IHSA Shows
Qualifying Shows
The Hamilton Equestrian Team is a member of Zone 2, Region 3 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and competes in Hunter Seat divisions. Five times in the fall semester and three times in the spring the team attends shows. The shows are hosted at Skidmore College, Cornell University, Hartwick College, and Morrisville State. Our trainer, Valerie McCloskey, accompanies the team to each show.
IHSA shows are conducted via a lottery, in which, the host school provides horses for each division and a lottery determines which rider is paired with each horse. Riders from the host school will warm up their horses prior to each class so that riders have a chance to watch their draw under saddle and over fences. Each rider mounts their horse prior to their class and is attended by a handler from the host show prior to entering their class.
Past riding and show experience determines which division each show team member is entered in at the IHSA shows. Positions on the show team may be competitive, being influence both by ability and team participation. There are certain divisions in which we have more riders for than we are allowed to enter. Every show team member will have the opportunity to show throughout the semester, however, given entry and funding restrictions, every member of the show team may not be able to attend each show. Team fundraisers are conducted in order to supplement the funding provided by Hamilton College. Team funding is used in order to cover as many expenses that can be met, however, because funding is not always consistant across each semester, the team benefits greatly from both fundraising and donations.
Directions to the shows from the Hamilton campus are available on the 'Forms' page.
Regionals
Each ribbon and division entry earns points for individual riders. Once a rider 'points out' of their division they have qualified to show at the IHSA Regional show. At Regionals, riders who place in the top three of their class may go on to compete in the IHSA Zones. Points also accrue for the entire team, which may help to secure a position in regionals and nationals for the team.
Zones
Riders who have advanced from Regionals to Zones will compete in the division against other riders who placed in the top three positions at Regionals. At Zones, riders who place in the top two positions will advance onto the IHSA Nationals competition.
Nationals
Nationals bring together the top two riders from each IHSA Zones competition within each division. Riders compete in order to determine the National Champion in each division.
Past Results
Regionals '06-'07 at Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): Hathaway Burden - Open Flat -6th Place, 6th Year End Open Division
Regionals '05-'06 at Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): Christy House '06- Intermediate Flat - 4th Place; Novice Fences - competed, Jessica Glidden '06- Intermediate Fences - competed
Regionals 04-'05 at Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): Kellyn Shoecraft '05- Intermediate Fences - Reserve Champion, Letty Bedard '06- Beginner Walk / Trot - 8th place, Carrie Biggar '04 - Alumni Flat - Reserve Champion; Alumni Fences - Champion
Zones '04-'05 at Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): Kellyn Shoecraft '05- Intermediate Fences - 3rd Place, Carrie Biggar '04- Alumni Flat - Reserve Champion; Alumni Fences - Champion
Nationals '04-'05 at Eden Park (Columbus, OH): Carrie Biggar '04- Alumni Flat - Reserve Champion; Alumni Fences - 6th Place
