THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Dear IEA Members and Friends:

Holy Moly! We've been BUSY!

Since our last e-newsletter in July, it seems like summer has vanished in the blink of an eye. Riders are back in school. IEA shows launched this month. And the excitement of the new season is definitely in the air.

Nearly 1,300 IEA teams have already joined along with thousands of youth and adult members. If you haven't already renewed your membership(s) - NOW is the time! Prices will increase after October 1st.

We also have several amazing new opportunities and contests for both riders and teams this season.

Save and share this email to your team members and parents - just in case they missed it in their inbox. So many fun and educational things happening!

Happy Reading!

IEA Staff

info@rideiea.org

1-877-RIDE-IEA

UPCOMING DETAILS AT A GLANCE

SEPTEMBER 1

• Hippology Academy Quizzes Begin
• Art & Literary Contest Opens
• EQUUS Foundation #HorseProtectors Team Program Registration Opens

SEPTEMBER 11 - 21

• IEA Silent Auction

SEPTEMBER 18

• AYHC Virtual Equine College Fair

OCTOBER 1

• Rider & Team Membership $ Increases

OCTOBER 5

• NRHA Pro Clinic at AQHA Congress

OCTOBER 15

• Blumenthal Grant for Coaches Due
• CHA International Conference

OCTOBER 30

• Art & Literary Contest Submissions Due

DECEMBER 1

• Coach Referral Program Closes

MEET YOUR 2026-2027 IEA YOUTH BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

Emmery Davis

Top Call Farm (H4)

Rylie Owens

CHP IEA Equestrian Team (W4)

Sophie Ray

Pleasant Hill Farm IEA (H3)

Lillian Shuart

Everything Little Farm (H11)

Emma Aaron

Hunter Ridge (H1)

Madeline Gross

Ravenwood Farm (H4)

Maddie Shoop-Gardner

Woodside (H10)

Skylar Schwartz

Parkview (H2)

Harper Jorstad

JG Equestrian (H5)

Annabelle Cottrell

JMG Stables Equestrian Team (H7)

Peighton Preston

Elvenstar (H10)

Emma Turnbow

Forest Edge Farm (H8)

Olivia Parham

Bravo Equestrian (H11)

Bella Henderson

Top Spec Equestrian Team (H9)

Ryleigh O'Brien

Crimson Acres Team (W1)

Blakely Brennan

Flamekissed Equestrian (W4)

Orla Conway

Mile High Equestrians (W8)

Carter McColley

McColley Equestrian (W5)

Katheryn Parisi

Red Barn (W10)

Brody Huntoon

Central Iowa Equestrians (W6)

Reece Tuttle

Marciak Equestrian Team (W11)

Uta Tsuchida

Nashoba Valley Sliders (D1)

Lyla Hockman

Duzan Equestrian Team (D4)

Violet Fisher

Grier School (D2)

Maggie Sanders

Laurel Manor Equestrian (D5)

Grace Dale

Powerhouse Dressage (D3)

Makayla Brown

Las Vegas Dressage (D6)

COMING SOON! CONTEST RULES WILL BE RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 1.

SNEAK PEEK! BIDDING OPENS SEPTEMBER 11.

Attention IEA and IHSA Coaches....Applications are NOW OPEN for the

NAOMI BLUMENTHAL MEMORIAL TRAINING GRANT

The Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant provides financial support for equestrians wishing to continue their equestrian education and is supported by the United States Hunter Jumper Association. LEARN MORE >>

EquiAssist: Helping the Next Generation Find Their Place in the Horse Industry

Whether an IEA coach is looking for dependable help around the barn or a young rider is hoping to turn a passion for horses into real-world experience, finding the right opportunity can be challenging. That's exactly why EquiAssist was created.

Founded by lifelong horsewoman, farm owner, and entrepreneur Hannah Padgett, EquiAssist was born from firsthand experience with one of the horse industry's biggest challenges—connecting qualified equine professionals with employers who need them. At the same time, many talented young equestrians were searching social media, relying on word of mouth, and browsing general job boards in hopes of finding internships, working student positions, and equine careers. There simply wasn't a platform built specifically for the horse industry.

EquiAssist changes that.

Designed exclusively for equine employment, EquiAssist allows employers to post opportunities while job seekers search positions by breed, discipline, location, employment type, and more. From summer internships and part-time barn jobs to working student positions and full-time careers, the platform makes it easier than ever to connect the right people with the right opportunities.

For IEA coaches, EquiAssist provides a dedicated resource for finding enthusiastic, knowledgeable individuals who already have a passion for horses. For IEA riders, it offers a place to gain valuable hands-on experience, build professional connections, and begin exploring the many career paths available within the equine industry—all while continuing to do what they love.

