Home - Interscholastic Equestrian Association

An IEA rider’s journey starts with the desire to be part of a team. Whether the team is the partnership between rider and horse or the team that consists of old and new friends at the barn, an IEA rider has the opportunity to develop competitive riding skills, make lasting memories, and further their riding ability in college and beyond.

And the best part is, IEA riders do not need to own a horse or tack to participate – making it an affordable way to participate in equestrian sport.

Whether you are looking for an existing team to join, or interested in starting a new team in your area – we can help you make the connections to get started on your IEA journey.

IEA offers THREE disciplines of riding competition, an online Hippology Academy, Zone and National Scholarships, National Youth Board, and much more. Coaches: Look around the website for tons of information, then “Jusk Ask Jenn” if you have questions about getting started.

Jennifer Eaton, IEA Membership Marketing Coordinator – jenn@rideiea.org

Hunt Seat

Gliding through the air over obstacles on a 1,200 pound mount is quite the sight and, for a rider, a significant accomplishment! Hunt Seat is the largest discipline of the IEA, and competitions offer over-fences opportunities at every event. With a history based in foxhunting, modern day hunt seat riding has adapted to a forward seat style to allow the rider to easily stay in balance with the horse on the flat or over a course of fences. In equitation, a rider’s position, ability to clearly communicate with the horse and overall performance are being judged. Each ride is performed on an unknown mount determined by a draw-based format. Whether showing over fences or on the rail, riders have lots of fun.

Western

For hundreds of years, western riding has been synonymous with ranch work. Movements necessary to work cattle can be seen in reining patterns used in competitions today where a horse demonstrates changes of speed with the slightest touch from the rider and the ability to stop and turn quickly with ease. Western horsemanship provides a rider with a strong foundation that will support seamless communication with the horse as the combination executes the walk, jog or lope on the rail and maneuvers in individual pattern work. All Western classes are done with zero warm-up time allotted to the rider.

Dressage

Derived from the French word for training, Dressage fulfills its definition as youth-riders work hard to perform classic riding maneuvers developed on the ancient Greek battlefields. Be it equitation or test, riders are expected to guide their horses, from memory, through a series of predetermined movements in a rhythmic fashion designated by on-course letter cues. As in the Olympics, Dressage has become the fastest growing IEA equestrian offering. Harmony between the rider and horse are the goal in producing a beautiful partnership.

The IEA was established to provide competitive and educational opportunities through equestrian athletics. Good Horsemanship and honorable participation are priorities at every event. It is the responsibility of all attendees to foster a spirit of belongingness, an atmosphere of community enjoyment, and a mutual respect for all participants and their equine partners.