Cyclones Dominate Zone 3 Championships: Setting Their Sights on Nationals

The Centenary University Equestrian Center in Long Valley, New Jersey, became the center of collegiate equestrian competition as 24 teams from across IHSA Zone 3 gathered for the annual Zone Championships, the final qualifying stage before the IHSA National Championships. 

Zone 3 includes programs from four regions across states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of New York, with teams from schools such as Delaware Valley University, Penn State, Rutgers University, and SUNY New Paltz. These teams had riders competing at Zones either as individuals or as part of their team, representing their respective regions within Zone 3. Together, they competed for top placements and the opportunity to advance to the national level in one of the most demanding competitions of the season.

From the moment the first class entered the ring, the atmosphere reflected the significance of the day. Riders, coaches, and teammates filled the barn aisles and lined the arena, balancing nerves with excitement as each round carried the weight of potential qualification for the IHSA National Championships. Every ride mattered, not only for individual success, but for the collective outcome of each team.

By the conclusion of the competition, the Centenary Cyclones delivered a commanding performance, earning a total of 51 points to claim the Zone 3 Championship title. Their score stood above all other teams in attendance, and among the highest in the country, highlighting not only standout individual performances, but the depth, consistency, and resilience of the team as a whole. With the victory, Centenary secured its place among the top programs in the nation and earned multiple qualifications for the 2026 IHSA National Championships.

What is IHSA?

For many outside of the equestrian world, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) can seem unfamiliar, yet it is precisely this structure that makes it one of the most unique and challenging formats in collegiate athletics.

Founded on the principle of accessibility, IHSA provides students with the opportunity to compete regardless of financial background or prior experience. Riders enter divisions based on skill level, ranging from Introductory flat classes for beginners to Open level jumping divisions for advanced competitors, allowing a wide range of athletes to compete on the same team.

What truly distinguishes IHSA is its emphasis on adaptability and horsemanship. Riders do not compete on their own horses; instead, they draw mounts at random from a pool provided by the host institution and enter the ring with no warm-up and only a small amount of time to get adjusted. This removes any advantage of familiarity and places the responsibility entirely on the rider.

Success depends on the ability to quickly evaluate a horse’s way of going, establish communication within moments, and adjust riding style accordingly. Riders must rely on feel, timing, and fundamental technique rather than routine or preparation with a known partner. As a result, IHSA rewards true horsemanship, those who can remain composed under pressure and adapt instantly.

Understanding Zones and Competition Structure

The IHSA season progresses from regular-season shows to Regionals, Zones, and ultimately Nationals. Riders earn points throughout the season to qualify for Regionals, where top two finishes advance to Zones. At Zones, riders must place first or second in their classes to move on to Nationals.

Team competition follows a similar progression, with cumulative scores determining advancement. Each team designates point riders whose placings contribute directly to the overall score, making consistency across all divisions essential for success.

The Zone Championships represent the final step before Nationals, bringing together top riders from multiple regions within each zone. Competition spans flat and over-fences classes across divisions including Introductory, Novice, Limit, Intermediate, and Open.

Among the most prestigious opportunities at this level is the Cacchione Cup, a class that combines open level flat and fences performance to identify the most well-rounded riders. Known for its difficulty and competitiveness, it highlights athletes who demonstrate exceptional consistency, precision, and adaptability throughout the season.

Cyclones’ Exceptional Performance

Against a competitive field of 24 teams, the Centenary Cyclones delivered a performance defined by both standout rides and overall team strength.

Leading the way was Aislinn Bermingham, a junior majoring in Business Administration: Management B.S., whose performance stood out as one of the most dominant of the day. Competing in the Open division, Bermingham earned four first-place finishes across both team and individual classes on the flat and over fences. Her ability to consistently produce winning rounds on a variety of horses showcased exceptional skill, adaptability, and composure.

Eva Froio, a sophomore majoring in Equine Science B.S., also delivered a standout performance, earning strong finishes across phases and securing third place in the highly competitive Cacchione Cup. Her result highlighted her versatility and ability to perform under pressure against some of the top riders in the zone.

Taylor Ernst, a junior majoring in Equine Studies: Equine Training & Instruction B.S., contributed crucial points to the team total with consistent and reliable rides, while Paige Boggio, a junior majoring in Equine Science B.S., made a significant impact over fences with a blue ribbon performance that added valuable points to the overall score.

While these individual highlights were key, the Cyclones’ victory was ultimately built on depth. Riders across all divisions stepped up, allowing the team to steadily accumulate points and maintain a competitive edge throughout the day.

Equally important to the team’s success was the exceptional leadership behind the scenes. Centenary’s coaching staff played a critical role in preparing riders for the unique challenges of IHSA competition, where adaptability and mental focus are just as important as technical skill. Their ability to develop riders across all levels, from introductory to open, has been a defining strength of the program. Throughout the day, their presence was evident in every round, offering strategic insight, last-minute adjustments, and steady encouragement at the in-gate. That level of preparation and support translated directly into confident, composed performances in the ring. The Cyclones’ success at Zones is as much a reflection of elite coaching as it is of rider talent.

The Significance of Zone Championships

For IHSA riders, the Zone Championships represent the result of months of dedication, discipline, and preparation. Throughout the season, athletes balance academic responsibilities with practices, lessons, conditioning, and travel, all while maintaining the consistency needed to compete at a high level.

At this level, the pressure intensifies. Riders must perform under heightened expectations while navigating the challenges of unfamiliar horses. Mental focus, resilience, and quick decision-making become just as important as physical execution.

For Centenary, success at Zones reflects not only individual ability, but a strong team culture built on support, communication, and shared commitment.

Looking Ahead to Nationals

With the Zone 3 Championship secured, the Cyclones now turn their attention to the 2026 IHSA National Championships, scheduled for May 1–3 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Nationals represent the highest level of IHSA competition, bringing together top riders and teams from across the country. The level of precision, consistency, and mental focus required will be even greater.

For those representing Centenary, qualifying is both an accomplishment and an opportunity to compete on a national stage and continue building the program’s reputation among the best in the nation.

A Program Defined by Dedication

The Centenary equestrian program continues to establish itself as a leader in collegiate riding, defined by its commitment to excellence, depth across divisions, and strong leadership from both riders and coaches.

The Zone 3 Championship is a testament to that foundation, a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and teamwork that define the Cyclones.

As they prepare for Nationals, the team carries with them the momentum of a championship performance and the confidence earned through a season of success.

Cyclones, mount up, Nationals awaits!

Cecilia is a guest-contributor to The Cyclone Chronic