Oct. 11, 2023

Computer science students attend, develop web application for intercollegiate horse show

By Kayla Holman, communication assistant

Eight graduate students from the School of Computer Science and Information Systems recently applied their skills and knowledge in a real-time setting by creating a web application for the Regional Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Established in 1967, the IHSA welcomes horse riders of all skill levels and experience. Setting the IHSA apart from other traditional equestrian competitions, the horses are assigned at random instead of riders relying on horses on which they have had previous experience.

Northwest students traveled Sept. 16 to Belvue, Kansas, where they attended the horse show and were tasked with developing a website that assisted the IHSA in assigning horses to riders, within the association’s rules and constraints.

Students had the responsibilities of analyzing the horse show’s rules, interacting with show administrators to gather details for rider and horse analysis, developing a randomizer and providing templates for information on both the riders and horses.

Eight graduate students from the School of Computer Science and Information Systems recently created a web application for the Regional Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The students are pictured while attending a horse show with Dr. Aziz Fellah, associate professor of computer science and information systems (left), and horse show participants. (Submitted photos)

Northwest students traveled to Belvue, Kansas, where they developed a website to assist the Regional Intercollegiate Horse Show Association with assigning horses to riders.

Students worked within the association’s rules and constraints while interacting with show administrators to gather details for rider and horse analysis.

For Vedha Sri Gaddam, an applied computer science major from Hyderabad, India, attending the horse show was a new experience. A lack of prior knowledge about horse shows made it difficult for students to understand the rules and functionalities needed for the website.

“The experience provided a deeper understanding of horse shows, their rules, and the process of assigning horses to riders,” Gaddam said. “It also taught valuable lessons in project management, database integration and user interface design.”

Ashritha Ponugoti, an applied computer science major from Hyderabad, India, said she is thankful for the opportunity to assist the IHSA in the development of their website.

“I took immense pride in my involvement in this project as it provided me with the opportunity to venture beyond the confines of my University,” Ponugoti said. “I had the privilege of representing Northwest Missouri State University by creating a website that proved immensely beneficial to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.”

Dr. Aziz Fellah, associate professor of computer science and information systems, advised the project as part of Northwest’s graduate-directed project course in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems. 

Catherine Holthaus, an instructor of language, literature and writing, introduced Fellah to the project. She also is a club sponsor for the Northwest Horsemen’s Association, a riding lesson instructor and head coach for the club’s IHSA involvement.

“I’m deeply appreciative of Dr. Fellah, computer science and the students who’ve invested their time and energy,” Holthaus said. “Their work, resulting from months of dedication, showcases the exceptional work our academic programs do on campus and just how much even smaller club teams like ours can give back through their dedication as valuable in the IHSA community.”