All riding students are eligible to try out for the varsity intercollegiate equestrian team upon completion of required paperwork. Team selections are held at the beginning of each academic semester and students are chosen based on their ability to perform at different levels. In order to compete as a member of the twenty-five-member team, riders are needed to fill positions in each of the following divisions, from most to least experienced: Open, Intermediate, Limit, Novice, Pre-Novice, and Introductory.

As with all UMW varsity teams, members of the equestrian team have access to practices, lift sessions, and academic resources. Having recently moved barns to EKG Stables, and now under the coaching of Erin Grampp, the team has experienced an abundance of growth. Members take a minimum of one riding lesson a week, as well as a work shift to better their horsemanship.

The varsity equestrian team takes part in eight shows each year, in addition to regional, zone, and national championship competitions. The University of Mary Washington is a member of Zone 4, Region 4 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), along with Christopher Newport University, College of William & Mary, Liberty University, Randolph-Macon College, Sweet Briar College, and University of Richmond.

The IHSA, founded in 1967, promotes competition for riders of all skill levels who compete individually and as teams. The objective of the IHSA competition is to offer opportunities to newcomers and experienced riders. As a recognized member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), IHSA involves itself with the top professionals in the field. Only USEF-recognized judges are used for IHSA competitions. The competition is unique in that no rider may use their own horse. All riders are mounted on a horse by the host school, with each horse being drawn by lot. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted.

Class levels range from walk-trot, for first year competitors, to the open division, for the experienced rider. In addition to qualifying individuals for national competition, each region is represented by its high-point team to vie for the coveted Miller’s Cup. Mary Washington was the reserve high-point team at the 1988 national finals, finished fourth in 1994, and seventh in 2008.

As always, competition for the riding team will be fierce, with an excellent group of riders competing for spots. In keeping with an excellent tradition in equestrian, and one of the few college programs that is offered as a varsity sport, the equestrian team will look to add another exciting chapter to the University of Mary Washington record book. With the full backing of the community, school and administration, look for the Eagles to return to the top of the region and zone standings again next season, with an eye on a repeat trip to national finals.