|
IEA Youth Equestrians Take Center Stage in
St. Louis during 24th Annual National Finals
| | |
Varsity Open Champion (VOC) Leading Rider, Ainsley Russell (Empress Equestrian Team - H5).
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| Monday, May 4, 2026 (Columbus, OH) - The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) has nearly completed their 24th season with the first two of three National Finals held on April 23-26, 2026 in a combined 4-day Hunt Seat and Dressage competition at the National Equestrian Center (NEC) in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. Nearly 600 of the nation’s leading middle and high school equestrian athletes (in grades 4-12) representing 217 different teams from across the United States and Canada gathered to compete as individuals and teams for top honors in Hunt Seat and Dressage classes, championship titles, cash and collegiate scholarships and more. IEA had over 1,500 teams this season with 60 teams qualifying for these National Finals team competitions. For the 3rd year, IEA also hosted the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championships for collegiate dressage teams and riders from across the nation. | | |
Dreams and Devotion Cover Art by Serena Wang
Grade 9 - Maplewood Farm (Hunt Seat Zone 1)
Winner of the SCAD Hunt Seat Art Contest
Sponsored by Savannah College of Art & Design.
Believe it or not, this is a colored pencil drawing!
| | |
A complete list of officials and show staff can be found in the show program here. IEA will host their third National Finals this season for the Western discipline on June 21-23, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas during the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Show.
Similar to collegiate riding programs, IEA utilizes a unique draw-based competition format whereby riders compete on unfamiliar horses in the following classes: Hunt Seat Equitation over fences and on the flat, Dressage Test and Dressage Seat Equitation (and Western Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Riding.) IEA riders must develop their catch-riding skills as very little to no warm-up practice is allowed before each class. All tack and horses for National Finals (and every other IEA show) were provided by IEA member teams, colleges, and outside horse providers – allowing for a more level playing field of competition.
| | DAY 1 – Thursday, April 23, 2026 | | |
Thursday’s competition kicked off with all IDA collegiate classes in the Dressage arena and the USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association) sponsored Individual over fences classes for all Hunt Seat levels as well as beginner level flat classes. Individual class winners are some of the most coveted titles as these classes represent the top riders in the nation who have bested their fellow competitors through regular season, Regional and Zone competitions to qualify for National Finals.
Each individual class of 18 Upper School and Middle School (Futures) riders were presented numerous sponsored awards throughout the day including Hunt Seat trophies from USHJA. In addition to beautiful ribbons, awards, prizes and gift certificates, multiple cash scholarships from IEA were awarded to the highest placing and second highest placing seniors in each individual class throughout the weekend. More than $25,000 in IEA Founders Senior Cash Scholarships were distributed. Additional scholarships from Emory & Henry University, University of Findlay, Delaware Valley University, Lake Erie College, and Otterbein University were also awarded to top placing juniors and seniors. A staggering grand total of over $1.500,000 in multi-year scholarships were awarded during National Finals.
| | |
In addition to rider awards, every horse who carried their rider to a first place finish in all classes also received their own blue ribbon and National Finals commemorative cooler to take home courtesy of Schneiders Saddlery.
Over looking the NEC Hunt Seat arena is an expansive view room that housed a two-day college fair where over 20 colleges and universities met with IEA members and their parents to discuss their academic and equestrian programs. From this vantage point, spectators could overlook beautiful courses set by Course Designer and Hunt Seat Show Manager, Jack Nash. Below the view room, the main lobby of the NEC was bustling all week long with multiple vendors selling everything from equestrian tack to apparel, toys, show supplies, jewelry, t-shirts, jackets, artwork, delicious treats and more.
| Olivia Thompson - True Heart Equestrian (H11) wins the USHJA Varsity Intermediate Equitation o/f 2’ individual class on Thursday. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | Day 2 – Friday, April 24, 2026 | | |
Friday started bright and early with IEA Beginner and Novice individual classes for Dressage Upper School and Futures riders followed by more IDA collegiate classes in the afternoon. IDA finished their 2nd day of competition on Friday evening with special awards, a parade of teams, and multiple team activities and awards presentations.