The future of the horse industry depends on developing the next generation of equestrians. EquiAssist is proud to support that mission by helping connect passionate riders with meaningful opportunities that can shape lifelong careers.

Learn more at www.EquiAssist.com.

The National Hippology Academy Quiz Series begins September 1, 2026, and runs through April 30, 2027. Each quiz is released on a schedule, and will then be available throughout the remainder of the season. LEARN MORE & JOIN TODAY >>

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) annually awards a student rider the National Sportsmanship Award. Proudly sponsored in part by EQUUS Foundation, the 2026 award was presented to Makena Inouye a Senior from Livermore, California who rides on the Sterling Farms II IEA team coached by Adrienne Grasso and Allyssa George.

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement next month on updates to the National Sportsmanship Award for the 2026-2027 season!

SEE THE FULL PRESS RELEASE & TOP 8 FINALISTS >>

Kimes Ranch is a Sponsor of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement.

HONOR A BELOVED HORSE DURING IEA'S 25th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

We've all got that ONE horse that we will never forget.

The one that maybe started the obsession. Or perhaps the one that taught us the most. Or even the one who brought the first blue ribbon.

During IEA's 25th Anniversary season, we want to recognize those special horses in our lives with the IEA Beloved Horses campaign. Our success over the past 2.5 decades can largely be attributed to all the wonderful horses who serve in the lesson programs of our member teams and we are so grateful for them and their owners.

Interested in honoring that unforgettable horse in YOUR life? LEARN MORE >>

Meet Rembrandt. Honored by Susan Wentzel & JC McDonough

VERY EXCITING NEWS FOR IEA WESTERN!

In celebration of IEA’s 25th Anniversary, a special VARSITY OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (VOC) class will be offered during the 2027 Western National Finals in Fort Worth, TX!

Similarly structured to the long-standing premier IEA Hunt Seat VOC, this special class will feature 10 INVITED riders to compete in a 2-part Western Varsity Open class.

Invitations will be issued to the rider from EACH ACTIVE WESTERN REGION with the HIGHEST COMBINED POINT TOTAL EARNED DURING THE 2026-2027 REGULAR COMPETITION SEASON in class W1 – Varsity Open Horsemanship and Class W2 – Varsity Open Reining. (Same as we do for Hunt Seat.)

See image link for details or on the main Western page at rideiea.org.

IEA will be hosting a regular season (Region 5) Western show during the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH on MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026.

As part of our ongoing partnership with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), there will also be a FREE NRHA Pro Clinic/Demonstration on that day at 1:00 PM in the BRAND NEW CINCH ARENA where we are hosting our IEA show.

This NRHA Pro Clinic is sponsored by the NRHA Professionals Committee and if it is anything like the outstanding one we had at IEA Western National Finals - YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

Yes, it's a school day. Yes, anyone can attend.

All Congress attendees, local IEA teams, 4-H Clubs, college students, families and reining enthusiasts are welcome & encouraged to come watch at 1:00pm. The All Star Reining Stakes Non Pro Derby is happening in the Celeste Center that same day so there is a lot of great reining to watch at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

(We are also happy to write an excused absence letter for your boss-principal-husband-wife-teacher-professor-etc.) Come spend a day at the Congress with us!

Questions? Contact Show Manager, Dustin Boehmer at dustin@rideiea.org.

What if your IEA team could help horses, strengthen your community, and compete for up to $2,000? Would you be “IN”?

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and the EQUUS Foundation are excited to introduce the EQUUS Foundation IEA #HorseProtectors Team Award, a new team-based opportunity that challenges IEA riders and coaches to learn more about equine welfare, to volunteer with an EQUUS Foundation charity organization that cares for horses, and to make a real difference for horses in need. 

And while there is an award to win, this opportunity is also about something much bigger: becoming part of the next generation of horse protectors.

The Future of Our Horses Starts With You!

For more than 25 years, the EQUUS Foundation has worked to protect America's horses and advance the horse-human bond. Through education, advocacy, and its Equine Welfare Network, the Foundation helps connect people with organizations that are working every day to improve the lives of horses and give horses at risk the care and opportunities they need. The future of that work belongs to young people who love horses and are willing to step up for them.

Whether you hope to compete, train, teach, become a veterinarian, work in the equine industry, or simply keep horses in your life, understanding equine welfare is an important part of being a responsible member of the horse community. The choices young riders make help shape the future of our industry and how horses are cared for. The #HorseProtectors Team Award gives IEA teams – and each of you - a chance to start making that difference now.

