Fairfield University's Equestrian Club a host of IHSA Zone Championships | Press Releases

Two team members to compete for chance to go to Nationals

Image: Equestrian team The Fairfield University Equestrian Team (FUET) is playing a big part in hosting the prestigious Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Championships, on Sunday, April 6, 2014, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, 174 Long Lots Road, Westport, Conn.  It will be a day for Stags to cheer on the University's 2013-2014 equestrian team in their quest to qualify for the IHSA National Championships later this spring. Fairfield will have two team members competing at Zones: Irene Peluso '15 in Open Fences, and Maddie Davis '17 in Intermediate Fences and Intermediate Flat. Competition begins at 9 a.m.

"This is quite a prestigious event for a sport club to co-host," said John Paladino, Fairfield's director of club sports and intramurals and associate director of recreation. "It is typically reserved for a Centenary or other varsity equine schools in the region."

The Zone Championships represent the final step for IHSA hunter seat teams and individuals on their quest for Nationals. Each region will send two individual riders and one team to their respective Zone Championships in a chance to qualify for the IHSA National Championship Show.

FUET coach Naomi Gauruder and Richard Luckhardt, Zone 5 Regional President, are the acting show managers. The Zone 2 Finals will incorporate 53 teams from five regions across Connecticut, New York, and Canada.

Founded in 1992, FUET has been an integral part of Fairfield University's Department of Recreation. Currently, the club is about 25 members strong. Throughout the academic year, lessons are held at two sites, Sea Horse Stables, LLC and The Ridge Equestrian Center, both located in Newtown, Conn.