In the Hunt Seat arena, multiple heats of USHJA sponsored individual flat classes determined which riders made it to the equitation on the flat finals where six more National Champions were crowned. As flat classes concluded, the ring crew jumped into action to begin setting the course for the afternoon's main event. The pinnacle class each year is undoubtedly the Varsity Open Championship Class (VOC) - a 2-part competition of the highest level riders in the IEA from each active Zone.
| | |
VOC Riders line up for formal introductions prior to the VOC class followed by the course walk.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | |
Pictured above: 2026 IEA Varsity Open Champion and Leading Rider, Ainsley Russell during the
Varsity Open Championship (VOC) class. Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | This class is presented by the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and sponsored by Otterbein University. Riders qualify for this prestigious class by accumulating the highest number of points during the regular season to win the one coveted spot for their zone. Ten riders are then combined with the top placing two riders in the individual Hunt Seat over fences class and Hunt Seat Equitation flat class. Emerging as the 2026 IHSA Hunt Seat Varsity Open Champion Leading Rider was Ainsley Russell, a senior who rides on the Empress Equestrian Team out of Johnstown, Ohio (H5) and is coached by Jamie Mills and Stephanie Roof. Reserve IHSA Varsity Open Championship Rider went to senior Casey Arriaga of Pleasant Hill Farm out of Hillsborough, North Carolina (H3) and is coached by Cammie Fleming and Meaghan Kearns. | | |
Pictured above and right: Reserve VOC Champion,
Casey Arriaga, during the VOC class.
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | | |
Ten other outstanding Varsity Open riders were among the top 12 out of 1,100 open riders this season:
3rd Place
Brook Kelly
Cranberry Acres (H1)
4th Place
Anthony Pizzi
Team KMT (H10)
5th Place
Isabella Owens
Lake Effect Equestrian Team (H11)
6th Place
Morgan Glidden
Hillcrest Stables (H2)
7th Place
Lulu Carney
Seery Hill (H1)
8th Place
Kelly Rose Abell
Little Clovelly/Havenshire Farm (H3)
9th Place
Kaylee McKinster
Scottsdale Equestrian (H8)
10th Place
Sydney Shuck
Burkwood Farm (H9)
11th Place
Amelia Larkin
Salado Elite Riders (H7)
12th Place
Manoa Downie
Denmark High School (H4)
| | |
Pictured above: Emily Marino, winner of Varsity Open Equitation over fences 2'6" individual class.
Emily rides for Ridge Road Riders (H11).
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| Riders and Coaches discuss action plans during the course walk. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | Following the exciting VOC class - IEA teams scurried to gather up in their most colorful, creative and team spirited costumes for the beloved Parade of Teams. With more than 200 teams represented, it was wall to wall energy in the arena as IEA Co-Founder and Executive Director, Roxane Durant led the energy with fun "get to know you" games and announcements. Seniors were recognized with senior pins and everyone had a chance to meet someone from another team. Durant also announced to thunderous cheers that IEA will be hosting our 25th Anniversary National Finals back at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC in 2027. | | Country Springs Equestrian Dressage Team (D3). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | Sharkey Farm (H9). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
A member of the Glory Days Equestrian Team (H9) showed off a different set of skills in the arena during the team parade.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | During the team parade, Durant switched into a more serious and reflective tone as she announced a new perpetual Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award in honor of Zone 1 IEA coach, Deb Wesoja who passed away in October 2025. The Deb Wesoja Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award was posthumously awarded to Deb this first year and was accepted by Zone 1 Administrator, Kathryn Cholko on behalf of Deb's family. | |
The presentation of the Deb Weoja Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award..
