Founded by Bob Cacchione in 1967 when he was a sophomore at Farleigh Dickinson University, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association’s goal is to give college students the opportunity to participate in equestrian competition regardless of financial status or riding level. The organization welcomes beginners through advanced riders in hunter-seat equitation, Western horsemanship and reining. These riders can compete both individually and on a team. 

With more than 400 colleges that participate and more than 10,000 members, the IHSA eliminates the expenses of horse ownership. Horses for the local, regional and zone competitions as well as the IHSA National championship are furnished by host colleges. To ensure fairness, at each competition, students draw to find out the horses they will be riding, 

In this episode, Bob, the IHSA’s executive director, and Peter Cashman, the IHSA’s first president discuss the IHSA’s mission, how Bob started it and how it works, from the regional level to the National Championship. They also talk about the educational and life-skills experiences the IHSA provides as well as the camaraderie between students and colleges. 

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