Friday, September 18, 2026 (Columbus, Ohio)
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is proud to announce an expanded partnership with MZ Farms LLC to broaden the scope of IEA’s longstanding annual National Sportsmanship Award. Located in Vista, California, MZ Farms is owned and operated by Steve and Cathy Muzzy who have been ardent supporters of equestrian development programs for youth and young adult riders.
Now officially named the MZ Farms IEA National Sportsmanship Recognition and Award Program, this initiative highlights the efforts of IEA youth members who have been recognized with a sportsmanship award at regular and post season IEA horse shows. IEA offers upwards of 900 shows each season, which in turn gives opportunity to hundreds of young members in grades 4-12 to put into practice and be recognized for their excellent sportsmanship behavior. Every sportsmanship award recipient receives a congratulatory letter and special patch from the IEA to be displayed on a team jacket or backpack along with any ribbons or prizes presented during their horse show. Additionally, each recipient will also be added to IEA website under the Opportunities tab.
The official IEA Sportsmanship Statement and Oath, which is read aloud at the beginning of all IEA shows, reads as follows: The IEA was established to provide competitive and educational opportunities through equestrian athletics. Good horsemanship and honorable participation are priorities in 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. All participants must commit to the following Oath: In representation of the participants at this event, I promise to respect and abide by the governing rules of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and to represent myself, my team, and this association in the spirit of good horsemanship and honorable competition.
“MZ Farms and our family are so excited to celebrate and honor the IEA sportsmanship award recipients,” says IEA Coach and MZ Farms owner, Cathy Muzzy. “Sportsmanship is, in our opinion, the cornerstone of IEA. Every rider has the opportunity to earn this award and make a major difference for their team and their equine partners. We look forward to learning all about the riders who earn this award this season!”
All applicants for the 2026-2027 MZ Farms IEA National Sportsmanship Award must submit an online application which includes a written essay, synopsis of community and academic activities, school transcript/report card, brief video, photo, and 3 letters of recommendation.
Previously, the IEA National Sportsmanship Award highlighted the top 8 applicants with ribbons and a trophy and $500 cash scholarship going to the top individual and a $500 cash scholarship presented to the highest placing senior. Sometimes that winner was the same individual.
Under this newly expanded format, applicants will now be judged based upon their appropriate age group (Futures in grades 4-8 and Upper School in grades 9-12). The top 8 applicants in each age group will be recognized including three levels of cash scholarship awards and ribbons and a trophy for first place. Included in the judging process is also an option for any one of the applicants to receive an additional cash award based on the quality of their written essay.
In total, the MZ Farms IEA National Sportsmanship Recognition and Award Program will recognize 17 youth members and distribute nearly $2,500 in cash scholarships this season. Publicly recognizing all 2026-2027 sportsmanship award winners on the IEA website is also an important update to this program.
The application process is now open to any IEA member in grades 4-12 who has received a regular or postseason sportsmanship award. Members are encouraged to apply early and before the Friday, May 14, 2027 deadline.
Details can be found on the IEA website under the Opportunities tab or at this link:
https://www.rideiea.org/opportunities/mz-farms-national-sportsmanship-award/
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ABOUT MZ FARMS
MZ Farms focuses on the development and training of horses through the collaboration of training partners, Lund Equestrian and Strelzick Sporthorses. Located in Vista, California, MZ Farms provides lease horses and ponies for riders staring in walk-trot through the junior divisions. MZ Farms gives back to the community by supporting education-oriented programs like the Interscholastic Equestrian Association because they equitably provide access to horses for all riders, even those who cannot afford their own horse or tack. At its core, MZ Farms believes that horses should be enjoyed by everyone. For more information, visit www.mzfarmsllc.com
