Since 2004, The University of Findlay's Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team has qualified for the IDA Nationals both as a team and with individuals. The IDA team was first in the region in 2009, 2008 and 2007 and second in the Region in 2006 and 2005.  Our team finished eighth in the nation in 2008, fourth in 2007 and 2006, and seventh in 2005. In 2009, at IDA Nationals held here at UF, our IDA team won the Team Sportsmanship Award.  On Sunday, during the Individual Competition, Ashley Parsons won the Upper Training Level competition.

2009 Team Sportsmanship Award Winners


We have approximately six regional shows each year along with Nationals. We encourage all members and parents to travel with us. Students learn teamwork, time management and how to be an effective rider who produces a winning ride in the dressage arena. 
It is not necessary to be an equine major to participate on the team. Many riders attend the University for a variety of other degrees and compete on the team. The IDA team consists of an Introductory level rider, two Training level riders, and a First level rider.

As in IHSA competitions, IDA teams do not transport their own horses to competitions.  The host school provides all horses for the competition.  The team captain, (the First level rider), participates in a "draw" to determine the team's group of four horses. The horses are then "paraded" while each coach assigns one of its riders to each horse in its group of horses. Riders then mount at their assigned time, receive 10 minutes to warm up and perform their dressage test for the judge. 

Tryouts   Team tryouts are held during the beginning of September. You will need your show clothes and an ASTM approved helmet. A saddle, girth, saddle pads and bridle will be necessary for practice. Students may rent a tack locker (if available) for $50 a semester to store your equipment. You will try out on one of the University's school horses and will be assigned to an appropriate competition level.
 
Practices   Weekly practices are posted and are held in the early morning!  

Cost/Expenses     Our IDA team is a school funded team. Therefore, travel and showing expenses are covered by the school.  For more information about IDA, visit the Intercollegiate Dressage Association website: www.teamdressage.com

IDA National Championships 2009 
The University of Findlay and our IDA team hosted the 2009 IDA National Championships on April 17 - 19, 2009.  For more information concerning this event, please read our web page.

Coach: Janet Harms
Assistant Coach: Amanda Smith
2009/2010Officers:
    Co-President:    Lindsay Carmack
    Co-President:    Allison McClure
    Vice President:  Liz Gust