WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
MHSEA Program Overview
The Minnesota High School Equestrian Association (MHSEA) program is structured around qualifying competition levels within specific equestrian disciplines. These levels are developed with reference to rules and standards established or governed by international, national, local, and breed- or discipline-specific organizations and agencies.
MHSEA members pursue their own individualized riding programs and training schedules. Each member trains with a coach or trainer of their choice and competes within the discipline they select. Riders participate at levels and venues they determine to be appropriate based on their financial resources, skill development, and competitive goals. Each member is solely responsible for establishing their own training and competition plan, including the level and frequency of participation.
MHSEA functions strictly as an administrative organization and does not provide horses, arrange lessons, or coordinate training for members. Additionally, neither a student’s high school nor MHSEA is responsible for the completion of registration, applications, or related requirements for clinics, horse shows, or other equestrian events.
MHSEA Program Membership Benefits
Benefits of participation in the Minnesota High School Equestrian Association (MHSEA) include:
- Eligibility for recognition of achievements and/or a varsity letter from your high school (if approved by your school).
- Eligibility for MHSEA recognition at the Varsity or Junior Varsity level.
- MHSEA Scholarships exclusive to graduating seniors who are members of MHSEA
- Official MHSEA certificate commemorating a member’s participation and/or achievement.
- MHSEA equestrian patch recognizing participation and/or achievement (appropriate for letter jackets, sweatshirts, bags, and more).
- Valuable addition to college and scholarship applications, highlighting commitment, leadership, and competitive involvement.
- Potential increased opportunities at the post-secondary level, including participation on collegiate equestrian teams and eligibility for equestrian-related scholarships.
Participation in MHSEA allows student-athletes to gain formal recognition for their dedication to equestrian sport while building credentials that support future academic and athletic pursuits.
MHSEA Program Member Registration
Registration information for the Minnesota High School Equestrian Association (MHSEA):
- Online Registration is available at www.mhsea.org between April 1 – June 30.
- Registration opens April 1 for all Minnesota high school students in grades 8–11 for students in grades 8 - 11 as of April 1, 2026.
- Registration is not limited to students attending schools currently listed on the MHSEA website. MHSEA will seek program approval from any school attended by a registered member.
- Home-schooled students are eligible through the public school district in which they reside.
- A non-refundable membership registration fee of $85 is due to MHSEA at the time of registration and must be paid online.
Early registration is encouraged to ensure eligibility and timely school approval. The MHSEA website lists some of the schools that have approved the MHSEA Program in the past. If a student's school is not listed, we are happy to contact the student's school and advocate of their behalf.
School Registration
Some schools require MHSEA members to complete school registration forms and pay a school fee. The process and amount may vary from school to school so contact the Athletic Department at your school to clarify the fee requirements.
Riding Criteria and Qualifications
The MHSEA has established JV-level and Varsity-level riding criteria for the following disciplines: Barrel Racing, Dressage, Breed/Tri State Approved Horse Shows, Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Polocrosse, Ranch, Reining, Western Games, and WSCA Equitation/Horsemanship & Pleasure.
A full description of what is included in each of those disciplines, is listed in the Handbook on the Documents page of the MHSEA website. Criteria are based upon increasing competitive levels with the Varsity-level being considered an “advanced level of competition in front of a public audience”. The MHSEA uses these criteria to determine a member’s competitive riding level and eligibility for school recognition. The MHSEA has defined qualifying horse shows, competitions and events for each discipline, all of which are specifically described in the MHSEA Program Handbook that is available on the MSHEA website. Each member is responsible for determining his or her own training and competition program, level and frequency.
Year-End Paperwork & Recognitions
At the end of the MHSEA Competition Season, each member submits (i) MHSEA Year End Worksheet (along with verification of their results, and in some cases, a MHSEA Competition Tracking Log – all of which are available on the MSHEA website) and (ii) school related registration materials and payments (if applicable). The MHSEA will review the paperwork to determine whether the member met the JV or Varsity-level riding criteria. MHSEA members will receive a MHSEA certificate recognizing their level of competition and/or participation in addition to a MHSEA equestrian patch that can be worn on letter jackets, sweatshirts, bags, etc. The MHSEA is proud to post the names of the Varsity and JV level riders on the MHSEA website. The MHSEA will communicate the names of qualifying Varsity and JV level members to the schools and will provide members with instructions for picking up their school recognitions.