IHSA Huntseat Show at Albion College
On Feb. 11th and 12th, college equestrian teams gathered at the Nancy G. Held equestrian center at Albion College. These teams have come to compete in one of the last IHSA (intercollegiate horse show association), of the season. Many of the riders coming with hopes of qualifying for regionals that will be held at the same location in March. Teams that participated include Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo College, Michigan State University, Oakland University and University of Michigan. Teams range from a handful of members to 70 strong.
The Held equestrian center as existed for many years, but now the show could be held under the cover of the brand new indoor arena. The new ring has enough space for people to show and for horses to get warmed up all in the same place. The facility is now fixed with three large fans for air circulation and heaters along the sides for spectators.
The show day starts with riders drawing for horses. It is random and the riders will most likely get a horse they have never ridden before. The first time riding them will be as they are showing them. To provide for fairness, the classes are judged upon the rider’s position or equitation. Of course how the rider executes the course matters as well, but the horse is not judged. Classes range from 2’9” fences to walk-trot classes for beginners. The main goal of showing in IHSA is to get young riders engaged, learning and riding a variety of horses.
![Pioneers Raffi Avedissian wrestles an opponent from Saline during Pioneers senior night. Avedissian is back wrestling for the Pioneers for his senior season after wrestling on a joint Pioneer-Skyline team last year due to lack of coaching and participation.
“I feel like as a senior, it’s good to have [Pioneer Wrestling] back for my final year,” Avedissian said. “I also feel like there is a bit of a pressure to set a standard for our program. We only have four or five seniors [on the team] this year, most of the kids are underclassmen, but I think the future is looking bright for Pioneer wrestling.”](https://chscommunicator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/imMDAslaCJR4eKFePgHJVIwrcKNI2dZ7xYKESVfz-475x317.jpg)
