The University of Findlay

Overview:
The University of Findlay's Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team is one of the top equestrian teams in the nation.

In 2001, The University of Findlay became the first school in the IHSA's history to win national championships in both the western and English disciplines. The western team captured championships again in 2005 and 2007.

Findlay continued its record-breaking streak in 2007 by scoring 20 points over the closest competitor, the largest margin in IHSA national's history. Also in 2007, Travis Womer became the first rider in the IHSA 40-year history to win Individuals in western and English disciplines.

Findlay placed second at the 2008 National Championships in Los Angeles, California in May. UF rode for a total of 26 team points, just one point shy of the winning Ohio State University team.

The University of Findlay is
the first IHSA school to have
High-Point riders four years in
a row: Jake Bowman (2005),
Travis Womer (2006-also the
first High-Point rider to win both
the open and reining classes),
Trevor Dare (2007) and
Katie Morehead (2008).

The coaches, instructors and staff are dedicated and proud of the intense equestrian programs that help develop the most accomplished inter-collegiate riders. Students learn teamwork, time management and how to be a successful rider. Although participation in the IHSA requires hard work and commitment, there are many rewards.

Shows:
The host college provides all horses, tack and equipment. Riders are judged on horsemanship. In addition to semi-finals and nationals, there are approximately eight qualifying shows per year. All qualifying shows are double-headers: one show in the morning and one show in the afternoon on the same day.

2008/2009 schedule:

October 4 @ Wilmington College
November 1 @ Miami University
November 15 @ The University of Findlay
February 14, 2009 @ The University of Findlay
March 14, 2009 - Regional Championships at UF
March 21-22, 2009 - Western Semi-Finals @ UF
April 23-26, 2009 - IHSA National Championships @ Murfreesboro, TN

Team:
Riders come from many different degree programs. The varsity team has 43 riders (2008/09) who ride at the top of their determined IHSA level. The junior varsity team has 30 (2008/09) riders. Both the varsity and junior varsity riders work together and share the success of a well-rounded team.

Practices:
One practice per week is required. They are held Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m., and Thursday mornings from 6-7 a.m. Junior varsity riders practice after varsity on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Cost/Expenses:
Varsity team travel and show expenses are covered by the University. Junior varsity team participation has minimal costs that are covered by the riders. All who participate are required to provide their own approved show clothing.

Tryouts:

Mandatory Informational Meeting held the first week in September.
Tryouts held the second week in September.
A pre-participation physical is required of all who try out for the equestrian team. This must be completed prior to trying out. The form can be obtained using the following link: Equestrian physical

IHSA Team Results:
The University of Findlay IHSA Team results may be viewed at the following link: Western IHSA Show Results

Visit the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) website for more information.

The Western IHSA Team is structured as
follows:
Head Coach: Cindy Morehead
Assistant Coaches: Clark Bradley, Jake Bowman, Mary Bowman
Junior Varsity Coach: Jimmy Frebes

Varsity
Student President: Adam D'Agostino
Student Vice President: Kelly Harmon
Show Managers: Kayce Chilbert, Mark Kucko, Emilee Keith, and Molly Smith

Roster of Current Members.