Enrollment Increases 128% In Six Years - Tiffin University

what’s happening > Equine Business Management
EquESTRIaN BaCkgROuND
Several years before the formal offering of the Equine Business Management
concentration, Tiffin University students, faculty and staff had their first
opportunity to work with horses.
The equestrian interest at TU began in 2005 with an activity for the Adventure
Club – a club on campus that provided students with many opportunities
to engage in a variety of activities. The “Horse Experience” took place with
25 people, including students, faculty, and coaches. Students experienced
how to groom horses, as well learn how to ride English or Western. Many of
the participants were from metropolitan communities and the experience
working with large animals was completely new.
Due to the success of the “Horse Experience,” Tiffin University decided to
start an Equestrian Club. The club was popular immediately, and students
were able to ride for two-hour sessions up to three times per week.
EquESTRIaN TEaM
In the fall of 2007, Tiffin University started a varsity equestrian team
to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). This
organization has 29 Regions, 9 Zones with more than 300 member colleges
Hunt Equestrian Team – Back Row: Alison Dittman, Travis Roper, Lindsey McKibben, Taylor Wells, Francesca Moody, Felicia Brewster
Front Row: Morgan Dart, Kassandra Ringle, Emily Marsh, Lauren Stewart, LaTicia Jeffers, Liz Buskey
6 CHALLENGE > Fall / Winter 09
in 45 states and Canada, representing more that 6500 riders in both Hunter
Seat Equitation and Western Horsemanship and Reining.
Highly praised for its structure of competition, the IHSA allows riders with
various degrees of experience in the hunter and western rider disciplines
to compete individually or on a team. Competition plays a role, but student
enthusiasm and team spirit are the major objectives. Emphasis is on learning,
sportsmanship and fun.
The Association was founded on the principle that any college student
should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of their financial
status or riding level. The IHSA attempts to eliminate the expenses of
students owning horses and allows more students to compete.
Riders are able to qualify for the National Championship Horse Show
(Nationals) through a point system. During the year, contestants accumulate
points at local shows to qualify for the Regional Finals in their respective
divisions. The top three riders in each class of the Regional Finals move
forward to the Zone Finals. The top two competitors in each class at Zones
qualify for Nationals.
Tiffin University’s team competes in one of the largest and most competitive
zones in the United States. In TU’s initial year, the team of 12 members