Learn. Volunteer. Make a Difference.

Participating teams will select an equine charity from the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network (EWN) and complete a volunteer project that supports the organization’s work with horses. Projects may be completed in person or remotely, providing teams the flexibility to find an opportunity that works for their team and the organization they choose. Along the way, teams will gain firsthand insight into the work involved in caring for horses and supporting not-for-profit charities that serve them.

And for students whose schools require community service or volunteer hours, we anticipate that time spent completing the #HorseProtectors Team Award project may also be used toward meeting or satisfying those requirements, subject to each school's policies.

After completing their volunteer project, the team's primary contact will submit a 500-word essay describing the experience, including:

• What did your team learn?
• How did your project benefit the organization and the horses it serves?
• What did the experience mean to your team?
• 
  

The volunteer project and essay will be important parts of the selection process.

You Can Help Your Team — and Your Chosen Organization!

The winning team will receive a cash award of $1,500 and the charity selected by the team will receive a $500 grant. As an extra benefit, if the team engages in a fundraising activity for the charity and generates at least $500 as a direct result of their volunteer efforts, the winning team will receive a cash award increased to $2,000.

Ready to Make a Difference? Register today! 

Registration for the 2026–2027 #HorseProtectors Team Award opens September 1, 2026, and closes at midnight on January 15, 2027.

Once registered, volunteer projects must be completed in ample time to submit the required essay no later than March 15, 2027. 

The winning team will be selected by the EQUUS Foundation, with input from IEA as needed. Judging will take place during the first two weeks of April, with the goal of announcing the winner before the IEA Hunt Seat & Dressage National Finals.

Gather your teammates. Find an EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network organization. Choose a project. Roll up your sleeves and get involved. Your team could win an award. Your team could help a horse. And you just might discover that being a #HorseProtector is one of the most rewarding parts of being part of the horse world.



Read, Set, Go!: EQUUS Foundation IEA #HorseProtectors Team Award  

Know an equine professional who would be a great addition to IEA?



The IEA Coach Referral Program rewards current adult IEA members who help bring new coaches and teams into the organization. HOW IT WORKS >>

MEET USEF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: SOPHIA GOETZ

Congratulations to IEA Western rider, SOPHIA GOETZ on being named the August US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete of the Month! Sophia rides for the Mile High Equestrians team coached by Ariel Hug (WR8).

For the 17-year-old from Windsor, Colo., the path to being in the saddle began at age six and took shape with her first lesson horse at nine. It was a green start which quickly turned into an all-consuming passion. READ FULL ARTICLE >>

HEY ADULT RIDERS - ARE YOU READY TO GET BACK IN THE SHOW ARENA?

You may have aged out of youth sports. But not this one....

IEA Adult Rider Division

READ MORE >>

AMERICAN YOUTH HORSE COUNCIL VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR

The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) is pleased to announce the 2026 Virtual Equine College Fair, to be held on September 18, 2026. The free online event will connect prospective students and their families with colleges, universities, trade schools, and educational programs from across the United States that offer equine, animal science, agricultural, and related fields of study.

Designed for high school students in grades 9–12, the Virtual Equine College Fair provides a convenient opportunity to explore post-secondary educational options without the expense of travel. Parents, guardians, school counselors, agricultural educators, Extension professionals, and youth advisors are also encouraged to participate and assist students as they begin planning for their future.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit virtual exhibitor booths, interact with admissions representatives, access downloadable resources, attend live presentations, and ask questions about academic programs, admissions requirements, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, internships, and career opportunities.

Educational programs represented may include:

• Equine Science and Management
• Animal Science
• Pre-Veterinary and Veterinary Medicine
• Agribusiness
• Agricultural Communications
• Agricultural Education
• Equine Business and Marketing
• Equine Dentistry
• Farrier Science

The Virtual Equine College Fair is also an opportunity for colleges, universities, trade schools, and educational organizations to expand their recruitment efforts by connecting with students who have demonstrated an interest in equine and agricultural careers. Exhibitors will have access to an interactive virtual booth where they can meet individually with prospective students, participate in group conversations, share digital materials, answer questions in real time, and generate qualified recruitment leads.

Organizations serving youth—including 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Pony Clubs, IEA Teams, breed and discipline associations, and other equine organizations—are encouraged to host local "College Fair Day" events where members can participate together as a group while exploring educational opportunities.

