So, Hollins' chances not only depend on a Cacchione Cup contender such as Parker but also on Nicole Liaros, a freshman who began riding last year. N.Y. Hollins is one of 36 NCAA schools with a varsity equestrian team, but the IHSA has about 310 schools because it also includes club teams. There are no NCAA championships in equestrian, so the IHSA fills the void. Hollins was one of 14 schools that advanced to the national championships last year. There are no divisions, so big colleges compete against small ones, and varsity teams square off against club teams.
Men compete against women, although most of the riders are female.
The IHSA schedule, which includes regular-season shows and regional and zone championships, tests a rider's ability to adapt to an unfamiliar horse. Either the host school or the association supplies all the horses for a show, with each rider picking a horse's name out of a hat. By comparison, riders at the Roanoke Valley Horse Show bring their own horses. Hollins also competes in shows like that. That's what the Hollins riders must do this weekend.