IEA

Opportunities for Riders

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

WESTERN – MAY 30, 2025

Funded by a generous Donation from The Muzzy Family and MZ Farms

The purpose of the Muzzy Family/MZ Farms IEA Nationals Travel Grant is to assist INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIED riders who demonstrate financial need with up to $2,000 in grant money to assist them in attending Finals.

The grant will provide funding to support expenses related to one (1) rider plus a guardian and a coach to travel to IEA National Finals, in addition to related entry fees for any individual and team (if applicable) classes.

Awards will be available for all THREE IEA NATIONAL FINALS events as follows:

  • Six (6) for Hunt Seat Nationals

  • Two (2) for Dressage Nationals

  • Two (2) for Western Nationals

Questions about the Travel Grant can be sent to: [email protected]

IEA Benevolent Fund

Each year the IEA offers assistance to our members through programs funded through the IEA Benevolent Fund. The Financial Assistance Program offers aid to incoming rider members who require help financing their IEA competition. The Coaches Assistance Grant offers financial assistance to our member Coaches in their time of need.

Financial Assistance Application

Applications for Rider Financial Assistance for the 2024-2025 season are now closed. 

(Deadline was August 15)

Questions about financial aid can be sent to: [email protected]

Colantuoni Hunt Seat Supplemental Grant 2024-2025

Open to Hunt Seat riders in grades 4-12 who demonstrate financial need.  Riders must also apply to the IEA Benevolent Fund Financial Assistance Program to be considered for these additional grant funds.

Applications for the Colantuoni Grant for the 2024-2025 season are are now closed.

(Deadline was August 15)

Questions about the Colantuoni Grant can be sent to: [email protected]

AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship

DEADLINE:  TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

The AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Youth Association and recognizes IEA /AQHYA members who have shown outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to participation in one or both organizationsLEARN MORE >>

The IEA Youth Board was created to provide adult members and leadership an avenue for which to hear the youth voice and to offer leadership opportunities to rider members.  The Youth Board consists of elected representatives from all IEA Zones and disciplines.  Members serve one-year terms running from July to June.  LEARN MORE.

IEA Founders College Scholarship Awards

Each year at the IEA National Final competitions, the IEA awards upwards of $25,000 in scholarships to the top placing and second highest placing Seniors in Individual classes at our National Finals.

Dear Readers and Riders
National Essay Contest

2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

IEA is pleased to announce the winners and honorable mentions of the 2025 Dear Readers and Riders National Essay Contest generously supported by a donation from acclaimed wine columnist, author and equestrian enthusiast, Lettie Teague. The Dear Readers and Riders National Essay Contest pays tribute to the legacy of American children’s book writer, Marguerite Henry, and her lifelong relationship with her readers.

With combined missions to promote sustainability and encourage responsible stewardship of our planet, we proudly introduce the YETI Green Leaders Scholarship presented by Green Is the New Blue.

A total of $5,000 in scholarships (five $1,000 individual cash scholarships) will be awarded to IEA youth members who are also part of the GNB Green Leaders Program. 

LEARN MORE >>

SPONSORED BY

Winner(s) of the 2024 National Sportsmanship Award were announced July 30, 2024.  

LEARN MORE >>>

Interested in applying for the 2024-2025 season?  Click HERE for details.

Other Resources