Dear IEA Member,

Regional Finals are right around the corner for many of you, with Zones, Semi-Finals and Nationals following close behind. Are you as excited as we are? The IEA board and staff are very busy with planning these post-season events and making preparations for the 2019-2010 season already!

Be sure to read through this e-newsletter to find information on Hunt Seat National Finals hotels, sponsorship opportunities, Horsemanship online program, important dates, National Finals program cover contests, member opportunities, surveys and more.
Important Upcoming Dates and Locations
  • Hunt Seat Zone 1 Finals - March 30-31, 2019 in West Springfield, MA
  • Hunt Seat Zone 2 Finals - March 16-17, 2019 in North Salem, NY
  • Hunt Seat Zone 3 Finals - March 29-31, 2019 in Lynchburg, VA
  • Hunt Seat Zone 4 Finals - March 23-24, 2019 in Pensacola, FL
  • Hunt Seat Zone 5 Finals - March 23-24, 2019 in Findlay, OH
  • Hunt Seat Zone 7 Finals - March 16-17, 2019 in Magnolia, TX
  • Hunt Seat Zone 8 Finals - March 2-3, 2019 in Queen Creek, AZ
  • Hunt Seat Zone 9 Finals - March 9-10, 2019 in Elma, WA
  • Hunt Seat Zone 10 Finals - March 23-24, 2019 in Rancho Murieta, CA
  • Hunt Seat Zone 11 Finals - March 30-31, 2019 in Littlestown, PA
  • Western Semi Finals Tennessee - April 6-7, 2019 in Mufreesboro, TN (Regions 4, 5S, 7, 8)
  • Western Semi Finals Ohio - April 13-14, 2019 in Columbus, OH (Regions 1, 2, 5N, 11)
  • Dressage Finale - April 13-14 in Westerville, OH
  • Hunt Seat National Finals - April 26-28, 2019 in Harrisburg, PA
  • Western National Finals - June 15-16, 2019 in Oklahoma City, OK

Check the online show calendar for your Zone Regional Finals.
IEA Signage for Non-IEA Horse Shows
#IEABannerContest
Attention IEA Coaches:
Are you or any of your riders attending shows outside of the IEA?

We want to make sure you have a member banner to hang in your stall, seating, or vendor area to show your IEA pride! Use it as a conversation starter to talk about your team and recruit new members.

Once you have an IEA banner, be sure to take a photo of your team with your banner hanging up during your horse show and post it to #IEABannerContest. Each month we will select a photo to win a prize for your entire team! Contact kimber@rideiea.org .
One (1) 20" x 36" vinyl grommet banner will be provided to each current IEA Team.
Additional banners or IEA signage may be purchased at cost.
Need promotional brochures to help solicit new team members? CLICK HERE.
Book Your Hotel Now for
Hunt Seat National Finals
IEA has negotiated special rates at several hotels in Harrisburg, PA for the 2019 Hunt Seat National Finals (April 26 - 28, 2019). Now is a good time to start thinking about reservations before they fill up.

We look forward to seeing you in April!




Looking For A Way To Expand Your Equine Business? Become an IEA Sponsor.
The IEA is currently accepting financial and in-kind sponsorships for National Finals, Semi-Finals and General Support. Whether your budget is $150 or $15,000, IEA has opportunities for your business to get in front of more than 13,000 equestrian members and more than 30,000 Social Media followers. From email blasts, to social media posts, to program ads, ringside signage, or donated prizes, we can help promote your business while you support our organization.

To discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact IEA Sales Manager Megan Taylor at megan@rideiea.org or by calling 931-224-5707.
Check Your Email for the 2018-19 Season IEA Rider/Coach/Parent Surveys
The IEA Membership and Marketing Department has recently sent out an online survey to all current and immediate past riders, coaches and parents. These annual surveys are important to the growth and success of IEA programs and completing them is very appreciated. Please check your email that is on file with IEA to find your survey.

If you have any questions, or did not receive a survey in your inbox, please contact Membership Marketing Coordinator, Jennifer Eaton at jenn@rideiea.org.
Please complete your survey by January 30, 2019. Thank you.
Whoa! We Have Some GREAT PRIZES!
Have You and Your Teammates Signed Up for the Horsemanship Program Yet?
Did you know that the Horsemanship Test being offered during post-season competitions this year will be based on the quizzes offered through the IEA online Horsemanship Program ?

Each Hunt Seat Zone Finals, Western Semi-Finals and the Dressage Finale will be giving members the chance to show their smarts to win great prizes. Join the Horsemanship Program now and get a “leg up” on the competition!

