On the day of a show, riders travel to the hosting stable as a cohesive unit. Following Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) format, each rider is randomly assigned a draw horse for their classes. There is no practicing or warming up on your draw horse beforehand.
Instead, teammates gather together to carefully watch the horses being schooled by the host team to determine the best strategy for the ride. Once your class is called, you’ll mount, compete, and exit the ring. Every rider meets immediately with our trainer, Farra, to debrief and evaluate the round. After the final ribbons are handed out, the team travels back to campus together.
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Walk-Trot
Flat Only
Beginner level. Open to riders who have had fewer than 24 weeks of formal instruction and have never competed in a horse show environment requiring them to canter.
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Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter
Flat Only
For riders with more than 24 weeks of instruction who have never jumped over 18 inches in a competition. Riders point out of this division upon reaching 18 points.
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Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter
Flat Only
Advanced flatwork class. Open to riders who have not jumped over 2’9″ in any recognized competitive horse show.
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Novice
Flat & Fences (Max 2’9″)
For riders who have not jumped over 3′ and have won fewer than 5 regional hunt seat competitions. Fences will not exceed 2’9″.
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Intermediate
Flat & Fences (Max 3’0″)
For riders who have won no more than 10 hunt seat flat classes and no more than 6 over-fences competitions. Fences are set up to 3’0″.
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Open
Flat & Fences (Max 3’3″)
The highest intercollegiate level. Open to experienced riders who have won 10 or more flat classes and more than 6 over-fences competitions. Fences set to 3’3″.
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Bucknell Equestrian proudly competes in Zone 3, Region 1 of the IHSA. Our regional matchups put us head-to-head with local programs including Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Gettysburg, Indiana University of PA, Juniata, Lebanon Valley, Millersville, Penn State, Susquehanna, Wilson, and York College of PA.