Pictured left to right: Montana McKnight, Kathryn Cholko and Roxane Durant. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | |
The presentation of the Timothy J. Boone Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pictured left to right: Katie Schaaf, Amanda Garner, Kimber Whanger, Jennifer Eaton, Susan Wentzel, Roxane Durant,
Gretchen Dye, Kathryn Quinlan, Megan Taylor, Simon Towns and Nancy Arledge. .
| | Roxane Durant presents Gretchen Dye with the Timothy J. Boone Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Durant also presented another important award along with other past recipients when she presented the 2026 Timothy J. Boone Lifetime Achievement Award to IEA Zone 5 Administrator, Gretchen Dye. Durant highlighted Dye's willingness to serve in multiple roles in IEA and her strong Zone leadership over the past decade.
The Timothy J Boone Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given by the IEA to an adult member for long-term, commendable service to the IEA.
Dye joins the following list of IEA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
2025 - Megan Taylor
2024 - Kimber Whanger
2023 - Mira Clark
2022 - Katie Schaaf
2021 - Nancy Kohler-Cunningham
2020 - Bernie Villeneuve
2019 - Emily David
2018 - Amanda Garner
2017 - K. Simon Towns
2016 - Nancy Arledge
2015 - Jennifer Eaton
2014 - Kathryn Quinlan
2013 - Ollie Griffith
2012 - Myron Leff
2011 - Wayne Ackerer
2010 - Susan Wentzel
2009 - Roxane Durant
2008 - Timothy J Boone
| | Tack Stall Decorating Contest Winner - Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5) for their winning baseball themed stall decorations. Photo by Kimber Whanger | | Day 3 – Saturday, April 25, 2026 | | IEA Leading Dressage Rider, Kennedy Schley expertly manuvers her mount, Ozzie provided by Otterbein University to win the Varsity Open Dressage Test class and take home the title. Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | | | | Saturday's competition in the Dressage arena was serious business as the Leading Dressage Rider emerged from a very talented group of Dressage Varsity Open Test riders to claim the 2026 title. Kennedy Schley from Green Oaks Equestrian (D5) in Arlington, Texas and coached by Amy Greene took home a slew of awards. Claiming the reserve title was Clara Fukano from Bergen Equestrian Center (D3) out of Teaneck, New Jersey coached by Sabrina McClure Ianacone . Numerous other winners were crowned National Champion titles as Dressage individual classes rounded out the events of day three. | | Team competition ramped up on Saturday in the Hunt Seat arena as both Upper and Middle School riders hit their stride though the over fences courses to earn points for their teams. The beauty of IEA is that it is a team sport which means that EVERY rider from beginner to Varsity Open on the team plays an important role in accumulating points towards that National title. The crowd was electric as placings were announced and score boards were tallied. | | After a long day of showing, many IEA youth members shed their dusty show clothes for more glamorous threads as they danced the night away at Bear Creek Country Club for IEA's 3rd annual Prom. Sponsored by Grier School, this year's prom had a Stranger Things theme complete with decorations, great food and music. It was a fantastic opportunity to get dressed up, shake off some nerves, and have a spooky good time with old and new friends. IEA Prom has become a highlight at National Finals and will definitely be on the books again next year at Tryon. | | Day 4 – Sunday, April 26, 2026 | | The final day of IEA National Finals wrapped up the team competitions for both Dressage and Hunt Seat and both arenas were abuzz with cheers, hugs and high-fives. Again the Hunt Seat arena saw rounds of team flat heats while Dressage team riders showed off their skills in both Test and Dressage Seat Equitation (DSE) classes. | | |
When the dust finally settled, the following Hunt Seat Teams made one last appearance in the arena to collect their ribbons and team awards and pose for winning photos. The Champion Hunt Seat Upper School Team and the Champion Futures (Middle School) Team were awarded the beautiful Junior Essex Troop of Cavalry (JET) perpetual trophies as well as a new custom saddle from Arena Saddles.
Emerging as the top Upper School Hunt Seat team in the nation this season was Waters Edge Farm (H3) out of Concord, North Carolina and coached by Kathryn Burchfield and Breann Jencka. National Champion Team riders included Claudia Smith, Loral Kingsley, Madeline Lynch and Sarah Hufnagl.
