“We're very proud to have their support,” said IHSA vice president and U.S. Military Academy (West Point) equestrian team coach, Peter Cashman. “They make our riders feel like the champions they are.”
“Giving college students the chance to ride, some for the first time, is a vital step in building a strong horse community, and one that Der Dau whole heartedly is behind. We wish everyone qualifying for Nationals the best of luck. You are truly all winners already,” said Victoria Capobianco, marketing director at Der Dau New York.
The sponsorship will provide a free pair of Der Dau Italian leather Low Contour Field Boots to the winner of the Individual Open Equitation Over Fences, plus one IHSA/Der Dau polo to each winner of the Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences classes. IHSA members (riders, coaches and alum) will find added customer special discounts at the Der Dau booth at West Springfield, and don't forget to ask about the new Trade In Program allowing riders to bring in their current tall boots and trade them in for credit towards a new pair of Der Dau boots.
Where do the old boots go? “Der Dau will be refurbishing the traded-in boots and giving them to The Rider’s Closet so that riders who cannot otherwise afford boots will still get the opportunity to ride and compete,” said Capobianco, echoing a motivation similar to the IHSA mission. “Bring your boots to us at the Der Dau booth at Nationals to get appraised and maybe help another rider's dream come true.”
The 42nd annual IHSA National Championships will host 450 of the nation's top college riders and 25 best teams for four days of daily hunter seat, over fences, western horsemanship and reining classes for national titles, including the USEF Cacchione Cup, Collegiate Cup High Point Hunter Seat Team, AQHA High Point Western Team, and NRHA Open Rider. Learn more about the IHSA and follow results of the IHSA National Championships at www.IHSAinc.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/IntercollegiateHorseShowAssociation.