Collegiate Corner

Navigating through the different collegiate equestrian opportunities can be as difficult as narrowing the choices of which college to attend. By choosing to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), riders give themselves an added advantage in collegiate equestrian competition. Whether a rider has competed in one, three or seven IEA seasons, he or she has experienced competing in a draw-based format. IEA riders know what it feels like to introduce themselves to a horse they have only seen from a distance moments before the riders are invited to mount up for their class, cheering on teammates and how to balance competing with a busy school schedule. For IEA riders who may not compete for a college team, their leadership, problem solving skills and being a member of a team will pave the way to great experiences in the college classroom and beyond.

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) are member partners of the IEA.

Through this collegiate e-newsletter and webpage, the IEA hopes to help connect our riders, parents and coaches with our collegiate riding association partners who continue to provide the IEA and its members with great support. We also wish to thank the riders, schools, and coaches who contributed content for this publication. As new content becomes available, we will share it here and on social media. Happy reading!

Interested in contributing an article?
Contact Megan Taylor at megan@rideiea.org.

Articles

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

Submitted by Megan Taylor, IEA Sales Representative

(November 2020) – Navigating through the different collegiate equestrian opportunities can be as difficult as narrowing the choices of which college to attend. By choosing to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), riders give themselves an added advantage in collegiate equestrian competition. Whether a rider has competed in one, three or seven IEA seasons…READ MORE

HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH

Submitted by Kayleigh Burke, Assistant Riding Coach, Hollins University

(November 2020) – The college search process can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many choices across so many states, it is hard to nail down where your home is going to be. Especially during Covid, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can help you make that decision. Social media helps pull away the perfect marketing lens and show you what the universities and riding programs are really like…READ MORE

LESSONS LEARNED FROM COLLEGIATE RIDING

Submitted by Maddy Keck, SCAD Hunt Seat Equestrian

(November 2020) – I’ve sat with the idea of writing this newsletter for some time, pondering how I could go about it and speak to you as we all navigate this difficult time involving the coronavirus. I’ve spent the last 3 years at SCAD and was going into my senior year as a captain. Excited, ready for competition and leadership, the coming fall and winter quarters were hopeful and full of post-season preparation. As the summer came to a close…READ MORE

LEADING COLLEGIATE DRESSAGE IN AMERICA

Submitted by Kim Beaudoin, Marketing and Public Relations for Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

(November 2020) – The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) began in 1995 as an informal competition among a small group of colleges and secondary schools in the northeast. Michelle Hoffman, who was a student at Mt. Holyoke during this time was the originator of the IDA concept. She personally drew up the basic structure for the team competition and the guidelines for calculation of team points…READ MORE

BOB'S CUSTOM SADDLES - IDEAL FOR IEA & COLLEGIATE WESTERN EVENTS

Submitted by Bridget Grobosky, Bob’s Custom Saddles Sales Representative

(November 2020) – As equestrian athletes advance in their careers, it’s important they have the right equipment to be successful – from show clothes and spurs to tack. As the Official Western Saddle of the IEA, Bob’s Custom Saddles is committed to helping young riders by providing opportunities for them to acquire those tools for success. Bob’s Custom Saddles provides saddle certificates to winners at post-season IEA events…READ MORE

PROUD TO BE AN OILER EQUESTRIAN

Submitted by Kara Walcher, University of Findlay Western Equestrian

(November 2020) – Whenever I am asked what it’s like to be a student at the University of Findlay, I usually give the text book answer of; we ride five days a week, we have great instructors, get to learn different disciplines withing the western industry, the opportunity to participate on the IHSA or Ranch Horse teams, the equestrian courses we take, what students learn each grade level, etcc. etc. While all of that is important information, I never get to share how my experience here has created so many opportunities for me…READ MORE

NCEA. THIS IS EQUESTRIAN.

Submitted on behalf of NCEA by Megan Taylor, IEA Sales Representative

(November 2020) – Competing as a member of a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Varsity Equestrian Team is the dream of many female junior hunt seat and youth western riders currently competing at the upper levels of competition. The NCEA is the governing body that oversees the rules, guidelines and administration of the sport of equestrian. NCEA teams and athletes must comply with NCAA policies and procedures as other NCAA sports and for IEA riders and their parents…READ MORE

COACHES Q & A

(November 2020) – Featuring questions answered by:
Hunt Seat Coach CJ Law – Mount Holyoke College
Western Coach Connor Smith – Midway University
Dressage Coach Lisa Moosmueller-Terry – Emory & Henry College

READ MORE

HELPFUL ADMISSION TIPS

Submitted by Debbie Bell, Regional Director of Admissions and Undergraduate Travel, St. Andrews University

(November 2020) – Be Proud of Who You Are! You are unique. Regardless of your grades or SAT/ACT scores – be YOU and be honest. Look for a college that wants YOU and values you as a future alum! Don’t Take College Admissions Advice from a Friend! Do not allow yourself to be influenced by where or what your friends are doing. You do the research on colleges based on what you want and are looking for. Do you want to RIDE for 4 years and be part of a TEAM? If so, look for that opportunity and do not settle…READ MORE

WHAT IHSA MEANS TO ME

Submitted by Connor Ashely, SUNY Cobleskill Hunt Seat Equestrian

(November 2020) – More than 10,000 strong, IHSA members hail from across the United States and Canada, and regardless of their financial status, gender or riding experience, during their college years they have the opportunity to participate in equestrian team competition. “We are proud that the IHSA holds such a significant meaning in our members’ lives,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “We share along in their journey to better their horsemanship and we want to continue to share the stories of their successes…READ MORE

COLLEGE RIDING CHEAT SHEET

(November 2020) – Read up on the mission statements for the IHSA, NCEA, and IDA.

READ MORE