Reserve Champion Upper School Hunt Seat team was awarded to Pleasant Hill Farm (H3) coached by Cammie Fielding and Meaghan Kearns. Reserve National Champion Team riders included Avery Hillhouse, Casey Arriaga, Gabriella Krisko, Grace Livingston, Kristen Harrison and Sophie Purcell.
| | Champion Hunt Seat Upper School Team - Waters Edge Farm. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | 2026 IEA National Finals Hunt Seat UPPER SCHOOL Team Placings | | |
Champion
Waters Edge Farm (H3)
Coached by Kathryn Burchfield and Breann Jenca
Reserve Champion
Pleasant Hill Farm (H3)
Coached by Cammie Fielding and Meaghan Kearns
3rd Place
Silver Hill Stables (H4)
Coached by Abby Duncan
4th Place
Synergy Equestrian Team (H5)
Coached by Lindsay Skully and Jenna Hoy Cartabuke
5th Place
Sharkey Farm (H9)
Coached by Kate Sharkey and Megan Chagnon
6th Place
Empress Equestrian Team (H5)
Coached by Jamie Mills and Stephanie Roof
7th Place
Lake Effect Equestrian Team (H11)
Coached by Lindsay Filley and Lori Herrmann
8th Place
Candy Lane Acres (H11)
Coached by Chelsie Stair Alter and Hayley Stair
| | Champion Hunt Seat Futures team - Candy Lane Acres. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Middle School Futures Teams from the midwest showcased their consistent talent as the Hunt Seat Champion Futures Team went to long-time team Candy Lane Acres (H11) out of Sewickley, Pennsylvania coached by Chelsie Stair Alter and Hayley Stair. National Champion Team riders included Cora McMillen, Dylan Schillo and Scarlett Isenberg.
Reserve Champion Futures Team went to an "OG IEA Team" - West Licking District out of Pataskala, Ohio and coached by Nancy Arledge, Abby Elliot and Katie Griffin. West Licking was one of the original 16 teams at the very first IEA Invitational Horse Show back in 2002! Reserve Champion Team riders included Bella Brunner, Hazel Lance and Lottie Goode.
| | ReserveChampion Hunt Seat Futures team - West Licking District. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | 2026 IEA National Finals Hunt Seat FUTURES Team Placings | | |
Champion
Candy Lane Acres (H11)
Coached by Chelsie Stair Alter and Hayley Stair
Reserve Champion
West Licking District (H5)
Coached by Nancy Arledge, Abby Elliot and Katie Griffin
3rd Place
Platinum Farm (H5)
Coached by Lindsy Green and Sirena Liggett
4th Place
Burkwood Farm (H9)
Coached by Paige Wagter
5th Place
Stonehaven Equestrian (H5)
Coached by Samantha Rothman
6th Place
Hunter Ridge (H1)
Coached by Wendy Brayman and Samantha Craig
7th Place
Bridges Equestrian Black (H10)
Coached by Kendra Bridges
8th Place
Magic City Equestrian (H4)
Coached by Deana Hunter
| | The walk-trot classes were not only filled with adorable riders, but they were also extremely competitive as small but mighty competitors showed off their skills at the national level. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Emerging as the top Upper School Dressage team in the nation this season was Grier School (D2) out of Birmingham, Pennsylvania and coached by Chrystal Wood, Frannie King and Marny Stivers. National Champion Team riders included Emerson Pollack, Meagan Kelliher, Quinn Muspratt. Violet Gutberlet and Cali Griesemer.
