Question 1

What is IHSA?

Accepted Answer

IHSA welcomes beginners through advanced riders in the Hunt Seat and Western disciplines to compete individually or on a team. Men and women compete with and against each other.
IHSA eliminates the expenses of horse ownership and allows more students to compete. Horses are furnished by host colleges and are chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The format fairly tests the horsemanship of the athletes. Divisions range from Walk/Trot to the Open Division for the more experienced riders. 
Auburn University offers IHSA riding opportunities to Hunt Seat riders looking to continue riding throughout there college career.

Question 2

Do I need to own a horse to join?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Auburn provides horses for use during practice and by host schools at shows. No horse ownership required.

Question 3

Can I join with no riding experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome riders of all levels of experience. Some of our riders began on the team with no experience, and with lessons and encouragement, they are thriving!

Question 4

How do you compete?

Accepted Answer

Once added to the team roster via tryouts, members eligible to compete will register with the IHSA (wait to do this with the coach!). Show/travel roster will be made by the coach approximately 2 weeks prior to each competition. All rosters will be made based on how each teammate is performing in and outside of the ring (coaching staff will look at all aspects of the team when choosing each roster: riding, academics, workouts, horsemanship, sportsmanship, leadership, etc.).

Question 5

Do I need to have shown before?

Accepted Answer

No! We take all level of riders from all backgrounds.

Question 6

How do I get involved?

Accepted Answer

Check out our member information page!

Question 7

What do I need to bring to school?

Accepted Answer

Approved helmet, show coat, breeches, tall boots, hairnet, gloves, riding shirt, belt. 
No tack is required, but some members bring their own saddles which will be approved by the coach upon joining the team.

Question 8

My question isn't listed here

Accepted Answer

Reach out to Coach Becker at cjb0049@auburn.edu and she will be happy to answer your question for you!

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