Averett University: Preparing Students for Careers in the Horse Industry
By Tyler Bui
For students looking to pursue a career in the equestrian industry as well as ride on a collegiate level, finding the right university that offers both may be rare. Averett University is...
Grier School: A True Equestrian Dynasty
By Piper Klemm and Tyler Bui
When we think about dynastic teams dominating sport for extended periods of time, we almost never think about equestrians. There are a couple—four-time US Olympian McLain Ward in the...
Collegiate Athlete Drug Testing: A Difference Between NCEA and IHSA You Might Not Have...
BY TPH STAFF
When it comes to collegiate riding, most prospective student-athletes consider the school, academics, atmosphere, reputation, location, and other various factors during the application process. However, one aspect of collegiate sports that may...
A World-Class Curriculum at Savannah College of Art and Design
It’s hard to find an equestrian academic program that offers it all—comprehensive education, a national championship equestrian team, and preparation for a career that can make a difference—but SCAD delivers all that and more.
BY...
What, Why, and How Do We Teach?
An inside look at how equestrian professionals can guide their students toward success
By Mary Pardee, Director of Riding at Lake Erie College & Assistant Professor of Equine Studies
I spend a lot of time developing...
Book Excerpt: The Athletic Equestrian
Ride Like a Varsity Athlete
By Sally Batton with Christina Keim (March 2022) Reprinted with the permission of Trafalgar Square Books
ASSESSING YOUR COLLEGIATE HORSE SHOW DRAW
For varsity riders, being able to get on an unfamiliar...
Thinking of Going to College for Horses? Read This.
BY LUCILE VIGOUROUX, MSc
Equestrians who aspire to make a career out of horses are confident about one thing: their passion for the animal and the sport. But the path to success as an equine...
More Than a Lucky Draw: Life Lessons From IEA
BY LEXI PLAISTED
I sat on a horse before I could walk on my own two feet. Horses have shaped my entire life, and yet the moment that changed my life the most occurred when...
IEA Judge Shares the Behind the Scenes of Hunt Seat National Finals
BY RITA TIMPANARO
I was honored to judge the 2021 Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Hunt Seat National Finals, April 22-25, 2021, held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center, along with Mary Babick. This...
Sweet Briar College Celebrates 100 Years of Equestrian Excellence
By Savannah MannesPhotos by Cassie Foster Evans, Sweet Briar College
Looking for a proven pathway to turn your equestrian passion into a profession? Sweet Briar College has been helping riders become leading women for more...
College Isn’t a Waste of Time for Aspiring Equestrian Professionals
BY HAYLIE KERSTETTER
While I spent a lot of time debating colleges, degrees and career paths, I always knew that I wanted to do something with horses. Many young people who want to work in...
College Preparatory Invitational Florida: A Different Kind of Horse Show
BY IAN MCFARLIN
Recently, I had the opportunity to show some really nice horses alongside talented riders in south Florida. No, I wasn’t battling it out for the top spot with Beezie, McLain or Kent...
A Practical, Well-Rounded Education Awaits at Emory & Henry College
Whether you want to pursue a college degree in equine studies or ride competitively at the collegiate level, Emory & Henry College is the perfect place for students to graduate with a top-notch, private,...
So Much More Than a Diploma: St. Andrews University Equestrian Studies
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
Picking a college is the first step of adulthood for many, and there are countless factors that go into determining which school is the best fit. But add horses into the mix?...
What Do You Wish You Knew Before Becoming a College Athlete?
The Plaid Horse asked this question to the College Equestrian Facebook group. Here are some of our favorite answers …
“Find quiet moments at the barn! Sometimes between practice, workouts, classes, and jobs, it’s easy...
Creating Opportunities: My Experiences as a Working Student In and After College
BY AMANDA TERBRUSCH
When you think of the words “working student” you probably think of aspiring professionals, junior riders looking to work their way onto the ‘A’ circuit, or even young teenagers willing to spend...
From Confusing to Life Saving – The IHSA Team That Became Home
BY CADY WAKITSCH
College student Cady found herself depressed and isolated in a new environment when she stumbled across the equestrian team—not realizing it was huntseat rather than her usual saddleseat. After her "sea of...
Sea of Green Ribbons
BY CADY WAKITSCH
College freshman, Cady, wanted horses in her life and headed to equestrian team tryouts only to realize that collegiate riding was a lot different than the saddleseat lessons of her youth. You...
Lake Erie College: Where Equestrian Career Dreams Can Become Reality
Originally from the September 2020 issue.
By Elyse Schenk
Contrary to popular belief, the start of college doesn’t have to mean the end of horses. In fact, higher education is a jumping-off point for an equine-based...
Lost in College – A Saddleseat Rider Uses (Hunter!) Horses to Find Her Way
BY CADY WAKITSCH
I never expected to continue riding horses after high school. I had been riding saddleseat since I was four, but I never owned or leased and didn’t get serious into competing. I...
Entering the Western World as a Hunter
BY MCKENNA DEBUS
Growing up in the hunter world, the most exposure I had to western riding was from cowboys in movies. My perspective of western was that it was rough around the edges and...
9 FAQs for Riders Interested in College IHSA Teams
BY ELIZABETH SOUSA
During college, there are a lot of questions that arise—ones you ask, and ones you’re asked. Being the captain of an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team, I’ve had my fair share...
