IEA - Interscholastic Equestrian Association

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. 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. The IEA supports three equestrian disciplines: Hunt Seat, Western, and Dressage. There is no need for any rider to own a horse because competition horses are provided at each venue to the contestant. IEA Competition Format The unique aspect of the competitions, both at the local and national level, is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or tack. Instead, the host team arranges for the horses and equipment. Since the horse is new to the rider, the scores are based upon horsemanship and equitation. All disciplines offer a variety of ability levels from beginner through advanced. The IEA has set guidelines for the placement of new riders entering the IEA to allow for the unique program format of riding an unfamiliar horse. A non-profit organization, the IEA has grown both geometrically and geographically each year with over 14,000 members in 46 states across North America.