IHSA Equestrian Team

THE TEAM
Truman's Equestrian Team is affiliated with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), which provides a venue through which collegiate-level students interested in showing horses can compete. The Truman Equestrian Team consists of 35-40 members on the Truman State University campus. They take about 6 trips a year to compete in shows with other colleges and universities in their division. They earn points at each of the shows they attend and try to earn enough points to move up into the regional, zone, and national competitions.

THE SHOWS
When the team arrives at a show each member draws a horse's name. You are not allowed to ride the horse prior to entering the class. You are judged on your equitation and ability to control your horse. You can compete in both hunt and western classes, and there are various divisions depending on your level of ability. Points are given for placing in each class and when you reach 35 points you are eligible to attend the regional competion and advance to zones and nationals.

TRAVEL AND PRACTICE
 The members practice 2-3 times a week at the University Farm and are coached by Tammi Jay, a very accomplished local rider and trainer. Truman provides funding for transportation and one hotel room for the coach. All other hotel, food, and clothing expenses are divided equally between the students. Truman State University is part of Zone 5, Region 3. This means that the Truman's team competes against Middle Tennesse State University, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Rhodes College, and Southwest Missouri State University. Truman also hosts one of the shows and provides horses for this event. Several pictures taken at the Truman-sponsored show at Midway Exposition Center in Columbia, MO, February, 2000:

SOUND FUN??!!
If you love to ride and are interested in showing, this group is for you. You can be a beginner or an advanced competitor -- there is something for everyone to learn and enjoy. For more information contact the team's coach, Tammi Jay, at 660-785-7477 or Dr. Charlie Apter at 660-785-4584.