Thinking About IEA? Take the Reins & Join the Fun!

Are you a rider (or parent) who is considering getting involved with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA)? Have you seen other riders doing it and you are now wondering what all the fuss is about? I’m here to tell you that you should absolutely get involved!  As a long time IHSA Coach who also worked with many IEA riders, I can’t recommend the IEA enough. It’s a fantastic organization.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association, or the IEA, introduces and promotes lifelong involvement in equestrian athletics for riders in grades 4-12.  IEA utilizes a draw-based team competition format which allows riders to compete without owning their own horse. This allows for greater access to the sport and makes it much more affordable.  There are also opportunities for adult amateur riders.  The IEA has almost 15,000 members and offers competition in hunt seat, western and dressage. (Interscholastic Equestrian Association – IEA Interscholastic Equestrian Association

One of the unique features of the IEA is that it is a team-based competition style that accommodates riders of all levels.  Most riders who grow up riding and showing do so as individuals.  Some barns call their showing riders a “show team”, but in the end, it’s individual competition at the shows.  IEA’s format is more like other sports where the team riders function as a unit.  While the structure allows for individual awards and advancement through the different levels, the riders on the team all contribute to the team score.  Some of the riders act as offense and earn points on the point chart.  Other riders act as defense and block pointed riders from other teams.  It’s a very different and rewarding experience to be able to do equestrian competition as a “team” and the camaraderie can’t be beat. 

For riders that want to compete in college, IEA is an excellent stepping stone to Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA)  and Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) horse shows.  Learning how to catch ride and adjust to unfamiliar horses with little to no warm-up is the name of the game with these collegiate organizations and the IEA uses a similar format.  In addition, for riders that want to go on and become horse industry professionals, the catch riding component gives them great practice riding a large variety of horses without the expense of having to own them!

The IEA provides additional benefits like team bonding events, leadership opportunities, collegiate scholarships, financial aid and grant opportunities. There are also events for members including clinics, volunteer opportunities and college recruitment events.  IEA members do a lot more than just ride and show.  The organization is so supportive, and everyone feels welcome regardless of their level, background or discipline.  

To learn more about the IEA, visit their website at Interscholastic Equestrian Association – IEA Interscholastic Equestrian Association .  Also, ask around at local farms in your area to see who might have IEA teams.  Talk to the coaches & riders, go watch a team practice to see what it’s all about and ask when the next informational meeting might be!  While some schools have their “own” teams, often times riders from several different local schools may ride on the same IEA team depending on the numbers which also makes it a great opportunity to make new friends.

Click the link below to join the Official RideIEA Group on TurnoutHQ!  Stay up to date with IEA news and connect with IEA riders and coaches!

https://www.turnouthq.com/feed-page/my-group/c/iea-interscholastic-equestrian-association/2390595

Sources

Amy E. Sherrick, MBA (Head Equestrian Team Coach, Cazenovia College 2005-2023)

Interscholastic Equestrian Association – IEA Interscholastic Eq