Intercollegiate Horse Show provides an opportunity for riders to expand the skill of "catch riding" while gaining valuable horsemanship and equitation experience. Horsemanship is judged "both on how the horse performs for the ride rand the rider's skill"(USDA Cooperative Extension).
Rider evals at Northwest occur every September and we welcome all riders to come out and join the fun! If you have ridden extensively, this will be a wonderful low key introduction to the nature of the organization and if you have limited riding experience it will be a safe introduction; either way, you can learn more about the upcoming plans for our fall semester!
If you would like to ride, make sure to join the club's Remind. There are a limited number of slots during the scheduled eval and there are a limited number of horses. You need to RSVP and arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot - 30 if you have never previously completed the waivers and rider placement worksheets.
When you arrive, make sure to check in and get a copy of your liability waivers. Please be sure to wear close toe shoes with a heel and long pants. If you have your own helmet, feel free to bring it as well!
Riders will then take turns doing a walk-trot pattern on the available lesson horses and receive lesson-style feedback after their performance from volunteer industry professionals who have been good enough to give of their time and expertise to get our team off to the best possible start for the upcoming year. The club uses a horsemen_comments_sheets.docx feedback form to help capture the evaluator's impressions.
Expect to hear some strengths and to leave with at least one area to focus on in improving your riding during the upcoming term. At the conclusion of evals, there will be time for Q&A, we will discuss this year's show plans, and the first lesson date will be announced.
Showing takes place during weekends (there are about 6 shows a year in our region the club could attend) and the team takes lessons every Tuesday/Thursday evening. Here a fellow IHSA rider from Utah State explains what shows look like:
There are different levels for every rider; 8 options ensure everyone from walk-trot beginners to experienced show-seasoned riders have an opportunity to be challenged and experience success. Riders have a choice to perform in horsemanship, reining, equitation, and hunter eq.
You can choose to show stock or hunt seat or both! In case any of those classes are outside your show experience, or if you'd just like to watch a few examples for fun these great AQHA classes give judges commentary.
You can choose to show stock or hunt seat or both! In case any of those classes are outside your show experience, or if you'd just like to watch a few examples for fun these great AQHA classes give judges commentary.
Last but not least, here are a few highlights from the University of Nebraska Lincoln's Extension horsemanship workshop.
Fall 2020 the club will participate in the "Flyover States" challenge hosted by Truman and Missouri State.