|
Dear IEA Members and Friends:
How is it the middle of MAY already?
As we wind down the 2025-2026 season with Western National Finals in a few weeks - many of us are already gearing up for the upcoming 25th Anniversary season. We are SO EXCITED to launch into this milestone year and happy to announce that MEMBERSHIP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!
New and Returning Coaches may begin signing up your teams so that riders can join. All updated rule books are being finalized/approved this week and will be posted very soon on the website.
I don't know about you, but we are also still basking in the glow of Hunt Seat & Dressage National Finals that took place just 3 weeks ago. We are so, so grateful for all the support we received from our members, sponsors, horse providers, volunteers, and families. What a great event that was and we look forward to doing it again in Fort Worth next month.
As usual, this e-newsletter is chock full of information, deadlines and opportunities for our members. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reply to this email or reach out to the Membership Office at info@rideiea.org or by calling 877-RIDE-IEA.
Happy Reading!
| | |
UPCOMING DEADLINES
MAY 18
MAY 20
MAY 22
MAY 24
MAY 29
JULY 1
AUGUST 15
| | |
The IEA Board of Directors is accepting nominations for the position of PRESIDENT-ELECT with an intended starting date of July 1, 2026.
Deadline to submit interest form is TODAY - Monday, May 18, 2026
LEARN MORE: https://conta.cc/4uitjzq
| | |
Draw-based SHOWMANSHIP? Right On!
IEA Western Youth Members interested in applying to be part of the IEA/APHA Showmanship Region Challenge should apply by FRIDAY, MAY 22 for this special exhibition class at IEA Western National Finals.
Details and application at the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/251256471423049
| | |
Time is running out....Place your ads today!
Did your RIDER or TEAM Qualify for IEA Western National Finals? Secure your Good Luck Ads, Shout Outs, and Sponorships by WEDNESDAY, MAY 20!
FORM: https://pci.jotform.com/form/261047410729151
| | |
Re-mark Your Calendars.....The 2027 IEA National Hunt Seat & Dressage National Finals has had a recent change of date.
The NEW date for IEA National Finals will be APRIL 29 - MAY 2, 2027 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC.
IEA will also be hosting the IDA - Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championships that same week.
For those of you who are wondering.....IEA and IHSA will still be back-to-back at Tryon, just a week later for both organizations.
We are THRILLED to return to Tryon in 2027 for IEA's 25th Anniversary celebration season.
Read the Press Release about the 2027 IEA National Finals.
| | Kimes Ranch is a Sponsor of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | |
So, have you heard about TurnoutHQ? Maybe you saw them at IEA National Finals or at another recent equine expo? Does your team or association already use their platform?
No? Well, let us introduce you to one of our newest partners....
About TurnoutHQ
TurnoutHQ was created from a simple dream: to build a platform where horse enthusiasts could connect, share, and sell – without the hassle of scams, spam, and unrelated content. We wanted to build a place where the focus stays on the good stuff – the horse stuff!
TurnoutHQ offers a space for associations, clubs, businesses and groups of all kinds to connect, share, and expand. With THQ, you can ask those important questions, laugh with your friends, share your experiences, shop new and used items, keep up to date with your associations, and maybe even learn a new trick or two.
Keeping it Horse-Centric
At TurnoutHQ, we're all about fostering a vibrant community for horse people and horse content. Whether you're a casual admirer, a dedicated rider, a showing enthusiast, or a seasoned professional in the equine industry, we're here to cater to your horsey passions.
Your Security is Our Priority
We understand that buying, selling, and even seeking advice online can be risky. That's why we've implemented a thorough certification process to ensure safe and secure marketplace transactions and community interactions. With us, you can rest assured that you're interacting with real people who share your love for horses.
A Place to Connect and Thrive
TurnoutHQ offers a platform for associations, clubs, and groups of all kinds to connect, share, and expand. We provide the tools to effortlessly manage your equestrian community, including document processing, photo sharing, a marketplace, and more.
Join the Herd!
We're thrilled to welcome you to the TurnoutHQ community. We can't wait to see your posts, your items, and your unique contributions to the future of the digital horse world. Saddle up and let's ride into the future together!
| | | | IEA earns additional sponsorship dollars for each person who signs up for TurnoutHQ for free using the code THQ4IEA and joins the official IEA Interscholastic Equestrian Association page! | | |
Did your rider QUALIFY INDIVIDUALLY for IEA Western National Finals?
If so, they may be eligible to apply for the Muzzy Family/MZ Farms IEA National Finals TRAVEL GRANT.
VIEW ONLINE APPLICATION >>
The purpose of the Muzzy Family/MZ Farms IEA National Finals Travel Grant is to assist INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIED riders who demonstrate financial need with up to $2,000 in grant money to assist them in attending Finals.
The grant will provide funding to support expenses related to one (1) rider plus a guardian and a coach to travel to IEA National Finals, in addition to related entry fees for any individual and team (if applicable) classes.
Completed Applications are due by FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026.
Questions about the Travel Grant can be sent to travelgrant@rideiea.org
| | Delaware Valley University is a Collegiate Partner of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | |
A message from IEA Sponsor Equisite:
Dear IEA Members & Friends,
It is an exciting time to prepare, compete and show up with confidence both in and out of the ring. Equisite Elements of Style is proud to support IEA riders with performance apparel designed to elevate every ride, from daily schooling to competition days.
Built with technical, breathable fabrics and refined silhouettes, Equisite pieces are created to move with you while maintaining a polished, professional look. This season, we are especially excited to highlight the XXS Collection, thoughtfully designed for young riders who are developing their skills, confidence, and personal style in the sport.
