WATERBURY – “This is for YOU … get involved and enjoy the opportunities it gives you!” declared Bob Cacchione, the Founder and Executive Director of the International Horse Show Association (IHSA) who really set the team spirit alight at the Equine Evening held recently for all students in Post’s Equine Business Management program and all Equestrian and Dressage Team members.

Mr Cacchione related how the organization came into being because he wished to continue his riding at college. Then he went on to explain how the whole idea grew and spread across the USA, so that now there are over 4000 students riding to represent their colleges.

He told students this was “their” thing and they should support the team, and pointed out the positive benefits gained – not only the riding experience, but also the team spirit, learning from each other, the networking and the fun.

The audience was enthralled by his stories of top riders who had ridden in the IHSA and how the experience is good for everyone, whatever their level of riding.

“Competition is expanding all the time to include new college teams in Hunt Seat, Dressage and Western,” he explained. The video of the ESPN program at the finals held in California two years ago really proved his point – all the students there were enthusiastic about being on their team and how much it meant to them.

Heather Johnson, a Post University alumnus, will be the Equestrian team coach this year and supervises the practices held twice per week at Lee’s Riding Stables in Litchfield.

The IDA Dressage team also has some new members and will again be coached by Jamison Wallace.