Bethany Hosts Horse Show at Oglebay Stables

Oct. 10 - BETHANY, W.Va. – Bethany College is hosting an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) event on Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Oglebay Stables. The event, which will be held in the outdoor arena of the equestrian facility, will begin at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public.

Participants from 14 colleges and universities will be competing in the sanctioned IHSA event, including West Virginia University, Seton Hill University and the University of Pittsburgh. Riders will be judged over fences (jumping) and on the flat (no jumps) based on their ability to effectively communicate with their horse, their ability to have good posture and positioning on horse, and the ability to make riding appear smooth and effortless.

Oglebay and Bethany entered into a partnership several years ago to house the College's off-campus equestrian facilities at the Oglebay Stables. Amy McGreal, Operations Manager, said one of the benefits of the added facilities and space gained by the partnership is the ability to host ISHA competitions.

"The partnership also allowed Bethany to offer expanded service learning activities, internships and experiential learning opportunities, plus training on new equestrian disciplines and an enhanced equestrian facilitates therapy program," McGreal said.

The show is a good opportunity to visit the facility, see the horses and witness collegiate equitation," McGreal added.

The IHAA provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition. It was founded on the principle that any college student can participate in the horse shows, regardless of his or her riding ability and financial status.

Bethany College is a small college of national distinction located on a picturesque and historic 1,300-acre campus in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Founded in 1840, Bethany is the state's oldest private college.