IHSA Executive Committee Voted on a Change of Eligibility in Response to COVID-19

Fairfield, Conn. – Sept. 29, 2020 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) executive committee voted to make changes in eligibility in response to COVID-19 and the various scenarios facing its members and teams.

Years of Eligibility
All current undergraduate members of the IHSA, who were members before Aug. 1, 2020, will have one additional year added to their five years of eligibility due to COVID-19. According to IHSA Rule 1201, “riders will be eligible for the number of regular terms equivalent to four calendar years” will now be eligible (for those four years or 8 semesters) within a six-year period.

Eligibility for Classes Hunter Seat Introductory Equitation and Beginner Western Horsemanship
All IHSA members competing in classes 1 (Hunter Seat Introductory Equitation) and 11 (Beginner Western Horsemanship) who were members prior to Aug. 1, 2020, and had not already qualified for the post-season competition, will have one additional year of eligibility in classes 1 and 11. Upon winning 36 points in regular IHSA shows, they must advance to class 2A (Hunter Seat Pre-Novice) or 12A (Western Rookie A Horsemanship).

 

"These changes are based on what student members are facing," said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. "They are meant to help members should they take a year away from competing and not to force them to move up in divisions before they are prepared. These are good, common-sense accommodations."

 

More details to be discussed during an upcoming IHSA member webinar with more information about the 2020/2021 season. Click here to register.