Press Release
Gladys, Va. – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) is pleased to announce that Jon Conyers will be posthumously inducted into the IHSA Hall of Fame during the National Championship at Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday, May 4. The IHSA Hall of Fame inducted its first members in 2020, and the second class will include coaches, founders, riders and horses. Watch your inbox and social media for announcements of additional honorees to follow.
Conyers, a revered figure in the equestrian community, began his riding career as a child on his family farm in Staunton, Virginia. His passion for horses and dedication to the sport propelled him to remarkable achievements throughout his lifetime.
Conyers’ journey in equestrian sports began with riding lessons at Shenandoah Farms under esteemed instructors Bud Hickman, Linda Wetterston and his cousin, Diane Hinch. He honed his skills and diversified his riding experience, competing in various disciplines, including 4-H, jumper shows and US Pony Club events.
After graduating high school, Conyers pursued his passion for riding while attending St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Under the guidance of Shelby French, he became an integral part of the university’s IHSA team, laying the foundation for his future contributions to collegiate equestrian sport.
Upon graduation, Conyers served as an assistant coach at St. Andrews University before accepting a position to coach the University of Virginia (UVA) Equestrian Team. His coaching tenure at UVA culminated in a remarkable achievement, with the Cavaliers clinching the IHSA National Championship in 1992.
In 1993, he accepted the director of riding position at Wesleyan College. While at Wesleyan, Conyers coached numerous IHSA riders to win regionally, at Zones and Nationals. He served in this role until 2000.
In the fall of 2000, Conyers went to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), serving as an IHSA coach. Then for a year, he flew back and forth from Virginia to Ohio, joining the University of Findlay as an adjunct professor.
In 2003 Jon accepted the head coach position at Sweet Briar College, where he would serve until his passing in the fall of 2008.
Conyers’ impact extended beyond coaching. He took on leadership roles within the IHSA, serving as a regional president, zone chairperson, alumni director and director at large. His unwavering dedication and contributions helped shape the organization and collegiate equestrian competition. Conyers was a USEF “R” judge and participated in rated and local shows.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport, Conyers received numerous accolades, including the Pioneer Award from the IHSA in 2004 and the IHSA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Also, in 2008, he was inducted into the Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association’s Hall of Fame. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of equestrians.
Conyers left a profound legacy in the equestrian community. In honor of his memory, the Jon Conyers Memorial Scholarship Award was founded in 2009 to support aspiring equestrians pursuing their dreams in collegiate riding.
The induction of Jon Conyers into the IHSA Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on collegiate equestrian sport and his legacy in the hearts of riders and coaches.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IHSA HALL OF FAME
ABOUT THE IHSA
The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes all genders at all riding levels. The collegiate riding organization offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship, ranch riding and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities. Membership in IHSA means that college students can participate in horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete from beginner through advanced with suitable, provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership.
Founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 10,000 members in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs, including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help build successful careers.
For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact [email protected].
As an equestrian media outlet focused entirely on American horse sport, EQuine AMerica showcases the USA’s equestrian talent (both two-legged and four) in the disciplines of para dressage, dressage, hunters, jumpers, and eventing. We support and promote our nation’s fantastic equine events, products, services, artists, authors, science/tech, philanthropy, and nonprofits through our online magazine and social media platforms. Our mission is to offer you interesting/inspiring short and long-form content in a format that’s beautiful, readable, and relatable.
