|
Most comfortable in jeans and a cowboy hat, Leff was first introduced to IEA by his western riding instructor and fellow IEA Co-Founder, Wayne Ackerer, and is one of the original four co-founders of the IEA. Leff has served as the previous Director of Marketing and Chief Operating Officer and as a Board Member for more than 20 years. Over those years, you could always find Myron with a big smile and handshake as his favorite thing has been presenting awards to thousands of riders.
During the early years of IEA, Leff lent his decades of Marketing and Advertising expertise to the growing organization – boosting it to higher levels year after year and helping catapult IEA into the National spotlight - ultimately making it the largest youth equestrian program in the nation.
In 2021, he officially stepped down from his IEA Marketing role while continuing to serve on the Board. This past April, Leff retired from the IEA Board of Directors. He will retain Director Emeritus status along with Co-Founder Timothy J. Boone who retired in 2022.
Executive Director and original IEA Co-Founder, Roxane Durant presented Leff with a custom IEA buckle during the awards presentation of the Myron J. Leff Leading Western Rider Award at this year’s National Finals. This perpetual trophy was established in 2021 and is awarded to the top high school Western rider at each National Finals. Per usual, Leff was in center ring presenting the trophy in his name to 2023 IEA Western Leading Rider, Abbey Zawisza of KM Equestrian Black IEA Team coached by Katie Morehead.
“Myron has been an integral part of the IEA since the beginning,” stated Durant. “ I am eternally grateful for his knowledge, support, and friendship for the past 20+ years. He may be officially retiring from IEA positions, but I guarantee that he will be a lifetime fan of the organization and its riders. I am sure that he will still be following along from the sidelines- popping into shows to cheer for our riders and handing out a few awards, handshakes, and hugs along the way.”
| 
