In 1967, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. This tradition continues! Under the coaching of Brenda Coggin, close to 20 Westfield State College students train for IHSA competitions. Weekly lessons combined with barn chores, shows, training clinics, and workout schedules help to promote a spirit of support and camaraderie among the riding team.

The Westfield State College equestrian team competes against Zone 1, Region 3 schools including: Amherst College, American International College, Becker College, Clark University, Elms College, Hampshire College, Landmark College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, University of Massachusetts, and Williams College.

The IHSA actively promotes the growth of “equestrian” as intercollegiate sport by encouraging team spirit while teaching excellent horsemanship.The IHSA's competitions are affordable because individual colleges host each event and provide the horses and tack. Names are drawn to pair up horses and riders randomly. This enables riders to compete on an even keel and truly test their horsemanship ability.

IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, regardless of skill level or economic means. The IHSA consists of 8 Zones with 28 Regions covering 45 states. There are approximately 285 colleges and universities with over 6,000 riders currently participating in intercollegiate competition.