History of the INTERCOLLEGIATE HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association was established in 1967 by Robert “Bob” Cacchione while he was an 18-year-old sophomore attending Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Cacchione developed the prototype competition program with the help of his professor and renowned horseman, Jack Fritz.

Some of the most notable riders in show jumping and the Western disciplines competed in the IHSA during their college years. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden competed for Southern Seminary and won the Cacchione Cup in 1984. Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde won the Cacchione Cup in 1986 while he attended Tufts University.

Launched with just two colleges competing in hunter seat equitation, the IHSA was praised for its competition format and quickly caught on. In 1979 the Western divisions premiered at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show (Nationals). In 1999 IHSA Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization.

The early shows were judged by great horsemen, like Frank Chapot, George Morris and Michael Page. Originally, Nationals were held at various college facilities but are now held at major equestrian competition venues.