START AN IHSA TEAM

Entry fees vary between regions. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $70 per class to enter a rider. 

Depending upon a rider’s level, a hunter seat rider can compete in one class on the flat and one class over fences at each show, or one Western horsemanship class and one ranch riding or reining class.

Many regions combine two shows into a weekend to reduce travel expenses.  Some regions combine hunter seat and Western shows into one day or one weekend.  When you receive a prize list for a scheduled IHSA horse show, allow time to requisition a check from your school to cover all of the entry fees, plus any additional funds needed for travel expenses.  Most horse shows are held on weekends, but some may be held during the week.

Depending on your region’s location, travel expenses can be a considerable part of your team’s budget. If you are a club team, fundraising will be a key component in ensuring your team meets its expenses.  Many teams travel in a college or a charter bus, while others drive personal cars and share the cost of gas and tolls. Some horse shows may require an overnight stay, so remember to include the cost of one or two nights in a hotel.

Many teams have a campus facility with a college appointed coach. A good number of teams will approach a local stable and make arrangements for a discounted group lesson rate with a local professional trainer or instructor.

When this is the case, you may want to have a renewable one-year contract, either written or oral, to outline the expectations of the agreement.  It is important to have a good working relationship with the facility owner/operator and instructor/coach.  You should also consider the cost of riding lessons or any other associated fees. 

Most importantly, your team members will need riding instruction by a qualified instructor or coach on a regular basis.

Also, keep in mind that all riders must comply with state laws regarding mandatory helmets for equestrian use.

Print out the IHSA Rule Book and the “Quick-Start Guide” and place it in a binder to reference throughout the year.

The IHSA purchases a blanket horse show liability policy that covers all entrants, spectators, and horse providers, as well as the association, for liability issues that occur at an official IHSA horse show. 

Some teams carry additional liability insurance either independently or through their school.  All coaches are required to have professional liability insurance coverage.

For more information on insurance specifics, email the website committee and be sure to include “insurance” in the subject line.

Many college teams are self-supporting unless they receive funding as a varsity sport. Teams raise a significant portion of their travel expenses through fundraising activities and cover the remainder out of their own pockets.  

By forming a club or becoming a club sport, you will be in a good position to request funding from your school. If your team is active, growing and successful, keeping a good relationship with your school’s administration and/or athletic department is essential.

In each region, all attending colleges ride horses provided from the host school, although some schools may provide additional mounts when needed.  The host school provides the tack and equipment for each horse.  Each competitor draws for their mount before their entered class.  Since no schooling is allowed, the host college provides a “horse description list” to give the rider helpful hints about the horse’s way of going. The rider simply mounts; adjust stirrups, and rides before the judge.