IHSA to Hold 2024 National Championship at Tryon International
Gladys, Va. – Sept. 8, 2023 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) leadership has signed a three-year agreement with Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina, to host the IHSA National Championship starting this season. The 2024 event will be held May 3-5, 2024.
IHSA Nationals at Tryon International will host nearly 500 riders from across the U.S. and Canada competing in all levels of hunter seat equitation on the flat and over fences and Western divisions, including horsemanship, ranch riding and reining. To qualify for the event, the IHSA athletes will compete at hundreds of regular-season events, 39 Regional Championships, eight Zone Finals and three Western Semi-Finals, presented by the National Reining Association (NRHA). Riders will vie for team and individual championships, including the coveted USHJA Hunter Seat High-Point Rider, presenting the Cacchione Cup and the Back on Track Western High-Point Rider honors.
"We are so excited to bring the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship to Tryon International, aligning with our mission to celebrate all levels of equestrian competition and increasing the accessibility of horse sports," said Director of Equestrian Operations Molly Oakman. "We feel Tryon is the perfect location to host our nation's top, collegiate athletes in both Western and hunter seat. We can't wait to welcome all IHSA Nationals competitors and their families to North Carolina in 2024!"
Photo courtesy of Tryon International
Located in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain range, Tryon International hosted the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon. The venue offers first-class facilities for all equestrian disciplines, with 13 all-weather, state-of-the-art competition rings, an indoor complex, 1,400 permanent stalls, miles of trails and grazing areas. The popular facility also offers numerous onsite lodging options, eateries, retail shopping and family entertainment.
“We are excited to hold our first IHSA Nationals at Tryon International,” said IHSA Executive Director Peter Cashman. “The opportunity to run two indoor arenas simultaneously while focusing on each of our feature classes means that we can be creative and flexible with the schedule and have a great audience for both hunter seat and Western classes. It’s going to be a great event!”
About the IHSA:
The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes all genders at a range of riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship, ranch riding and reining at nearly 400 member colleges and universities. Membership in IHSA means that college students can participate in horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete from beginner through advanced with suitable, provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership.
Founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 8,000 members in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs, including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help build successful careers.
For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.