Agriculture Competitive Teams

There are several competition teams for students to participate in at the East Campus.
Any student who attends BHC and is currently enrolled in at least 12 credit hours is eligible to participate on the teams. Designation of a specific major or degree plan is not required.

Equestrian Program Competitive Teams

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Western and Hunt Seat Equestrian Team

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) levels the playing field into six divisions ranging from beginners to nationally-recognized competitors, where all levels contribute equally to the success of the team. Exhibitors experience the ultimate catch ride, drawing for a horse only minutes before entering the show pen. Horses are provided, and BHC has a collection of quality show clothes to use. Be part of the legacy and join the team to refine your horsemanship ability, increase your competitive edge, and build team camaraderie.

Hunter Seat Show Team: This inaugural team had a successful first season with many individual wins. Riders have the opportunity to show on the flat and jump, in certain divisions.

Western Show Team: Regional champions for 18 consecutive years. Over 25 Individual National Championship and Reserve National Champion titles. 2017 Reserve National Champion team.

Contests
Team members participate in eight to ten meets during the year against colleges competing in Zone 7, Region 5 (central and western Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas). These include: Augustana College, Illinois State University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University and Truman State University. Zone 7 has the largest number of western riders in the nation.

Individuals who qualify as Region Champions and Reserve Champions advance to the Semifinals. Riders who finish in the top four at Semifinals are National Finalists and get to compete among the top 12 riders at Nationals.

Time away from campus
The majority of meets are on Saturdays and Sundays. At most, members might have to leave campus on a Friday afternoon for travel time.

Travel expense
Black Hawk College will cover most of the expenses of traveling. Students will be responsible for paying for their meals, their individual IHSA National membership and horse show entry fees.

Contact:

Rebekah Irish
Instructor and Western Coach
Office: Building 7, Room 104
Phone: 309-854-1838
Email: irishr@bhc.edu

Selena Finn
Instructor and Hunt Seat Coach
Office: Building 7, Room 105
Phone: 309-854-1840
Email: finns@bhc.edu

IHSA Equestrian Team Recruitment Form

Horse Judging Team

Collegiate judging seasons runs from January to December. Members of the team start judging during the spring semester of their freshman year.

Over 20 AQHA World titles
Travel and compete at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, the APHA World Show, and the AQHA World Championship Show
Study the judging criteria for many different events while evaluating quality horses

Time away from campus
During the spring semester, students miss seven to 10 days of school. In the fall, students miss approximately one week each for the Congress and the World. They will also miss two to three days to attend the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) competition.

Travel expense
Black Hawk College will cover most of the expenses of traveling. Students will be responsible for paying for their meals. An estimated cost per day for spending money and food is about $20.

Scholarships
There are numerous Horse Judging Scholarships available as well as other scholarships that are intended for Horse Judging Team members. The college also accepts any outside scholarships as well.

Contact:

Aaron Callahan
Professor and Horse Judging Coach
Office: Building 7, Room 103
Phone: 309-854-1841
Email: callahana@bhc.edu

Horse Judging Team Recruitment Form

Agricultural Teams

Crops & Soil Judging Team

The collegiate judging season runs from August to May. Members of the team start judging during the fall semester of their freshman year.

Time away from campus
During the spring semester, students miss three to four days to attend NACTA competition.

Travel expense
Black Hawk College will cover most of the expenses of traveling. Students will be responsible for paying for their meals. An estimated cost per day for spending money and food is about $20.

Contact:

Andrew Larson
Professor and Soil Judging Coach
Office: Building B, Room 223
Phone: 309-854-1830
Email: larsonan@bhc.edu

Livestock Judging Team

The collegiate judging season runs from January to December. Although judging workouts begin in September of their freshmen year, members of the team start judging competitively during the spring semester of their freshmen year.

Time away from campus
During the fall semester, students tend to miss about one week of classes because of National Barrow Show, World Beef Expo, the Stockman, American Royal, National Western Stock Show and NAILE. In the spring semester, students will miss approximately two weeks of classes because of San Antonio, Houston and NACTA.

Travel expense
Black Hawk College will cover most of the expenses of traveling. Students will be responsible for paying for their meals. An estimated cost per day for spending money and food is about $20.

Scholarships
There are numerous Livestock Judging Scholarships available as well as other scholarships that are intended for Livestock Judging Team members. We also accept any outside scholarships as well.

Contact:

Dr. Blake Bloomberg
Associate Professor and Lead Livestock Judging Coach
Office: Building B, Room 224
Phone: 309-854-1835
Email: bloombergb@bhc.edu

Tim Hubbard
Instructor and Livestock Judging Coach
Office: Building A, Room 228
Phone: 309-854-1837