For more information or to schedule
an evaluation ride contact
Coach Rusty Rea: 1 (502) 777-9302
The University of Louisville Western Equestrian Team competes in Zone 6 Region 3 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in stock seat where riders compete in western pleasure and reining.
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IHSA provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition. It was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her riding ability or financial status - with no horse required!
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Local competitors include: Georgetown College, Midway University, Morehead State University, Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati, and University of Kentucky.
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The Western Team is open to University of Louisville students of all majors. The team is co-ed and welcomes riders of all skill level - even if you've never ridden a horse before!
Western Equestrian Team
Facility
The Western Team rides out of Rea Quarter Horses in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Rea Quarter Horses is an all-around training facility that specializes in multiple events including: western pleasure, halter, trail, reining, western riding, preparation for pattern classes (showmanship, equitation, horsemanship).
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This team participates in weekly group rides as well as periodic riding lessons with Coach Rusty.
Coach
The Western Team is coached by Rusty Rea. Rusty grew up on the back of a horse as one of three sons to horse trainers. Before coaching the University of Louisville, Rusty experienced IHSA on the Middle Tennessee State University intercollegiate riding and judging teams.
At MTSU he became High Point Rider in his region each of his four years in IHSA competition. And, in 2000 he became the Reserve National Champion in IHSA Open Reining.
Competition
Within IHSA competition, each rider shows in stock seat where riders compete in western pleasure and reining. Riders compete on Quarter horses while eliminating the expense of shipping or even owning horses - which puts IHSA competitions within reach of many who would otherwise miss the equestrian experience.
Individual riders draw a horse for each class entered, and have no warm-up. Riders accumulate both team and individual points.
Awards consist of a High Point Team, a Reserve High Point Team, High Point Rider and Reserve High Point Rider based on accumulated points.
