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.
Results:
Regional Championships:
2024 Champion Team
2023 Champion Team
2022 Champion Team
2020 and 2021 N/A
2019 Champion Team
2018 Reserve Champion Team
2017 Champion Team
2016 Champion Team
2015 Champion Team`
2013 Reserve Champion Team
2012 Reserve Champion Team
2011 Reserve Champion Team
2010 Champion Team
2009 Champion Team
2008 Reserve Champion Team
2007 Reserve Champion Team
2006 Champion Team
2005 Reserve Champion Team
2004 Champion Team
2003 Champion Team
2002 Champion Team
2001 Champion Team
2000 Champion Team
Zone Championships
2024 Zone 1 Reserve Champion Team
2022 Zone 1 Reserve Champion Team
2016 Zone 1 Champion Team
2006 Zone 1 Reserve Champion Team
2004 Zone 1 Champion Team
2000 Zone 1 Champion Team
National Championships:
2024 Becca Polzen
IHSA Individual Limit Over Fences
National Champion
2024 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
Individual Intermediate Flat
3rd Place
2004 Collegiate Cup Team Championships
Unplaced
John Pigott
Individual Open Fences
3rd Place
Individual Open Flat
8th Place
2003 John Pigott
Cacchione Cup
Champion
Individual Open Fences
Champion
Individual Open Flat
Reserve Champion
2002 John Pigott
Individual Open Fences
3rd Place
Individual 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
First Place
Team Open Flat
First Place
1998 Kameron Kerger
Individual Intermediate Fences
7th Place
1997 Sarah Casey
Individual Novice Fences
5th Place