The ISSRA was founded in 2008 by college students and faculty mentors from Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, Morehead State University, University of Kentucky and Art Institute Online. Since that time it has expanded to include this year’s host team, the University of Louisville and Northern Kentucky University and Marshall University with independent riders competing from Asbury and Transylvania Universities. The organization’s focus is to provide college students with an opportunity to continue riding saddle seat throughout college and to bring new riders the experience of competition on a collegiate level.
ISSRA operates its shows similar to the World Cup. Each rider shows in an equitation rail class and a pattern class. Individual riders draw a horse for each class entered, and have minimal warm-up. Coaches select team point riders in each division prior to the first class and those riders accumulate both team and individual points. Awards consist of a High Point Team, a Reserve High Point Team, High Point Rider and Reserve High Point Rider - to both Senior and Junior riders - based on accumulated points. Again this year, USEF has graciously donated $1,000 for individual high point rider awards.
Each ISSRA coach places his/her riders in specified divisions based on show experience and a formal riding evaluation. Senior riders compete in Open, Open Limit, Advanced, or Novice classes, while Junior riders compete in Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter or Beginner Walk-Trot classes.
This year’s event includes a silent auction. Items will be available for inspection during the Spring Premier, starting on Thursday, with the silent auction closing on Saturday evening.
For more details on show events, competitors, silent auction, and program advertisements, please visit the organization’s website http://intercollegiatesaddleseat.com/ or contact Sally Haydon (859) 519-0949 or by E-mail at [email protected].