Teams & Competitions

Equestrian Teams

Our competitive equestrian teams include:

IHSA Hunt Seat Team
IHSA Western Team
IDA Dressage Team
ICTA Intercollegiate Combined Training Association Club
Jumper and Dressage Prix de Villes Competitions
Dressage Derby of Ohio
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Hunter/Jumper Show Series
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) & USDF Dressage Show Series

Clubs which our students are active in include:

Laddie’s Legacy Club
Pre-Veterinary Club
Equine Leadership Council

English IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association)

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team for Lake Erie College participates with other colleges in Hunt Seat Equitation competitions. Riders draw for horses and compete on the flat or over fences. Since there is no warm-up period for the rider on their chosen horse, IHSA competitions are a true test of both equitation and horsemanship. Lake Erie College’s IHSA English national caliber team competes at an average of 8 horse shows per year. The shows are hosted by teams in the region, with many being held at either Lake Erie College or the University of Findlay. A typical show will have over 175 competitors in divisions ranging from Walk-Trot to Open Over Fences.

Head coach Mary Pardee has been with the team since 2009. Since that time Lake Erie College has had 7

National Finalists, with three riders who finished in the top ten. The team has also had the Regional High Point Cachionne Cup rider in 2010 and 2011. This honor goes to the top open rider in the Region.

The equestrian team has approximately 40 members. Our team is comprised of riders who share a strong work ethic and a winning attitude. The focus for all riders is on honing their riding and competition skills, developing strong "catch riding” skills, and being a compassionate, thinking horse person.

Western IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association)

The Western IHSA team has weekly practices either at the school or at a nearby farm. The team competes at western horse shows throughout the school year in Horsemanship or Reining classes. We welcome new riders that want to try the western discipline.

In 2011, the team had 6 riders qualify for Regionals. Our team has sent riders to the Regionals and the Nationals for the last 5 years.

IDA (Intercollegiate Dressage Association)

As the 2011 Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Champion, the Lake Erie College Dressage team is continuing its winning tradition as a national powerhouse. The team consists of students from all levels of ability interested in learning more about the sport of dressage, including riding, training, and showing. Each team member practices weekly in preparation for shows hosted throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario.

In 2009 the team placed seventh nationally out of the forty-two teams in IDA. The Lake Erie College IDA team was National Champion in 2005 and Reserve National Champion in 2006. Over the past several years Lake Erie College has sent four regional champions to compete individually.

ICTA (Intercollegiate Combined Training Association

The Intercollegiate Combined Training Association is a club designed for students wishing to focus on the sport of Eventing. ICTA practices in a group lesson format with their coach approximately once a week. Members may use either their personal horse or a college owned horse and equipment to practice and compete.

Members have the opportunity to go cross country schooling as well as travel and compete at various local 3-day events, combined tests, jumper and dressage shows. ICTA works throughout the year to manage and host clinics, combined tests, and jumper schooling shows at the college.

Laddie’s Legacy Club

This club is named for our founder, Laddie Andahazy, who promoted Lake Erie College, the Equestrian Program, and our fine horses. Laddie’s Legacy Club assists with raising funds for the support of the school horses at Lake Erie College.

Each year the club awards the Laddie’s Legacy Cup to the student who demonstrates great sportsmanship and dedication to the program. Recipients of this prestigious award participate in schooling horses, model great sportsmanship, collaborate with all the clubs and teams, and help with show management.

Pre Veterinary Club

Lake Erie College has a club for students interested in preparing for a career in veterinary medicine. Students tour area veterinary hospitals, share information and advice on veterinary college admission processes and attend conferences for pre-veterinary students. The PreVet Club assists students in planning the proper coursework throughout their undergraduate years and utilizes alumni and upperclassmen experiences to better prepare students for their future in veterinary medicine. Students in the PreVet Club are often selected to accompany faculty veterinarians in the Equine Studies Department to professional educational meetings, allowing them an opportunity to network with professionals in the field.

Equine Leadership Council

The Equine Leadership Council is composed of student-elected leaders from all areas of the Lake Erie College Equine Studies Department. The mission is to serve fellow equine studies students by acting as a liaison between students, faculty, staff and administration.

This group provides a forum for discussion about issues in the Equine Studies program. Equine Leadership Council is responsible for assisting in the planning for the State of the Equine Address, clean up day, Fun Night, Open Campus days and the Annual Recognition Dinner. They also hold class meetings and assist in preparation of promotional materials.