Judson College will host the 13th annual set of Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows on Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the college’s Equestrian Studies Center in Marion.

Colleges competing in these shows, in addition to Judson, include Berry College, Clemson University, Lander University, Georgia Tech University and North Georgia College and State University.

Riders will be judged by Caroline Smith of Graceville, Fla. and Dr. Charles Crowe of Jemison.

Judson equine coach Jennifer Hoggle said that riders compete within their region with the goal of earning enough points to compete in the regional competition later this year.  Ribbons will be awarded for the top seven places, and points will be awarded for the first six.

Judges will be looking for proper equitation skills, the rider’s use of aids to showcase and communicate with the horse and their riding technique as a whole.

Hoggle began the IHSA team at Judson so that students would have an opportunity to compete as a team and show horses.  Thirteen years later, Judson is the only school in Alabama hosting competitions in the Western division of IHSA.

As host, the Judson IHSA team will provide horses, some of which will be loaned by local members of the community, necessary equipment and various prizes for winners and participants in the competition.

Admission is free and the public is welcomed.