remain in effect as we look forward to competition in the 2021-22 school year.

• A Western Ranch Riding class has been added to the rule book for riders in classes 14 and 16 who meet the qualifications.

• 6 of the top 7 scores of a Western team will count toward the show High Point School award at regular competitions.

• Recognized competitions counting towards a rider’s eligibility now include American Ranch Horse Association Shows (excluding Green Horse or Novice classes).

• Classes eligible for Regular Show High Point Riders are: 3 – 8 for Hunter Seat riders and 14 – 17 for Western riders.

• Any rider competing in NCEA competition must compete in IHSA classes 7 & 8 or 16 & 17. This applies to any rider competing in NCEA competition regardless of their previous IHSA participation.

We look forward to seeing everyone at shows during the 2021-22 school year as we return to our normal competition schedule. The past year has been difficult for everyone, but the health and welfare of our student athletes is our top concern.

If you have any question concerning the IHSA, please contact your Region President, Zone Chair, or Cricket Morris, IHSA National Secretary.

Sincerely,

The IHSA Executive Committee

Peter Cashman, IHSA Executive Director
Kelly Francfort, IHSA Vice President
Cricket Morris, IHSA National Secretary and Acting Treasurer
Sherri West, IHSA National Steward
Ollie Griffith, IHSA Association National Steward
Mary Drueding, Zone Chair Representative
Eleanor Ellis, Zone Chair Representative