The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) was established in 1967 and today encompasses 29 Regions in 9 Zones. Centenary competes in Zone 3, region 3.

Our equitation riders participate in the IHSA Hunt Seat Equitation competitions, which require that we travel to other colleges and universities, as well as host horse shows, among 11 institutions in our region.

Students ride horses that are owned by the host college and chosen by random draw. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the riders.

Classes range from walk/trot for beginner riders to the Open Division for experienced riders. During the year, riders accumulate points and ribbons at local shows to qualify for the Regional Finals in their respective divisions. The top three riders in each class of the Regional Finals move forward to the Zone Finals. The top two competitors in each class at Zones qualify for Nationals.

Centenary is consistently ranked at the top of intercollegiate riding competition. For over 2 consecutive decades, Centenary’s Intercollegiate Riding Team has won the Zone Championships, therefore representing the Zone at the IHSA National Finals.  Some of the many titles include:

National Championship Titles 2017 National Reserve Champions 2015 National Reserve Champions 2014 National Champions 2011 National Champions 2009 National Champions

Cacchione Cup Titles 2022 Cacchione Cup Reserve Champion Arielle LoGiudice 2017 Cacchione Cup Champion Katherine Steiner 2013 Cacchione Cup Champion Cori Reich 2011 Cacchione Cup Champion Marissa Cohen 2009 Cacchione Cup Champion Lindsay Clark 1997 Cacchione Cup Champion Kelly Ann Taylor

Heather Clark joined Michael Dowling in the fall of 2008 as the official co-coach. They both have businesses outside of Centenary with clients in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. They even worked jointly with some clients before their intercollegiate partnership. Their previous experience together has allowed them to form a competitive bond as the coaches of the Centenary University IHSA team. In their first year together as the coaches, they successfully coached the Cacchione Cup winner of the Region for both English and Western, were Region champions, and were Zone Champions. These four attributes have never been accomplished all in one year before in the history of Centenary University.

Interested in visiting the Equine Center?  Click here for directions.