About IHSA

The mission of the IHSA is to provide equestrian competition for all college and university students regardless of riding level, gender, race, sexual orientation or financial status. The IHSA is dedicated to promoting sportsmanship, horsemanship and academic excellence.
​IHSA welcomes beginners through advanced riders in the hunter and Western disciplines to compete individually or on a team. All genders compete with and against each other.
IHSA eliminates the expenses of horse ownership. Horses are furnished by host colleges and are chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The format fairly tests the horsemanship of the athletes. Divisions range from Beginner to the Open Division for the more experienced riders.

About Bowdoin College IHSA Team

We are a club sport open to anyone interested in horseback riding and welcome students of all backgrounds and skill levels to join. We compete in Zone 1, Region 2 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Interested in joining the team or just want to know a bit more? Contact Laura Haley at [email protected], Stephanie Goerck at [email protected], or Larah Gutierrez-Camano at [email protected].

FAQ

What are your semester dues?

The Equestrian Team strives to remain as low-cost as possible. Bowdoin’s Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC) covers the cost of fall lessons and some shows. Students must provide their own helmets, boots, schooling, and show apparel. 

Do I need to own my own horse?

Nope! We compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), which provides all competitors with a horse and tack. Our lessons are on horses provided by our instructor and also have their own custom-fitted tack.

I own a horse, can I bring it to school?

Absolutely! Please contact Renae directly to discuss boarding options. Stalls do not open up frequently, so please reach out as soon as possible to get your name on a list.

Do I need to participate in shows, or can I just take lessons?

Bowdoin’s Office of Student Activities asks that any student who receives SAFC funding also compete at some point during their time at Bowdoin. You are still more than welcome to ride at our facility if you do not want to show, but you must cover the cost of your own lessons.

Are there commitment requirements to join the team?

Yes, IHSA riders must commit to lessoning at least once a week to remain on the show team. Team Members are required to participate team workouts as well as help teach Horsemanship 101 workshops that help encourage new riders to join the team!

SHOW TEAM SCHEDULE 

Saturday September 6th - 9am Team Try outs

2027 Show season to be determined!