A new Alumni page and Alumni Contact List, launched on the official IHSA website (
www.ihsainc.com/about-us/alumni) have been created to bring former riders and teammates closer together. You don't have to be an active competitor to stay connected or follow your former college or university coach and team.
“We want to stay in touch with you,” says Chris Keim, IHSA coach for the University of New Hampshire and member of the IHSA Alumni Relations Ad Hoc Committee. IHSA, started in 1967, serves more than 400 colleges and universities and 8,900 enrolled student riders. Over its nearly 50-year history, that's a lot of equestrian talent entering the work force or show ring: three USEF / IHSA Cacchione Cup riders – Greg Best, Peter Wylde and Beezie Patton – have represented America in Olympic competition.
“IHSA alumni are everywhere,” says executive director and founder, Robert 'Bob' E. Cacchione. “Much of the staff at SmartPak are former IHSA riders and that's just a tip of the iceberg! Riding in college builds experiences that translate into the professional world. We would love to know where our alumni are, what they are doing, and what we can do as an organization to let them know that, even after you graduate, you can stay part of the IHSA family.”
Former riders are encouraged to share basic information on the Alumni Contact List to receive e-news updates about activities, member accomplishments, and exclusive benefits from corporate sponsors (hint: SmartPak will extend a 5% discount to all documented IHSA alumni).
“If you are still in touch with friends from your former team, please ask them to sign up on the Alumni Contact List as well,” says Keim.