Johanna Moore to compete at the IHSA national championship

Alfred University junior Johanna Moore isn’t your average horseback rider. The communications major from Summit, NJ will be competing at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s national championship. The event will take place on May 6 and 7 at the Kentucky Horsepark in Lexington, Kentucky.

Moore, who has been riding for 18 years, will be competing in Novice Flat. Novice Flat is judged on the prettiness of the rider and horse as they proceed through a walk, trot and canter sequence, back and forth in two directions. Horsemanship (the skill of riding horses) is also a big factor of the judging.

At the competition, Moore hopes to make it past the first round and place in the top 16. Regardless of getting placed or not, being at national championship alone is a huge feat as the top riders in the country will be competing.

In the future, Moore will continue with horseback riding as a hobby. Here at Alfred, she takes riding seriously with two coached practices per week and solo rides every day. Moore’s horse, Polo, is a male Gelding. Hopefully the practice commitment by Moore and Polo will pay off as this is the highest she has ever reached in an equestrian competition. “I’m nervous,” said Moore, “but being nervous is good because it means I’m more focused.” The results of the competition will be posted on the Fiat Lux website next week.