Reserve Champion Upper School Dressage team was awarded to Country Springs Equestrian (D3) out of Newton, North Carolina and coached by Nancy Sterrett and Dawn Poole. Reserve National Champion Team riders included Aubrie Juda, Kaitlin Chavis, Hayden Hall and Bailey McLemore
| | Champion Dressage Upper School team - Grier School. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | 2026 IEA National Finals Dressage UPPER SCHOOL Team Placings | | |
Champion
Grier School (D2)
Coached by Chrystal Wood, Frannie King and Marny Stivers
Reserve Champion
Country Springs Equestrian (D3)
Coached by Nancy Sterrett and Dawn Poole
3rd Place
White Rock (D6)
Coached by Tesi Pickett and Chelsea Burman
4th Place
Central Indiana Equestrian Center (D4)
Coached by Brandy Snodgrass
5th Place
Stoneleigh-Burnham School (D1)
Coached by Sarah Ward and Tarah Shepard
6th Place
Dream Big Equestrian (D3)
Coached by Beth Young
7th Place
Green Oaks Equestrian (D5)
Coached by Amy Greene
8th Place
Standing Ovation Equestrian Center (D2)
Coached by Lindsay Hafer
| | Champion Dressage Futures team - RCR Farms. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
RCR Farms (D5) rose to the top of the heap after a reserve championship title in 2025 to take home the 2026 Dressage Futures Team Championship trophy. RCR is coached by Renae Coates out of Gilbert, Arizona. National Champion Team riders included Bella Jetton, Hailey Laufer and Grace Haley.
Mystic Meadows (D2) edged out 10 other teams to capture the Reserve Champion Futures Team title. Coached by Allison Whelan out of Bedford, Pennsylvania, this Reserve National Champion Team of young riders included Ariah Kennard, Callie Nicodemus, and Rustin Murdock.
| | 2026 IEA National Finals Dressage FUTURES Team Placings | | |
Champion
RCR Farms (D5)
Coached by Renae Coates
Reserve Champion
Mystic Meadows (D2)
Coached by Allison Whelan
3rd Place
White Rock (D6)
Coached by Tesi Pickett and Chelsea Burman
4th Place
Grier School (D2)
Coached by Chrystal Wood, Frannie King and Marny Stivers
5th Place
Talbot Run (D3)
Coached by Robin Petrasek
6th Place
Green Oaks Equestrian (D5)
Coached by Amy Greene
7th Place
Nashoba Valley Sliders (D1)
Coached by Suzanne Ferris
8th Place
Meadowbrook Las Vegas (D6)
Coached by Catherine Prato and Sandra Boos
| | Stellen Ahlert (Grier School D2) gives his horse Will a well deserved pat after winning the individual Dressage Varsity Intermediate Test class. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | 2026 IEA Hunt Seat National Finals SPECIAL AWARDS | | |
2026 Hunt Seat Leading Rider
Ainsley Russell - Empress Equestrian Team (H5)
Outstanding Over Fences Horse of the Show - Truman provided by JMG Stables (H7)
Outstanding Flat Horse of the Show - Earl provided by Cedar Lodge Equestrian (H5)
Nancy Kohler-Cunningham Stewards Choice Horse - Noah provided by Legend Hill (H5)
Sponsored by The Show Trunk II
Outstanding Thoroughbred Horse - Truman provided by JMG Stables (H7)
Sponsored by the Thoroughbred Incentive Program
(NEW) Jenna Teachman Memorial Sportsmanship Award for a Rider - Samantha Wikander - Fox Ridge Farm (H1)
Sponsored by Team Kimberden IEA
(NEW) Deb Wesoja Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award
Deb Wesoja (awarded posthumously)
Sponsored by Hunt Seat Zone 1 Members
IEA National Finals Hunt Seat Coach Sportsmanship Award
Ben Miller - Black Diamond Equestrian (H5)
Sponsored by Katie Schaaf
IEA National Finals Hunt Seat Volunteer of the Show
Lauren Palagyi - Synergy Equestrian (H5)
Hunt Seat Team Spirit Award
Everything Little Farm (H11)
Sponsored by YETI and Green Is The New Blue
| | Hunt Seat Coach Sportsmanship Award winner, Ben Miller pictured here with presenter, Katie Schaaf. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | Samantha Walker, winner of the Jenna Teachman Memorial Sportsmanship Award for a Rider. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | Everything Little Farm (H11) walked away with the Hunt Seat Team Spirit Award and a brand new team cooler sponsored by YETI and Green is the New Blue. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Outstanding Over Fences Horse of the Show - Truman provided by JMG Stables (H7).
