In the world of collegiate riding, there’s a TON of do’s and don’ts. As a rider in IHSA myself, I’ve learned that there’s quite a few things that other riders need to know. As I rode through IEA in middle school and high school, I noticed that this happened all too much. This also applies to IDA and other similar organizations.

Be Positive: No matter how your ride went, if you did the pattern correctly, or you’re just unhappy with the horse that you drew, you HAVE to be positive. This is pretty self-explanatory.

Do NOT talk poorly about other riders or horses while at a horse show: Over the many years that I’ve been riding in the IEA and IHSA, I’ve overheard so many people at shows talking poorly about other riders and horses. Some of these people that were being talked about were my friends and teammates. I actually overheard someone talking poorly about my personal horse. I was already hesitant about letting the IEA use him at the time. If you take anything away from IEA, IHSA, and this article, PLEASE don’t talk poorly about people and their horses. It hurts to know that there are people out there that are talking poorly about me, my riders, and my horses.

Please, do NOT get cocky: This is something else I see way too much in IEA and IHSA. I think this is pretty self-explanatory. Take my advice at your own risk.

Be a good sport: This is extremely important in IHSA. Please, congratulate the other riders who may not be on your team. Please make sure that you make them feel comfortable. Please don’t become angry in front of the other riders. This makes it seem that you have poor sportsmanship, which isn’t good for either you or your team.

Be supportive towards your teammates: If you don’t do anything else during lessons or shows, please support your teammates. This is the most important thing you could possibly do. Make sure that you’re there for your teammates.

In IHSA, you have to be a good sportsman, be positive, support your teammates, and so much more. I think that IHSA, IEA, IDA, and other similar organizations are such a great way to become better riders, better people, and to teach people how to work as a team, even though you’re riding individually. All of these ideas apply to all riders. It doesn't matter if you're a horsemanship rider, a jumper, a reiner, or a dressage rider, these ideas will apply to you. Remember, we all get on a horse on the same side. Even though I only touched on a few of the major Dos and Don’ts of these great organizations, these are the most important, in my opinion. If you don’t do anything else in these organizations, please keep these in mind. Don’t forget to take life by the reins and hold on, because life’s a ride.