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Riding in the IHSA
by Sally Spickard, University of Georgia

The University of Georgia finished their 2004-05 show season with a second and third place finish at Erskine and Lander on March 4-5. Berry College won the zone and earned a spot in regional competition. Members of UGA's team, however, don't seem disappointed with their performance throughout their inaugural season. Sophomore Alex Liss plans to point out of the Novice division next fall and go on to compete in Intermediate before showing at Nationals in the Novice division. Many other team members are adopting the same plan to point out of their current divisions and compete at regional and national shows next spring. Best of luck to any and all of you whose teams or individuals qualified for regional competition!

If you are in high school and are thinking of going to a school that offers some form of an equestrian team, there are some considerations to keep in mind in your selection process. In this month's column I will go over four things which, in my opinion, are very important when deciding which team is right for you.

Disclaimer: These opinions are based on the IHSA and Varsity systems at my current school. The teams and the way they are operated at other schools might not coincide with what I describe, but the general ideas are guidelines.

1 : Time Commitment
The two different formats for equestrian teams have differing expectations regarding the amount of time that is required for lessons, taking care of the horses, competition, etc. Every team needs its members to help care for the facilities and horses as well as to prepare adequately for competition by taking lessons and attending team meetings. The IHSA is generally not funded by the school, which means that fundraising and other efforts to gain financial support (sponsorship, dues, donations, etc.). This will require more time commitment than a school funded Varsity team. However, the Varsity level team often will have much more rigorous practice schedules, requiring free rides in addition to group and private lessons. Varsity level teams also tend to have a heavier competition schedule that will require traveling greater distances than an IHSA team. This is because the NCAA is divided into larger regions than the IHSA, such as the SEC (Southeastern Conference) that encompasses most of the Southeastern United States. Keep in mind how much time you would anticipate devoting to your riding once you get to college.

2: The Coaching Staff
The level at which the equestrian team competes, be it IHSA or Varsity, should have no effect on the quality of the coaching staff. I simply bring this up as a point because the quality of the coaching staff of the team is essential to the organization. It is an excellent idea to do everything you can to find out how he or she teaches and utilizes time to maximize learning and effectiveness. Taking a lesson or at least observing a team lesson will help you gauge the trainer's effectiveness. A larger team or a team with both Huntseat and Western discipline teams will often have more than one trainer on the staff, so make sure to scope out the entire staff, including barn managers, etc. The way the team is run and the organization of those in charge is very important to the success and unity of its members.

3: Money!
In general, a team with NCAA status will be funded, if not wholly then partially, by the University. This is a huge factor in deciding if money is an area of concern for you. As I mentioned before, IHSA teams are usually member and donation supported, so you will be expected to pay dues to help offset the costs of caring for team horses and additional fundraising will be necessary to help the team succeed and grow. Funding from the University that comes with NCAA standing will take the pressure off of team members to support the team. Personally, I didn't experience any problems in managing my finances in helping to support the team even though I had to work extra hours to pay the dues. Fundraising is always a helper to offset some of the costs. It's really a matter of personal preference and ability to manage the financial aspect of an equestrian team.

4: Your Level of Experience
The Varsity level teams will compete at the equivalent of the Open level in the IHSA. During try outs, the coaches will be looking for experience, but they will also be on the look out for riders with promising potential to improve. Even if you don't think you will qualify for the Open level of competition, it might still be worth your while to try out for a Varsity team because the coaches might see that you are someone that they want to have on their team to prepare for future competition. However, if you want to improve your riding and gain experience in the lower levels of competition of the IHSA (Walk/Trot/Canter, Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter, Novice, Intermediate, etc.) then trying out for an IHSA team might be what you want to do. It depends on how much experience you have as a rider and how much improvement you stand to make as a competitor. But keep an open mind; remember, just do your best in whatever try out you participate in and then you know that you can be happy with the results because you tried your hardest.

Of course, there are many other things to think about when you are deciding what team you want to be a part of. Always keep in mind what is best for you, but also try to keep an open mind and really scope out the team and see if it's what you want, even if your initial idea is not to get involved. And, on top of everything, have a good time!!

