Equestrian teams from 10 universities converged at the Benton County Fairgrounds this weekend to compete in English and Western horse riding events.

Hailing from as far north as the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and as far south as Southern Oregon University in Ashland, the 120 riders needed only to bring their boots and gear to the show hosted by Linn-Benton Community College. All of the horses are provided at Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions.

About 50 horses were rounded up from Oregon State University, LBCC and local farms for the event. Riders were matched up with horses through a lottery.

“It’s really hard to own a horse in college,” said Lauren Clark, 21, of Washington State University in Pullman.

Clark is on the equestrian team at WSU but does not own a horse.

“It’s really time-consuming and expensive,” she said. “That’s why this is so good. You don’t have to own a horse to ride.”

Though having horses provided makes it possible for more college students — from beginners to advanced riders — to join their school equestrian teams, working with unknown horses, sometimes several in a weekend, can be challenging.

Clark’s teammate Laryn Fuerst, 20, is a horse owner. Though she rides regularly, competing with the horses at IHSA events takes some getting used to.

“It’s a much different experience than bonding with your own horse,” Fuerst said.

For English hunt seat riding, Fuerst explained, the ideal posture of the horse includes an arched neck. The riders need to determine immediately what sort of reigning technique will produce this in each horse.

“Each horse kind of gets down there in a different way,” Fuerst said. “You have to find out what they like.”

And you have to find out fast.

“You basically get on and adjust your stirrups and you’re immediately judged,” said Jenny Strooband, IHSA faculty advtor for LBCC.

The IHSA competition will continue Sunday from 8 a.m. to about 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the IHSA Web site at www.zone8region4.com or call 917-4767.

Jennifer Nitson can be reached at 758-9510 or jennifer.nitson@ lee.net