Event Details

Event: 2026 Virtual Equine College Fair

Date: September 18, 2026  2-8 pm Eastern

Location: Virtual at ayhc.easyvirtualfair.com/

Who Should Attend:

• High school students (grades 9–12)
• Parents and guardians
• School counselors and college advisors
• Agricultural educators
• Extension professionals
• Youth leaders and volunteers

Who Should Exhibit:

• Colleges and universities
• Community and junior colleges
• Trade and technical schools
• Collegiate equine organizations

Registration information for both attendees and exhibitors will be available through the American Youth Horse Council at ayhc.com/virtual-fair

We appreciate the support of our event sponsors and their commitment to helping the next generation explore opportunities in the equine industry: Michigan State University, University of Minnesota-Crookston, Alvernia University and Montana State University. Visit ayhc.com/virtual-fair to join the growing list of sponsors and participating colleges.

For more information about the Virtual Equine College Fair, visit the AYHC website at AYHC.com or contact the American Youth Horse Council.

IEA STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE

Almost a year ago, the IEA Board of Directors began an in-depth strategic planning process with an outside professional consultant - the first in IEA's 25-year history.

A strategic planning task force was created, comprised of IEA Board Members and staff and they got right to work vetting, interviewing and ultimately choosing a consulting firm to aid the task force through the strategic planning process. That company was Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Under the guidance of BVU, IEA began a series of surveys, focus groups, interviews, meetings, research, and thoughtful discussion that is starting to take shape in the form of a tangible strategic plan. The Board will give a final approval of the plan very soon with pieces being implemented throughout the course of this season and beyond.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has played (and continues to play) an important role in this process. The future of IEA is bright and we look forward to sharing our focused direction with you during this celebratory season. Stay tuned.

List Your Lessons for Free – and Explore a Limited-Time AQHA Offer

As a IEA coach, you help connect riders with safe, knowledgeable instruction. Now, the American Quarter Horse Association is offering two ways to strengthen your connection with American Quarter Horse owners and potential lesson clients.

The Horseback Lesson Directory, powered by AQHA, has launched to help riders find instructors and lesson programs in their area. AQHA members can apply for a free listing in the directory, giving prospective clients another way to discover their services. LEARN MORE >>

IT'S TIME! JOIN & THEN SHARE WITH A BARN FRIEND!

Please feel free to share these social media graphics with any potential riders, coaches or parents on your own social media pages. Thank you!

Need an easy way to promote your team or IEA in your area? You can download and print or share links to various IEA flyers and the 2026-2027 Brochure.

Great for open houses, equine events, email to prospective riders and parents, share on social media, or to hang around town.

NSBA is a Member Partner of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement.

IEA is proud to Partner with

CHA is a Member Partner of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement.

LOOKING FOR TEAM WEAR, IEA AWARDS, NATIONAL FINALS JACKETS, TEAM SHOPS OR COACH/RIDER GIFTS WITH IEA LOGOS?



IEA has contracted several IEA National Logo License Vendors for Apparel and Awards.

These companies can print and/or embroider the IEA logo onto any of their products.

Please support them with your business.

MEQUESTRIAN SOLUTIONS

Embroidered Apparel, Barn Supplies & Awards

BESCO AWARDS

Embroidered Apparel & Awards

HODGES BADGE COMPANY

Ribbons & Awards

STINEMAN RIBBON COMPANY

Ribbons & Awards

Do you know someone who may be interested in learning more about IEA?

We've got a button for that!

At the bottom of each IEA webpage in the footer is a round silver INTEREST INQUIRY FORM button that links to a short set of questions for anyone just being introduced to IEA.

You can share the link or fill out the form on someone's behalf and a membership office staff person will send out information based on the answers.

This is a super easy way to connect someone to the IEA Membership Office and a great way for us to track those who need/want more information. Spread the word and help us grow YOUR region/zone!

Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm EST

Phone: 877-RIDE-IEA | 877-743-3432

Fax: 508-597-7373

www.rideiea.org | info@rideiea.org

Marketing & Communications Office

509 S. Otterbein Avenue, Suite 9

Westerville, OH 43081

National Office (Mail Donations Here)

P.O. Box 809

Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

IEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers:

• President: Dustin Boehmer
• President Elect: Rose Muenzenmay
• Secretary: Samantha Fleming
• Treasurer: Hannah Bentz

Founding Board Members & Designees:

• Designee for Roxane Durant (Founding Member): Amanda Garner
• Designee for Wayne Ackerer (Founding Member): Nancy Arledge

Members At Large:

• Kari Briggs
• Ken Ford *
• Katie Morehead-Oman
• Cathy Muzzy 
• Katie Schaaf

Director Emeritus:

• Timothy J Boone
• Myron Leff

* Honorary Board Member

IEA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and your

contribution is tax-deductible.

Thank you for your support.

Follow us @rideiea and tag us at #rideiea