College Horsemanship

D Troop is comprised of six areas of concentration: Equitation, Parades, Show Jumping, Cavalry Skills, Foxhunting, and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team. Members of D Troop can choose their level of participation. Each area of concentration has its own skill level requirements.

D Troop cadets participate in weekly equitation lessons, seasonal parades, equestrian competitions, educational clinics and seminars, field trips, and special demonstrations.

Equestrian competitions are held on and off campus. Cadets compete against members of the general public at the in-house horse shows held in the indoor riding arena throughout the academic year.

Cadets participating in the Cavalry Skills Team practice honing their skills of riding at high speeds and mastering the use of traditional weaponry such as the Saber and the Lance. Students participating in this discipline are required to participate in public demonstrations and competitions.

The Show Jumping Team is comprised of the intermediate and advanced skill level equitation riders. Riders participate in weekly team practices and compete in monthly horse shows against their peers as well as members of the general public. Horse show competitions are generally held between September and April with a series end awards banquet in May.

The Foxhunting team participates with the Radnor Hunt Club located in Malvern, PA. Cadet participation in this equestrian sport is limited to space available and is a merit based team. Usually 2-3 cadets will participate during an outing. Cadets must be in good academic and tactical standing. Events are scheduled throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. An intermediate skill level of riding is required for membership on this team. Team members ride at relatively fast speeds, galloping across the local countryside, jumping natural obstacles as they are encountered.

College cadets participate in the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Zone 3, Region 2 as well as local horse shows, and the in-house horse show series. The IHSA is an organization that encompasses 29 Regions in 9 Zones with more than 300 member colleges in 45 states and Canada – representing more than 6500 riders nationwide. The IHSA attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allows more students to compete. Students ride horses that are furnished by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants. Classes range from walk/trot for first year students to the Open Division for the more experienced riders.

Full-time undergraduate students of member colleges or alumni who competed in the IHSA as undergraduates are eligible to compete. Riders qualify for the National Championship Horse Show (Nationals) through a point system. During the year, contestants accumulate points at local shows to qualify for the Regional Finals in their respective divisions. The top three riders in each class of the Regional Finals move forward to the Zone Finals. The top two competitors in each class at Zones qualify for Nationals.

Competition Dates

*IHSA is an abbreviation for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and is strictly for College cadets. The in-house horse shows are open to Academy cadets.

EQUESTRIAN STAFF MEMBERS:

Director of Horsemanship:

Captain Nicholas P. Caputo III leads the Horsemanship Program at VFMA&C. CPT Caputo began his military career with the US ARMY at FT Jackson, S.C. and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. CPT Caputo is branched Aviation and currently serves in the Delaware National Guard as a Forward Support Medevac Team Leader and Medevac Pilot.

CPT Caputo earned his B.S. in Equestrian Studies from Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. Prior to teaching at VFMA&C, CPT Caputo coached the Lynchburg College IHSA equestrian team. CPT Caputo has revitalized the Jumper and Equitation programs as well as the Cavalry Skills Team. In addition to coaching VFMA&C cadets, CPT Caputo also serves as an advisor and instructor for the First City Troop of Philadelphia.

CPT Caputo can be reached at 610-989-1502 ext 1.

Stable Manager:

Mr. Louis Taylor manages the stables at VFMA&C. Mr. Taylor’s experience in the horse industry stems from a Thoroughbred racing and breeding background. Mr. Taylor oversees all stable operations to include stable management, inventory, veterinary and farrier operations, maintenance, and horse show management, and supervision of the VFMA&C work study program.