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | Outstanding Flat Horse of the Show Earl provided by Cedar Lodge Equestrian (H5) | | |
Nancy Kohler-Cunningham Stewards Choice Horse - Noah provided by Legend Hill (H5)
Sponsored by The Show Trunk II. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | 2026 IEA Dressage National Finals SPECIAL AWARDS | | |
2026 IEA Dressage Leading Rider
Kennedy Schley - Green Oaks Equestrian (D5)
Outstanding Dressage Test Horse of the Show
Jay provided by Otterbein University (Westerville, OH)
Outstanding Dressage Seat Equitation Horse of the Show
Dozer provided by Cedar Lodge (D4)
APHA Most Valuable Paint (MVP)
Batman provided by Fortitude Farm (D5)
Sponsored by American Paint Horse Association
Thoroughbred Horse of the Show
Bailey provided by Fortitude Farm (D5)
Sponsored by Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP)
Arabian Horse of the Show
Kalypso provided by Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5)
Sponsored by Arabian Horse Association
Half-Arabian Horse of the Show
Nimaway provided by Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5)
Sponsored by Arabian Horse Association
IEA National Finals Dressage Rider Sportsmanship Award
Callie Nicodemus - Mystic Meadows (D2)
IEA National Finals Dressage Coach Sportsmanship Award
Abby Shidler Dickey - Greenbridge Equestrian (D4)
IEA National Finals Dressage Volunteer of the Show
Kari Briggs - Otterbein University (Westerville, OH)
Dressage Team Spirit Award
Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5)
Sponsored by YETI and Green Is The New Blue
Horse Provider Stall Decorating Contest
Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5)
| | Dressage Coach Sportsmanship Award winner, Abby Shidler Dickey. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | Dressage Rider Sportsmanship Award winner, Callie Nicodemus. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Outstanding Dressage Seat Equitation Horse - Dozer provided by Cedar Lodge Equestrian Team (D4).
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | Outstanding Dressage Test Horse - Jay provided by Otterbein University (OH). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | APHA Most Valuable Paint (MVP) - Batman provided by Fortitude Farm (D5). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
Thoroughbred Horse of the Show - Bailey provided by Fortitude Farm (D5).
Sponsored by Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| | For many years, the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) has sponsored the written Horseman’s Knowledge Test at National Finals. This year, Pony Club has again sponsored 1st – 8th place awards for IEA middle and high school riders in Hunt Seat and Dressage. | | Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | | |
More than 100 sponsors, vendors and colleges came together to support the 2026 IEA National Finals. A full list of sponsors can be found on the IEA Website here. Photography was expertly provided by Andrew Ryback Photography and photos can be viewed here. Live Stream coverage was provided by ClipMyHorse.TV and can be viewed by subscription here. Social media videos were provided by IEA Videography interns Mira Cooper and Katheryn Parisi and can be seen @rideiea on Facebook and Instagram.
Additional information, results, and more can be viewed on the IEA National Finals webpage here.
Membership for the IEA 2026-2027 25th Anniversary season shows will open later this month with regular season shows beginning in August. For more information, visit www.rideiea.org.
