Lisa Bailey Cassidy Honored with Pioneer Award

The IHSA Pioneer Award recognizes those who have developed collegiate riding programs and opportunities. The 2023 recipient is Lisa Bailey Cassidy, an alumna, former coach and board member of the Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF).

Cassidy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, discovered horses at 3 and became obsessed. At 10, she was one of the youngest members of the Rolling Rock Hunt Club. She competed in A-rated shows in the hunters and jumpers throughout her junior years, training with Carol Maloney, Peter Lombardo and Ronnie Mutch. She quit riding when she attended Stetson College in Florida, but reignited her passion when she transferred to Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, where she was recruited to ride on their equestrian team. Cassidy rode part of her junior, all senior year and as an alumna qualifying for Regionals and Nationals. Upon graduation, Cassidy took the reins as head coach of the Sarah Lawrence team for six years. When she moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, her friend, Bob Cacchione, the founder of the IHSA, encouraged her to form a new team at Fairfield University.

"I called the university and (asked), what about an equestrian team?" Cassidy explained. "They said it can't be (considered) a team. It's got to be a special interest group."

The university leadership offered Cassidy only one meeting to find out if there was interest in forming a team. "I put the flyer out and 12 people showed up and the Fairfield University Equestrian Team was born. We went from a special interest group in 1992, to a club sport by 1994."

"We were featured on ESPN and in an article in the New York Times," Cassidy said.

"This group at Fairfield was energized to make this happen. And we all were just in sync. We grew to 35-plus riders."

In 1996, Fairfield University Equestrian Team was the region champion team, defeating George Lukemire and Joan Johnson's SUNY Stonybrook team, who had won the trophy for 28 years, according to Cassidy. As a result, the Fairfield University Equestrian Team earned a slot to compete at the 1996 IHSA National Championship Horse Show in Los Angeles. Despite the competition, she, Johnson and Lukemire became great friends. Cassidy continued her success, leading the Fairfield University Equestrian Team to Regional Championships and the IHSA National Championship Horse Show each year and fielding 12 Cacchione Cup contenders.

"Riding, teaching, developing new riders and new teachers was a huge part of my life," she said. "Many of my kids are top people in the horse industry."

Cassidy served on the IHSA board of directors as a regional president for many years, volunteering her time alongside her fellow coaches.

For many years, Johnson essentially ran the IEF, an organization that provides grants and scholarships for collegiate riders. Johnson encouraged Cassidy to become involved and she was instrumental in helping create the IEF's 501 (c) (3) status. When Johnson passed away in 2004, Cassidy took over the IEF stewardship "She knew I really cared about giving back to the kids that were working hard and putting time into their applications," Cassidy said. "I've been reading applications since 2004, right up to this year."

What does Cassidy look for in applications? "I look for the person who exhibits the camaraderie of the IHSA and gives back in college and submits a nicely written essay," she said. "I love reading them. There have been some incredible essays.

When they highlight the spirit of the IHSA, they usually move to the top. The Joan Johnson Memorial Scholarship means everything to me."

Cassidy says she is most proud of generating spirit and sportsmanship with her team during her coaching days. With her work for the IEF, she says she lives vicariously through the spirit that IHSA coaches are building with their teams.

"Like many students, the IHSA changed my life," Cassidy said.

Cassidy is married, has a son, and lives on her family ranch, Cassiranch, in Cody, Wyoming.

"We are so grateful for the incredible contribution Lisa has made to the IHSA and IEF," IHSA Executive Director Peter Cashman said. "Her energy, spirit and significant impact embodies all that is the IHSA."