>> Archived "Riding in the IHSA" Articles

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Eventing
Dressage
Education
Riding in College
Industry
Training
Health

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Fun Stuff
Ringside Critique
Q&A: Life & Horses
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Riding in the IHSA
The Equine Life


The Site Our purpose The Site Submission Info Contact Affiliates	Home \| FAQ \| Forums \| Subscribe \| Contact Riding in the IHSA by Sally Spickard, University of Georgia The University of Georgia finished their 2004-05 show season with a second and third place finish at Erskine and Lander on March 4-5. Berry College won the zone and earned a spot in regional competition. Members of UGA's team, however, don't seem disappointed with their performance throughout their inaugural season. Sophomore Alex Liss plans to point out of the Novice division next fall and go on to compete in Intermediate before showing at Nationals in the Novice division. Many other team members are adopting the same plan to point out of their current divisions and compete at regional and national shows next spring. Best of luck to any and all of you whose teams or individuals qualified for regional competition! If you are in high school and are thinking of going to a school that offers some form of an equestrian team, there are some considerations to keep in mind in your selection process. In this month's column I will go over four things which, in my opinion, are very important when deciding which team is right for you. Disclaimer: These opinions are based on the IHSA and Varsity systems at my current school. The teams and the way they are operated at other schools might not coincide with what I describe, but the general ideas are guidelines. 1 : Time Commitment The two different formats for equestrian teams have differing expectations regarding the amount of time that is required for lessons, taking care of the horses, competition, etc. Every team needs its members to help care for the facilities and horses as well as to prepare adequately for competition by taking lessons and attending team meetings. The IHSA is generally not funded by the school, which means that fundraising and other efforts to gain financial support (sponsorship, dues, donations, etc.). This will require more time commitment than a school funded Varsity team. However, the Varsity level team often will have much more rigorous practice schedules, requiring free rides in addition to group and private lessons. Varsity level teams also tend to have a heavier competition schedule that will require traveling greater distances than an IHSA team. This is because the NCAA is divided into larger regions than the IHSA, such as the SEC (Southeastern Conference) that encompasses most of the Southeastern United States. Keep in mind how much time you would anticipate devoting to your riding once you get to college. 2: The Coaching Staff The level at which the equestrian team competes, be it IHSA or Varsity, should have no effect on the quality of the coaching staff. I simply bring this up as a point because the quality of the coaching staff of the team is essential to the organization. It is an excellent idea to do everything you can to find out how he or she teaches and utilizes time to maximize learning and effectiveness. Taking a lesson or at least observing a team lesson will help you gauge the trainer's effectiveness. A larger team or a team with both Huntseat and Western discipline teams will often have more than one trainer on the staff, so make sure to scope out the entire staff, including barn managers, etc. The way the team is run and the organization of those in charge is very important to the success and unity of its members. 3: Money! In general, a team with NCAA status will be funded, if not wholly then partially, by the University. This is a huge factor in deciding if money is an area of concern for you. As I mentioned before, IHSA teams are usually member and donation supported, so you will be expected to pay dues to help offset the costs of caring for team horses and additional fundraising will be necessary to help the team succeed and grow. Funding from the University that comes with NCAA standing will take the pressure off of team members to support the team. Personally, I didn't experience any problems in managing my finances in helping to support the team even though I had to work extra hours to pay the dues. Fundraising is always a helper to offset some of the costs. It's really a matter of personal preference and ability to manage the financial aspect of an equestrian team. 4: Your Level of Experience The Varsity level teams will compete at the equivalent of the Open level in the IHSA. During try outs, the coaches will be looking for experience, but they will also be on the look out for riders with promising potential to improve. Even if you don't think you will qualify for the Open level of competition, it might still be worth your while to try out for a Varsity team because the coaches might see that you are someone that they want to have on their team to prepare for future competition. However, if you want to improve your riding and gain experience in the lower levels of competition of the IHSA (Walk/Trot/Canter, Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter, Novice, Intermediate, etc.) then trying out for an IHSA team might be what you want to do. It depends on how much experience you have as a rider and how much improvement you stand to make as a competitor. But keep an open mind; remember, just do your best in whatever try out you participate in and then you know that you can be happy with the results because you tried your hardest. Of course, there are many other things to think about when you are deciding what team you want to be a part of. Always keep in mind what is best for you, but also try to keep an open mind and really scope out the team and see if it's what you want, even if your initial idea is not to get involved. And, on top of everything, have a good time!! >> Archived "Riding in the IHSA" Articles
Topics Hunter/Jumper Eventing Dressage Education Riding in College Industry Training Health
Columns Fun Stuff Ringside Critique Q&A: Life & Horses Life in the USPC Riding in the IHSA The Equine Life