###
| Isabella Owens - Lake Effect Equestrian Team (H11) takes 5th place in the VOC. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | 2026 IEA Dressage Leading Rider - Kennedy Schley - Green Oaks Equestrian (D5)/ Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | |
Team Spirit is serious business at IEA National Finals. Pictured here is Platinum Farm "riding" their costumes.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
| Truman provided by JMG Stables (H7) returns to the arena to claim the Thoroughbred Horse of the Show award sponsored by Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP). Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | IEA is extremely grateful to all the horse providers, colleges and IEA teams who loaned us amazing horses for the week of National Finals. What a beautiful bunch of talented animals. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography. | IEA would like to recognize and thank the following organizations & businesses for their sponsorship support of the 2026 IEA National Finals and the 2025-26 Season. | | |
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
Green Is the New Blue
Official Partner of Environmental & Sustainability Impact
R.J. Classics
Official Show Clothing of the IEA
Troxel Helmets
Official Helmet of the IEA
Weaver Leather
Official Tack & Equipment Supplier of the IEA
MEMBER PARTNERS
Arabian Horse Association (AHA)
American Paint Horse Association (APHA)
American Quarter Horse Assocation (AQHA)
American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)
Certified Horseman’s Association (CHA)
Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)
Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)
National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA)
National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)
National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA)
United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)
United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC)
Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA)
COLLEGIATE PARTNERS
Schools that provide scholarships for IEA Riders
Delaware Valley University
Emory & Henry University
Lake Erie College
Otterbein University
University of Findlay
| | |
SPONSORS
All Alumni Competitions, Inc.
Alvernia University
Andrew Ryback Photography
Arena Saddles (Saddlery Brands International)
Athletic Equestrian
Back on Track
Barn Babe Equestrian
Besco Awards
Bethany College
Blue Ribbon Scholars
Boot Barn
Centenary University
Cinch
Cotton Candy’s
Coulter Horse Transport
Dreamers & Schemers
Dressage4Kids
Equestrian College Advisor, The
Equestrian Team Apparel
Equine Discounts
Equine Mastery Education
System (EMES)
Equiparent
Equisite
Equisure, Inc.
EQUUS Foundation
Forest Acres Camp
Functional Training Zone
Goucher College
Grier School, The
Head to Tail Boutique
Hodges Badge Company
Hollins University
John Deere
Judy Goldthwait Equine Art
& Pet Portraits
Keiser University
Kimberden Farm
Kimes Ranch
LM Boots
Linden Hall Serenity Farm
MET Equestrian
M Equestrian Solutions
Midway University
Mount Holyoke College
Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses
MZ Equestrian
Nutramax Laboratories
Osterberg Farms
Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Personally Yours II, LLC
Plaid Horse, The
Retired Racehorse Project
Ringside Pro
Ruehle Photographix
| | |
SPONSORS (Continued)
Santa Cruz Animal Health
Savanna’s Naturals
Savannah College of Art & Design
Schneiders Saddlery
Seeside Designs
Shires Equestrian
Show Trunk II, The
SmartPak
StableSecretary
State Line Tack
Stineman Ribbon Company
Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Sweet Briar College
The Tack Trunk
Thoroughbred Incentive Program
Three Mares
TurnoutHQ
University of Connecticut
University of Louisville Equine
Industry Program
University of Lynchburg
Veltri Sport
Washington & Lee
#WeRideTogether
YETI
The following universities were part of the IEA National Finals College Fair:
Alvernia University
Bethany College
Centenary University
Delaware Valley University
Emory & Henry University
Goucher College
Hollins University
Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association
Johnson & Wales University
Keiser University
Lake Erie College
Midway University
Mount Holyoke College
Otterbein University
Savannah College of Art & Design
Stoneleigh Burnham School
Sweet Briar College
University of Connecticut
University of Findlay
University of Louisville
University of Lynchburg
Washington & Lee University
| | |
About the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA)
Now finishing up their 24th year, the IEA has nearly 15,000 members across the United States and Canada participating in Hunt Seat, Western, and Dressage disciplines. Using a draw-based competition format similar to the collegiate equestrian programs, riders are provided with a horse and tack for each IEA competition. Horses are generously provided by host IEA teams, colleges, local barns, and individual owners. This unique method of sharing resources levels the playing field and makes equestrian sport inclusive, equitable and affordable for young riders in grades 4-12. The mission of IEA is to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized competitions, educational and leadership opportunities, and to inspire and facilitate a life-long journey in the equestrian industry.
| | | | |
