My Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) experience has been nothing but pure bliss. Ever since I joined the team at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as a freshman, I’ve had the goal of making it to the IHSA Nationals, and this year as a junior, I was able to turn that dream into reality and compete for my team in the Novice division.

I am majoring in equestrian studies and proudly serve as one of four team captains on the SCAD Equestrian Team, holding the role of First-Year Coordinator. In this specific role, I assist incoming freshmen in acclimating to the dual responsibilities of being student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of upholding our team’s lasting legacy.

Since joining the SCAD Equestrian Team in the Fall of 2022, I have been dedicated to advancing my equestrian skills and contributing to our team’s success. I’ve been riding almost my whole life and wanted to continue my passion for horses throughout college and my future career.

I’ve been riding and competing within the Arabian Circuit for the last 10 years and have a newfound love for the world of hunter/jumpers. My time at SCAD has introduced me to IHSA and the hunter/jumper discipline. This exposure to a new discipline and association has significantly broadened my riding capabilities, allowing me to become a more versatile and well-rounded rider.

Under the guidance of our two amazing coaches, Ashley Henry and Sammy Perlman, my IHSA journey has been incredibly fulfilling. Their mentorship, combined with the support of my teammates, who have become like family, has enriched my collegiate equestrian experience to the fullest. Additionally, working with so many exceptional horses graciously donated to our program has provided me with so much new knowledge and insight into my personal growth and development as a rider.

The Road to Nationals

There was so much hard work and dedication not only for me but also for my whole team, which contributed to getting us to Nationals this year. There was so much dedication on my part to get to this point with active riding almost every day and working out mentally and physically to be the best version of myself before the competition. 

My coach sent us all a quote by Julie Reed before the show really resonated with me: “Going to practice is the most minimal thing you can do. Everyone goes to practice. Champions are great because of what they do outside of practice.”

The importance of showing up every day and working just as hard outside the barn is so significant. The SCAD Equestrian team brought about 15 horses to IHSA Nationals, so we prepared ourselves and prepped our horses all week at the show. We made sure they were looking and feeling their best, not only for our riders, but for everyone else. I worked inside the barn all week to help get our horses out for schooling and their designated classes. It was a whirlwind of a week, and I watched many of my other teammates compete before my class on Saturday. 

On the day of my competition, I focused on mental and physical readiness, including stretching and observing the horses during their schooling sessions. At the draw table, I engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow competitors, harnessing a sense of community before we all stepped foot in the same arena. I was fortunate to draw Dee, one of our own horses and a personal favorite of mine, which was an unreal experience. Competing on Dee was truly special, and I was honored to place 10th in a highly competitive class. Even though it wasn’t the placing I had hoped for, I am still very proud of my performance, and most importantly, I had fun and a great ride. 

Not only was the competition a success, but I also met some amazing people throughout the weekend. I got to have great conversations with the people I was competing against, not only at the draw table, but also after we had all competed against one another. Everyone I talked to was supportive and kind, and it was nice to make connections while at the show.

Beyond the competition, the relationships forged with fellow riders and my coaches and my teammates’ support made my trip to the IHSA Nationals extremely fulfilling. The horses, the people, and my coaches being there with me every step of the way is what made it so impactful for me. I am so grateful to have such great support and cannot wait to work even harder. As I look forward to my Senior year, I am committed to building upon this foundation, striving for excellence, and contributing to the success of the SCAD Equestrian Team. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m excited to have one last year as a SCAD Bee and a member of this amazing association. 

Find out more information about the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association here.

Learn more about the 2025 IHSA National Championship here.