The Horsemanship Program consists of 13 online quizzes of various topics and one final quiz. Each participant will receive a unique user name and password to access the quizzes, which can be taken more than once. 

A schedule of quizzes and study resources can be found here .  

Each participant that completes all 13 quizzes, and receives a 75% or better on the final quiz, will receive a certificate of completion as well as a commemorative t-shirt.

Eligibility
The program is open to any IEA Rider Member (grades 6-12) or Junior Contributing Member (grades 4-12).  

Junior Contributing Members are automatically enrolled in the program. Not a member yet?  Enroll here.

A Rider Member may enroll by visiting the Horsemanship Page on the IEA website and go to the "Sign Up Now" button. Enrollment for Rider Members is $15.


For more information, please contact  Jennifer Eaton , Membership Marketing Coordinator.
The IEA Horsemanship Program is proudly sponsored by the following:
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Calling IEA Artists to Design National Finals Covers
Sharpen your pencils and put on your creative hats. The 2019 National Finals Program Art Contest is gearing up soon and looking for submissions for both the Hunt Seat and Western National Finals Program Covers.

Winners will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a complimentary copy of the show program and recognition in social media and other print materials.

Download the flyer for more details.

DEADLINE for Hunt Seat - March 8, 2019
DEADLINE for Western - May 10, 2019
Photo courtesy of Pond Hill Equestrian Team
Zone Scholarships Available for Riders
Did you know that in addition to National Finals Scholarships for Top Riders and the National Sportsmanship Scholarship Award, that the IEA also offers Zone Scholarships in many of our Zones? Deadlines vary by Zone, but are typically in February or March.

Visit your Zone webpage or contact your Zone Administrator for more details on applying.
Look What Just Arrived In The Membership Office
IEA is pleased to present the fourth year of the Charm Recognition Program. This program will provide a charm to each member that notes the year of membership as a memento of his/her IEA participation. The IEA is proud to further the goal: to acknowledge the time, effort and commitment our student athletes, coaches and contributing members put into their team all year long.
Riders will receive an additional charm for each post-season milestone. At the completion of the competition season, each rider will have a charm to show his/her IEA participation and many accomplishments throughout the year! Charms are being sent out in the upcoming weeks to coaches, so be on the lookout in your mail.
IEA Riders, Coaches and Parents Now Receive a FREE US Equestrian Fan Membership!
IEA Members and Parents can sign up for a US Equestrian Fan Membership by going to: https://members.usef.org/join-renew/fan-application  and use promo code  IEA2019

IEA is pleased to continue our partnership with US Equestrian and grateful for their support. Visit: www.usef.org
IEA Supports SafeSport Efforts
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) holds the well-being of our young riders in the highest esteem. Accordingly, the IEA has been working closely with the American Horse Council (AHC) and US Equestrian to further the mission of SafeSport within equestrian sport. This is a collective effort involving education, reporting and prevention of abuse. Please read the recent email sent to IEA members about the IEA’s SafeSport efforts and to learn about available resources on this topic.
IEA Members in the News
All around the country, US Equestrian members are having a positive impact on horse sports and breeds, as well as on their communities. They’re teaching lessons, launching youth and amateur programs, volunteering at competitions, serving on their breeds’ boards and committees, and much more. At US Equestrian’s 2019 Annual Meeting, we caught up with three members who described how their organizations are introducing people to the equestrian life and building... READ MORE
(ORIGINALLY RELEASED from USEF on 11/21/18.)
New to the Pegasus Awards celebratory evening, the 2018 Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Equestrian Team Awards will be presented Thursday evening, January 10 at US Equestrian’s Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla. US Equestrian’s Pegasus Awards honor some of the great men and women of equestrian sport, including the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Equestrian of the Year, Junior Equestrian of the Year, Youth Sportsman Award, and many other prestigious honors.The 2018 Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Equestrian Team award winners demonstrated their excellence in USEF-affiliated collegiate and scholastic organizations in 2018, and will be recognized for their achievements and success during Pegasus night... READ MORE
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
Membership Office
467 Main Street
Melrose, MA 02167

Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm (Eastern)
Phone: 877-RIDE-IEA | 877-743-3432
Fax: 508-597-7373
IEA Staff
Roxane Durant - Co-Founder and Executive Director
Myron Leff - Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer Eaton - Membership Marketing Coordinator
Kathryn Quinlan - Membership Office Manager
Shara Prieskorn - Membership Office Coordinator & Youth Board Advisor
Kimber Whanger - Communications Coordinator
Simon Towns - Zone Captain
Bernie Villeneuve - National Finals Coordinator
Megan Taylor - Sales Representative
Sue Wentzel - National Steward