For official rules and regulations of competitions, please visit the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) website here, while nationwide results for horse shows can be accessed here. In summary:
In order to create a fair playing field, IHSA competitions are based on “catch riding,” with riders drawing a horse provided by the host school. Riders are judged on their position and control of their mounts. Riders are not allowed to practice on their horses before entering the ring. Competitors are awarded points depending on how they finish in the class, with a first place finish receiving the most points. No points are awarded after sixth place. Riders who acquire 35 points in their divisions advance to the next level of competition and become eligible to compete in the annual regional show. Successful riders at the regional show may then advance to the zone show and, if successful there, the national show.
At Yale, this year we have been able to make competitions free of any entry fees! About a week prior to each competition, we must register any rider who is interested in competing and organize transportation to and from. Each competition can last most of the day, but depending on the participating riders and the levels they are competing in, the riders can arrive or leave as they feel fit.
If you have any questions regarding competitions and horse shows, please contact our horse show manager, Marilyn, at marilyn.mossien@yale.edu.