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The Black Hawk College Equestrian Team traveled to the IHSA National Championships at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC, one of the most prestigious stages in collegiate riding. After months of early mornings, long practices and pressure-filled rides, the team delivered a powerhouse performance and finished third in the nation, marking another historic moment for Black Hawk College.
Where It All Begins: BHC’s Equine Programs
Success in the arena starts long before the first draw of the day. At Black Hawk College, students in the Equestrian Science AAS and Horse Science Technology AAS programs build the foundation that prepares them for competition and careers in the equine industry.
The Equestrian Science program focuses on developing students’ riding, training and instructional abilities through daily, hands-on work with horses. Students spend their days in the barn and arena, sharpening their horsemanship and learning how to communicate effectively with a wide variety of horses.
The Horse Science Technology program expands that foundation by diving deeper into the scientific and management side of the industry, including equine nutrition, health, reproduction, genetics and facility operations. Together, these programs blend horsemanship, technical knowledge and real-world experience, preparing students for careers ranging from training and instruction to breeding, management and beyond.
The IHSA Experience
The IHSA Equestrian Team at Black Hawk College gives riders the chance to compete in both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines. What makes IHSA unique is its catch-ride format: riders draw a horse only minutes before entering the arena. It’s a test of feeling, adaptability and confidence. These are skills BHC riders develop every single day.
With six competitive divisions, every rider contributes to the team’s success. Hunt Seat riders focus on horsemanship and over-fences classes, while Western riders showcase reining, ranch riding and horsemanship. No matter the discipline, the team is built on sportsmanship, accountability and a shared drive to improve. This year, that drive carried them all the way to the national stage.
Road to Nationals: A Season of Standout Performances
Before reaching Tryon, the Western IHSA Team delivered a standout performance at Semifinals hosted by the University of Findlay, earning Reserve Champion and punching their ticket to Nationals. Riders across all levels stepped up with determination and passion, earning top placings and multiple individual national qualifications.
Semifinals Highlights
Team riders
- 3rd – Aryanne Encarnación-Cox – Beginner Horsemanship
- 2nd – Emily Yeager – Rookie Horsemanship
- 2nd – Katelyn Clemens – Level I Horsemanship
- 1st – Ellie Ellis – Level II Horsemanship
- 1st – Ellie Ellis – Ranch Riding
- 4th – Gabby Olson – Open Horsemanship
- 6th – Gabby Olson – Reining
Individual riders advancing to Nationals
- 1st – Aley Rivera – Beginner Horsemanship
- 3rd – Fernando Cabral Gutierrez – Rookie Horsemanship
- 4th – Baylee Runyon – Rookie Horsemanship
- 2nd – Talia Pierard – Level I Horsemanship
- 1st – Gabby Olson – Level II Horsemanship
- 1st – Jayci Halsema – Ranch Riding
- 2nd – Gabby Olson – Ranch Riding
The momentum was undeniable. And at Nationals, the team proved they belonged among the best in the country.
Nationals Recap: Three Days of Passion and Horsepower
Day 1
- 2nd – Gabby Olson – Reserve National Champion, Individual Ranch Riding.
- 1st – Jayci Halsema – National Qualifier, Individual Ranch Riding.
- 5th – Katie Clemens – Team Level I Horsemanship.
- 3rd – Aley Rivera – Individual Beginner Horsemanship.
- 7th – Ellie Ellis – Team Level II Horsemanship.
- 1st – Sophia Napierski-Hamilton – National Qualifier, Individual Novice Equitation.
- 7th – Gabby Olson – Team Reining.
Day 2
- 2nd – Ellie Ellis – Reserve National Champion, Team Ranch Riding.
- 4th – Aryanne Encarnacion Cox – Team Beginner Horsemanship.
- 10th – Talia Pierard – Individual Level I Horsemanship.
- 2nd – Baylee Runyon – Reserve National Champion, Individual Rookie Horsemanship.
Day 3
- 2nd – Gabby Olson – Reserve National Champion, Individual Level II Horsemanship.
- 5th – Emily Yeager – Team Rookie Horsemanship.
- 8th – Gabby Olson – Team Open Horsemanship.
With consistent top-tier placings across all three days, Black Hawk College secured a third-place team finish at Nationals!
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