Interested in competing as part of a team? IEA is the program for you. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association, better known as IEA, is a countrywide organization that allows middle and high school riders to compete at the local, state, and national levels. As riding is typically an individualized sport, there have traditionally not been many chances to be part of a team until the foundation of the IEA. At IEA competitions, the host barn (which varies from show to show) supplies the horses. When the teams arrive on the day of a show, each rider draws the name of a horse out of a hat, gets on, and shows! This randomization of mounts levels the playing field for riders of different backgrounds. IEA is all about showcasing your riding abilities without needing to have the fanciest, most expensive horse.

In IEA competition, riders are judged on their equitation: hands, seat, body control, and general ability to navigate a flat class or a jump course. Classes are divided by both age and level and range from beginner walk-trot-canter to the open 2’6” level. Each team member’s points count equally toward the total team score, regardless of level.