Inclusive. Equitable. Affordable. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting lifelong involvement in equestrian athletics by offering a unique draw-based competition format for young riders in grades 4-12. This format allows young riders to compete without the additional expense of owning horses or tack thanks to the shared resources provided by our IEA community of equestrians committed to fostering the growth and development of young athletes. IEA has nearly 15,000 members across the United States participating in Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage disciplines.
Test & Dressage
Seat Equitation
MISSION
IEA aims to provide more inclusive, equitable, and affordable access to equestrian sport for young athletes, increasing participation and promoting life-long involvement in the sport.
VISION
Equestrian sports are often associated with an affluent demographic since the sport traditionally requires the most expensive item of equipment – a horse. The cost of purchasing a horse is just the start since riding equipment, stabling, training, vet bills, shipping, and entry fees add significant costs to competing in the sport.
Our unique draw-based competition format offers increased access to the sport for young athletes by removing that barrier to entry.
WHAT IS DRAW-BASED COMPETITION?
The unique aspect of the competitions, both at the local and national level, is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or riding equipment. Instead, the host team arranges for the horses and equipment. Since the horse is new to the rider, the scores are based upon horsemanship and equitation. All disciplines offer a variety of ability levels from Beginner through Advanced. The IEA has set guidelines for the placement of new riders entering the IEA to allow for the unique program format of riding an unfamiliar horse.
Classes are offered in four ability levels: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Open. Any combination of ability levels on a team is permissible, but it is advantageous to have at least one rider in every class to be competitive. Riders in grades 4-8 are eligible for "Futures" (Middle School) Teams and riders in grade 9-12 compete at the Upper School level.
Points are tracked for individual rider accomplishments AND for overall team accomplishments during the regular season. Individuals and Teams earn points to qualify for Regional, Zone and National Finals post season competitions.
No rider needs to own a horse or riding equipment.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Executive Director SUSAN WENTZEL
National Steward
KATHRYN QUINLAN
Membership Director
KIMBER WHANGER Director of Marketing & Communications
KATHRYN DANDO
Resource Development Director
ROXANE DURANT
AT A GLANCE
NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP
Since 2002, IEA has grown to nearly 15,000 members nationwide across North America.
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARS
BY GEOGRAPHIC ZONES
MEMBERSHIP
PROGRAM SUPPORT
Individuals, Foundations & Corporations can support young athletes by helping IEA continue to provide inclusive, equitable, and affordable access to equestrian sport.
YOUTH BOARD & TEAM CAPTAINS CAMPAIGN
IEA FOUNDERS DAY GIVE
IEA BENEVOLENT FUND
NATIONAL HIPPOLOGY ACADEMY
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
LOOKINGTOWARDS THEFUTURE
New Member Database System
Giving access to information and new tools to enhance your IEA membership experience.
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THIS
2025 Hunt Seat & Dressage National Finals
National Equestrian Center
St. Louis, MO
Video courtesy of IEA Video Intern, Linnea Daniels
