CNU Equestrian Team

  The CNU Equestrian Team is a diverse riding experience offered by Christopher Newport University. There are all different levels of riders on the team from people that have never been on a horse to advanced riders. There is a place for everyone! Through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) our team competes with 15 colleges in Maryland and Virginia and travels to different campuses for these competitions. Unlike other horse shows, competitors ride horses provided by the "home team" school. This provides riders with the unique challenge of riding different horses.

Showing is not the only part of the team, but it is a large aspect of IHSA to encourage riding and sportsmanship. The main goal of the team is to improve the skills of all riders and also to teach them to be part of a team as well as individual riders.

Not only is the equestrian team a great opportunity to improve your riding skills. It's also a lot of fun! The time you spend at shows is a social occasion. Everyone is supportive of team members and we all show team spirit. Win or lose, we have a great time. In addition to the riding aspect of the team, we often get together for events and fund-raisers.

The team currently rides at Stonehouse Stables in Toano, VA (www.stonehousestables.com)

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association or IHSA is a national organization in which most colleges and universities participate. The country is divided into six zones with at least two regions in each zone; each region consists of 10 to 15 teams. Christopher Newport is a member of Zone 4, Region 1. All members of a region compete in about eight shows per year.

IHSA shows focus on Hunt Seat Equitation at all levels. Riders range in ability from beginners to those with extensive showing experience. Classes at IHSA shows are divided into six divisions; your division depends on your individual show experience and number of years riding. Beginners do not compete against advanced riders. Only the upper three divisions (Novice, Intermediate, Open) include a jumping portion at the shows. In all other divisions, riders compete on the flat.