The Show Team

The UR show team is comprised of those riders who wish to compete on the collegiate level. We like to be competitive and represent ourselves, each other, and our school with pride. In addition to having fun at horse shows, we have team dinners and try to do non-horse related activities together. Anyone who wants to show is welcome to participate in shows once approved by our coach. Even if you don't want to compete, we always welcome teammates to join us at shows, watch rounds, and cheer on fellow URET riders! We are a close group and would love to have you join!

Fees:

There is a yearly fee to join the IHSA, and on top of that there are daily fees. Class fees are $30/class (maximum of one flat and one jumping per show), and also the trainer fee, which is divided among those participating for the day. If the show requires an overnight stay in a hotel, riders will split that cost, as well, for themselves and the trainer.

Apparel:

To show, you must wear the traditional equitation show apparel. This includes field boots, beige breeches, a hunt coat(current trends are navy and grey), white button-down shirt, collar, black gloves, and, of course, an ASTM certified helmet. It is no secret that this can be a costly ensemble to assemble, so the team will often try to share equipment with new riders until they can afford to buy their own. Also, discount merchandise is often available in nearby stores if you keep your eyes open, and we are always willing to make a trip to the tack store to buy things!

Proudly competing in Zone 2, Region 2!

IHSA competition welcomes all riders from the beginner to riders who have competed at the upper levels. Intercollegiate competition is unique in that it is not necessary for riders to own their own horse or tack. All riders compete on horses supplied by the college hosting the horse show. At each show riders draw horses randomly for competition. The rider, not the horse, is judged during the competition. The association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. College horse shows are like "meets", with all teams from the region invited to compete against each other simultaneously. Competition plays a role but the students' enthusiasm and team spirit are the major factors.

Individual Scoring:    

Each ribbon is worth a point value to the winner. When a rider scores enough points to qualify for the regional championships, he or she moves to the next higher level for the remainder of the year, returning to compete at the lower level at Regionals. The top two riders at Regionals advance to the Zone Championships, and the top two riders at Zones advance to the IHSA National Championships at the end of the season. It takes thirty five points to qualify for Regionals and move up to next division. The points accumulated carry over from one year to the next. So, an individual can begin showing in the middle of the season and competitors will still receive some benefit from a partial year of competition.

Levels of Riding:

There are classes designed on specific experience levels, from Beginner Walk-Trot to Open.

Walk-Trot - This is for the beginner rider with less than two years experience and who has never shown in competition.

Beginner walk/trot/canter - This is for riders riding less than four years and who have not competed in recognized competitions.

Advanced walk/trot/canter - This is for riders with more than four years experience who have not competed in recognized competitions.

Novice - For riders who have not won more than five equitation classes on the flat or more than two classes over fences 3' or higher.

Intermediate - For riders who have not won more than 8 blue equitation ribbons on the flat or more than 2 blue ribbons in classes over fences 3'3" or higher.

Open - Open riders have won a USAE medal or equivalent 3'6" equitation class in recognized competition.

Information above is credited to the IHSA.

For more information, feel free to email our Show Team Captain, Katherine Rose(her email is krose3@u.rochester.edu, in case you want the actual address as well)