About Equestrian - Hunter Seat
The DelVal hunter seat team comes under the guidance of athletic beginning with the 2017-18 season.
The team promotes teamwork, hard work and healthy competition in all forms. They compete at Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions throughout the school year. They took home fourth-place honors at the IHSA nationals in 2014 and placed seventh the following year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE IHSA?
The IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels who compete individually and as teams at regional, zone and national levels. The association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship and fun. Competition plays a role, but the students’ enthusiasm and team spirit are the major factors. The objective of IHSA competition is to offer the opportunity to riders in their first years of riding as well as to students with show experience. Eliminating the expense of shipping or even owning horses puts IHSA competitions within reach of many who would otherwise miss the equestrian experience (source: www.ihsainc.com)
IS SHOWING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No! Riders of all experience levels are welcome to tryout for the team. Riders are placed in divisions with respect to their riding and showing experience.
CAN I BRING MY OWN HORSE?
We do not have the space to board team members’ horses on campus; however, your coach can provide you with a list of boarding facilities in the area. Another option is to consider leasing your personal horse to the University where she would be used in the Equine program. Horses must be experienced both on the flat and over fences, have a quiet disposition and be serviceably sound. If you are interested in leasing your horse, you can contact Taylor Adams at taylor.adams@delval.edu. Please be prepared to submit a video for review.
DO I HAVE TO BE AN EQUINE MAJOR TO JOIN THE TEAM?
No! All majors are welcome to tryout for the team. We enjoy riders with different interests and different backgrounds and feel that diversity builds a stronger team.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NECESSARY FOR COMPETING?
In order to participate in hunt seat lessons, riders must have and wear an approved helmet, breeches, tall boots (paddock boots and half chaps are acceptable for lessons only) and gloves. In order to compete at hunt seat shows, riders will also need a long-sleeved show shirt and a show coat. At the beginning of each season, the officers and coaches will discuss appropriate showing attire, and afterwards, team members usually go shopping together.
