Bethany College to Host Intercollegiate Horse Show

Bethany, W.Va – At least 14 colleges and universities from throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, will compete for top honors in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) show at Oglebay Stables in Wheeling on Sunday, October 17.

The event is hosted by Bethany College and is free and open to the public.

Among the schools taking part are West Virginia University, Bethany College, 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 appear aesthetically pleasing (i.e. posture and positioning on the horse) and the ability to make riding appear smooth and effortless.

The show will be held in the outdoor arena of the equestrian facility at Oglebay Stables and begins at 10 a.m.

Oglebay and Bethany College maintain a partnership to house the college's off-campus equestrian facilities at the Oglebay Stables. Operations Manager Amy McGreal says one of the benefits of the added facilities and space gained by the partnership is the ability to host IHSA competitions.

"This partnership has also allowed Bethany to offer expanded services to our students, as well as our local community," said McGreal.

McGreal added that the show is a good opportunity to visit the facility, see the horses, and witness collegiate competition.

The IHSA 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 should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her riding ability or financial status.