Judson College equestrians go to nationals

Judson College equestrians were represented at the International Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Show May 5–8 in Sunbury, Ohio, for the first time in the history of Judson’s IHSA team. 
   
Competing for Judson were students Candace Ferguson of Millbrook and Jennifer Hayes of Trussville. In April, Ferguson and Hayes placed first and second in their classes at the IHSA Zone 5 Championship Show held in Murfreesboro, Tenn., which allowed them to compete at the national show.
   
Jennifer Hoggle, director of Judson’s Equestrian Program, said although neither Ferguson nor Hayes placed in their classes at nationals, Judson is proud of these two riders who competed at the highest level.
   
Participants do not ride their own horses in the national event but draw from a hat the name of the horse they will ride. Riders then go into the show ring to compete. The rules of IHSA allow for a more level playing field since the rider is judged rather than the horse and tack, Hoggle said. IHSA offers students the opportunity to start at beginner walk/jog or walk/trot and progress through to the open hunter, jumper, Western or reining sections.
   
The Judson College Equestrian Team’s season will start in the 2005–2006 academic year, commencing in the fall. (JC)