UVM Team

Please respect that Imajica is a private facility.  We no longer allow prospective students to visit the farm.  Please read the Frequently Asked Questions 

For information about the University of Vermont’s academic programs, admissions, and other questions unrelated to the equestrian team, please contact the school directly. Information can be found at: www.uvm.edu

The UVM Equestrian Team has been one of the most successful IHSA teams in the country for many years. Whatever your level of expertise, you will find that riding on the team will give you access to an unparalleled riding education. Intercollegiate competition offers exciting challenges to accomplished riders, and expert instruction is offered from basic through advanced levels. The program’s focus is hunter seat equitation and basic dressage. Tryouts are held in early September, and riders are required to commit to the team for the entire year.  If you are a dressage rider interested in continuing your education, please inquire.

The weekly schedule for members includes two lessons or practice sessions, strength training, and two hours of work at the barn. The Equestrian Team makes its home at Imajica, the farm of coach Madeleine Austin. Transportation is provided by team members who have cars.

The Equestrian Team encourages all interested athletes to apply to try out. The selection process is competitive but prospective members should be aware that riders are needed at all levels. Madeleine looks for riders who are team players, athletic, physically fit, sensible, and interested in pursuing their riding education to the highest level.

Intercollegiate showing is unique because riders are mounted on horses that are provided by the host college and drawn by lot. The team competes in five to seven Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) shows yearly to qualify for the regional, zone, and national finals. Intercollegiate competitions often limit entries so not all team members will be competing.

The equestrian team has much to offer dedicated, competitive athletes. While academics will be the focus of your school life, riding can also be an essential part of it. The same excellence you expect from UVM academics exists in the equestrian team, providing you with the highest quality facility, coach, horses, and opportunities.

Madeleine Austin has been the coach of UVM’s equestrian team since 1993. A Grand Prix dressage trainer, she has coached riders to international as well as national success in several disciplines.

🏆 Team Results

Regional Championships

Zone Championships

🌟 National Championships

2025

• Isabella Karr: Cacchione Cup – 3rd Place
• IHSA Individual Open Over Fences – 6th Place

2024

• Becca Polzen: IHSA Individual Limit Over Fences – National Champion
• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – 9th Place

2022

• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – 7th Place

2018

• Delaney Pluta: Novice Fences – 4th Place

2016

• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – 6th Place
• Alexandra Carlton:
  • Cacchione Cup – 5th Place
  • Collegiate Cup Open Flat – 1st Place
• Morgan Howlett: Collegiate Cup Walk/Trot/Canter – 2nd Place

2015

• Alexandra Carlton: Cacchione Cup – 6th Place

2014

• Alexandra Carlton: Cacchione Cup – Champion

2013

• Madison McKay: Cacchione Cup – 6th Place

2011

• Sophie Allen: Cacchione Cup – 18th Place

2010

• Reese Green: Cacchione Cup – 14th Place

2009

• Jordan Werner: Individual Intermediate Fences

2008

• Jordan Werner: Individual Novice Fences – 5th Place

2006

• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – 5th Place

2005

• Rachel Bertsch:
  • Individual Intermediate Fences – Reserve Champion
  • Intermediate Flat – 3rd Place

2004

• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – Unplaced
• John Pigott:
  • Open Fences – 3rd Place
  • Open Flat – 8th Place

2003

• John Pigott:
  • Cacchione Cup – Champion
  • Open Fences – Champion
  • Open Flat – Reserve Champion

2002

• John Pigott:
  • Open Fences – 3rd Place
  • Open Flat – 5th Place
  • Cacchione Cup – 4th Place

2001

• Carly Wittstein: Individual Novice Flat

2000

• Collegiate Cup Team Championships – 4th Place
• Amanda Starbuck:
  • Team Open Fences – 1st Place
  • Team Open Flat – 1st Place

1998

• Kameron Kerger: Intermediate Fences – 7th Place

1997

• Sarah Casey: Novice Fences – 5th Place