For the first time, the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources equine studies program and WVU English Equestrian Team will host the Intercollegiate Horse Show Associations Zone 2 Championship on Saturday, April 5 at the J.W. Ruby Research, Education and Outreach Center in Reedsville.
The event will welcome 100 collegiate equestrians from across the northeast, as well as their coaches, parents and other supporters, as teams compete for a spot at the IHSA National Championship in May.
“We are very excited to host a national qualifying event for collegiate equestrians at WVU. It is a great opportunity to show off our program, facilities and fantastic Mountaineer students, and introduce people to all that West Virginia has to offer,” said Crystal Smith, teaching professor at the WVU Davis College. “Though we have hosted this event for western riders twice before, this will be the first time many of the hunt seat riders on the east coast will have competed at WVU.”
While they hope to have students from the WVU English Equestrian Team earn a chance to compete in the Zone 2 Championship, students from both the team and the equine studies program will have an opportunity to put their events management, horse management and hospitality skills to work. Students will be involved in every part of the event, from helping prepare the facility, managing competing horses, and serving as volunteers and ambassadors for WVU and the state.
Mia Fernandez, senior animal and nutritional sciences student and captain of the WVU English Equestrian Team, has played a key role in the planning of the competition.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing all the schools and riders come together to showcase their skills. Hosting this event brings so much energy and excitement to our team, as it allows us to demonstrate our hard work and dedication,” Fernandez said. “It’s also been rewarding to see how our team can play an active role in shaping an experience that will leave a lasting effect on the riders and spectators. Being involved in the planning has given me a deep appreciation for the teamwork required to host a successful event of this size.”
The event is open to public spectators at no charge.
The WVU English Equestrian Team has a strong track record when it comes to earning a spot to compete in the Zone Championship, generally finishing as the high point or reserve high point team for the region. In 2024, WVU had multiple members compete at the Zone Championship and one hunt seat rider represented WVU at the IHSA National Championship.
The Zone 2 Championship rotates between collegiate facilities around northeast, but this is the first time WVU has had the opportunity to host due to the enhanced facilities at the J.W. Ruby REOC, which were made possible by a gift from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust.
The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust donation was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.