Panther Equestrian Club fields a team that competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The team attends about ten shows per academic year. IHSA classes are designed to include riders of all levels-from beginners to medal finalists in both flat and over fences classes. All classes are judged on rider equitation. Riders are placed into divisions primarily based on prior show experience. Panther Equestrian requires all members to join the IHSA (about a $30 entry fee) and be willing to show when needed.
At shows, the host team provides the horses and riders randomly draw their mount. Riders receive a short description of the horse but are allowed no warmup time. Points earned in competition count both towards individual and team standings. Riders who point out of their division are automatically qualified for Regionals at the end of the year. The top two riders at Regionals progress to Zones, and the top two riders from Zones go to Nationals. For team competition, the high point team from the normal show season progresses to Zones, where the top two teams go on to Nationals.