What is IEA?
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) was founded in 2002 and offers three disciplines: Hunt seat, Western, and Dressage. Open to student equestrians in grades 4-12, there are different levels to accommodate all levels of riders from beginner to advanced. Bonus: Riders do not need to own their own horse, as horses are provided by the team hosting the show. This enables riders with the opportunity to compete at a national level without the cost of horse ownership!
From the IEA Site: IEA’s mission is to promote lifelong involvement in equestrian athletics. IEA wishes to introduce students in grades 4-8 (Future) and 9-12 (Upper School) to equestrian sports and to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized competitions and educational opportunities. IEA further wishes to inspire and facilitate adults to continue their journey in equestrian athletics for a lifetime.
Organized to promote and expand access to quality team and individual equestrian competition and instruction, IEA’s purpose shall be to set standards for competition; to provide information concerning the creation and development of equestrian sport programs; to promote the common interests of safe riding instruction; and to educate on matters related to horsemanship.
Students have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward their college education through awards in competition and through sportsmanship activities.
In 2011, the IEA established the Benevolent Fund to assist riders and coaches in need through programs such as the IEA Financial Assistance Program and the IEA Coaches Assistance Grant.
IEA is mirrored after The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) which is the association that runs riding at the college level. A random draw is done to choose the mount for each rider. Over fence riders are allowed two practice jumps before being judged, and flat riders are only allowed to walk prior to judging. Any riders looking to ride at college, IEA is a great jump start!
Nationals Perry, Georgia - Photo credit: Sara Norman
No “I” in Team
Most riders are used to their “team" being themselves and their horse, as riding is typically a sport judged individually. With IEA, riders learn what it’s like to be a team and support each other in competition. Although riders can qualify for post season individually, they also can qualify as a team. In this case all team members must consistently do well to move on. This creates a special bond with the entire team.
Zone finals USET Headquarters, Gladstone , NJ - Photo credit: Sara Norman
Good to know!
IEA offers scholarships and grants for riders and teams. The National Hippology Academy, put in place by the IEA, provides IEA members and non-rider members of all ages equine educational opportunities and helps riders learn all aspects of horsemanship.
The National Hippology Academy aims to provide:
· Educational materials on hippology
· Seasonal Educational Series
· Downloadable interactive activities
· Social media competitions and engagements
· Exclusive guest speakers
· The National Hippology Academy Quiz Series
Did you know? These organizations are National Hippology Academy Sponsors!
Perspective
I am a coach for IEA and a pony mom of two girls, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. It is such a confidence builder and has improved their riding skills tremendously. When a rider is always riding different horses, they learn feel and how to adapt to each horse. Even if you don't win a ribbon or have your best ride, IEA riders always come out of the ring learning something! Plus, that extra bonus of true friendships that will last a lifetime.
Team bonding, white elephant Christmas party - Photo credit: Sara Norman
“It’s your future. Take the reins.”
Check out the links provided here and ask your coach or trainer about IEA and if it might be a good fit for you! You can ask questions here in the comments section, and I will be happy to answer them.
About the author: Sara Norman is an IEA Coach and Pony Mom!
"I have been an IEA coach for 14 years. We stress sportsmanship and team building to the team. This seems to have helped build our team strength as we have taken riders to nationals almost every year. I have two pony kids, 11 and 9 who were born with the horse bug. I have a B.T. In Equine Science and I’m currently employed by the USDA."
Affinity IEA coaches at nations held at Kentucky Horse Park
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