We don't just make good riders, we make good friends!


The unique aspect of these competitions, both at the local and national level, is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or tack. Instead, the horses, saddle and other tack are all provided to the students at the show. The host team arranges for the horses and equipment. Some of the equipment may be borrowed from various training barns and facilities. Though the rider and horse have a short opportunity at orientation in the over fences classes, essentially, the horses is new to the rider, and the scores are based upon horsemanship, not the horse. The competitions involve six classes jumping over fences no greater than three feet and numerous flat equitation classes.

The IEA is an affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.


USEF HIGHSCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

You don’t have to be a record-setting quarterback, point guard or track star to letter in high school sports anymore. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is writing a new chapter in the recognition of high school sports — one that honors Equestrian athletes. The USEF’s High School Equestrian Athlete program will offer specially designed emblems and pins, exclusively for equestrian athletes in grades 9-12. 

"High school equestrians have earned their place among the most dedicated athletes," shared John Long, USEF Chief Executive Officer. "Not only are they putting in long hours to train for and compete in the sport they love — they do so while taking the concept of teamwork to the highest level, forming a partnership with a horse to achieve their goals. 

"Until now, most high school students haven’t had the opportunity to letter in equestrian, simply because there are so few school-sponsored programs," Long continued. "We look forward to the beginning of a new tradition, where equestrians are able to earn the recognition they deserve, alongside their fellow athletes and classmates." 

The new High School Equestrian Athlete program is open to equestrian athletes in all breeds or disciplines who are enrolled in grades 9-12, and are currently USEF members, or become USEF members. The program will run June 1–May 31 of each year, and will honor those who document their training and competition involvement by awarding emblems and pins. These are designed to be worn on existing high school letterman’s jackets, or any jacket of the athlete’s choosing, as a symbol of achievement. 

Please complete the USEF High School Athlete Application. You will be required to log into your USEF online account in order to access the application.
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IEA TEAM

IEA was formed and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition, and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.

The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools (primarily ages 11 through 19) to equestrian sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Also, currently, there are few opportunities for these students to earn scholarship money. Through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education.

The objectives of IEA are:

  • To promote the equestrian as an athlete 
  • To provide students with organized competitive opportunities. 
  • To introduce new riders to equine sports. 
  • To promote the IEA among middle, and secondary schools. 
  • To provide students with opportunities for further education equine sports and other equine-related matters. 
  • To encourage liaison with USA Equestrian, Inc, IHSA and other interested bodies 
  • To provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated mounted and non-mounted equestrian programs. 
  • To establish and enforce IEA rules, standards and policies 
  • To evolve with the continuing progress of equestrian sports. 
  • To generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to the horse industry and all segments thereof.