Special Offers for IEA Riders and Teams
For All IEA Riders
Enjoy $20 off your online order using code IEA20. Shop online at www.equisite-elementsofstyle.com to explore styles, colors, and sizes designed for performance and versatility.
For IEA Teams and Coaches
Receive a $50 team order credit using code IEA50 when placing a team order of 10 or more units. All custom team orders include embroidery and are designed to create a cohesive, elevated team presence.
How to Place Your Team Order
All team orders are placed via email for customization and embroidery, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
-
Browse: Visit www.equisite-elementsofstyle.com to explore styles and colors
-
Select Your Pieces: Choose styles, colors, sizes, and quantities minimum 10 units
-
Submit Your Order
: Email orders@equisite-elementsofstyle.com with:
- Product styles, colors, sizes, and quantities
- Team logo PNG or PDF
- Code IEA50
-
Confirm and Approve
: Receive digital mockups for approval and an invoice upon confirmation
-
Delivery
: Your custom team order ships within 1 to 3 weeks
From outfitting new riders to building a strong and consistent team identity, Equisite is here to support IEA programs with apparel that blends performance, comfort, and elevated style.
We cannot wait to see IEA riders wearing Equisite. Be sure to tag @equisite_elementsofstyle and @rideiea so we can share and celebrate your journey.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Best,
Equisite Elements of Style
Custom Team Apparel and Performance Riding Shirts
orders@equisite-elementsofstyle.com
www.equisite-elementsofstyle.com
| | |
CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH YOUTUBE NEWS CLIP.
Everybody loves an underdog....Congratulations to Charlotte, NC based Waters Edge Farm on their historic win at the 2026 IEA Hunt Seat National Finals.
Coached by Kathryn Burchfield and Breann Jenca, IEA riders, Claudia Smith, Loral Kingsley, Madeline Lynch and Sarah Hufnagl lead their team to the top spot - besting 645 other IEA Hunt Seat Upper School teams in the nation to claim the Championship Title.
While the Waters Edge team has never been to National Finals, their coach Kathryn Burchfield is no stranger to IEA - herself having ridden on Fox Run Farms IEA Team as a youth and rode at the 2013 IEA National Finals placing 5th in the team finals.
Kathryn was featured earlier this season as one of our "Full Circle" coaches - IEA alumni turned IEA coach.
An alumni bringing home a National Championship title with your first year nationals team? Now that's a good story.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE WITH PHOTOS OF THE 2026 IEA HUNT SEAT & DRESSAGE NATIONAL FINALS >>
| | Lake Erie College is a Collegiate Partner of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | |
EQUUS Foundation Calls on Youth Nationwide to Volunteer with Equine Charities This Summer
Empowering the Next Generation to Make a Difference for Horses and People
| | |
This summer, EQUUS Foundation is calling on young people across the country to turn their passion for horses into meaningful action by volunteering with equine charities serving horses and communities in need.
Young people and their families are encouraged to visit the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network (EWN) to discover participating organizations that provide Equine-Assisted Services and/or Equine Transition Services. These organizations depend on volunteers to help horses thrive and to expand life-changing programs for people of all ages and abilities. Volunteering can be onsite or virtual!!
Equine-Assisted Services include programs such as adaptive riding, therapeutic riding, mental health support, learning, and personal development services involving horses. Equine Transition Services focus on horses in need of safe transitions, including rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming, and retirement.
"The future of horse welfare depends on inspiring the next generation to get involved," said Dr. Karin Bump, EQUUS Foundation Chief Operating Officer. "Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways young people can make a direct impact—for horses, for people, and for their own personal growth."
| | |
Whether in the barn or behind the scenes, every contribution matters. Opportunities vary based on organizational needs and volunteer skills, with youth placements thoughtfully guided by age-appropriate roles and labor considerations. Volunteer opportunities can take many forms, including:
• Hands-on horse care and barn support
• Assisting with riding lessons and programs
• Helping with events and fundraising
• Photography and storytelling
• Social media and digital outreach
• Administrative support
• Remote projects that can be done from home
By using the EWN, youth and their families can feel confident they are connecting with organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of horses. Charities that have earned the EQUUS Foundation Guardian designation have demonstrated a commitment to transparency and responsible operations, while those achieving the EQUUS Foundation Mentor Accreditation represent the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing, and organizational excellence.
"We also welcome you to learn more about the impact of horses on our lives with our free online learning experience - The Horse: Commodity or Partner?," continued Bump. "This module will provide you with a deeper understanding of the positive impact of the horse-human bond in the past and present – and helps cultivate an appreciation for ways to help protect America's horses now and in the future."
The importance of volunteers was highlighted in the EQUUS Foundation’s inaugural report on "Best Practices" (equusfoundation.org/research/study.php), which underscored that volunteers are essential to the success and sustainability of equine charities nationwide. Many organizations rely on volunteer support to care for horses, assist participants, maintain facilities, raise awareness, and strengthen operations.
For students seeking service hours, career exploration, leadership development, or simply a purposeful way to spend the summer, volunteering with an equine charity offers a powerful opportunity to build compassion, responsibility, teamwork, and advocacy skills.
| | |
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity and accrediting body in the United States that is 100% dedicated to equine welfare with the dual mission to protect America's horses from peril and strengthen the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550
E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org. Visit: equusfoundation.org.
| |
| |
IEA is looking for additional horses for our IEA Western National Finals being held June 21-23, 2026 during the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, TX.
We are specifically looking for Ranch Riding and Reining horses for our qualified youth riders, but also accepting handy horsemanship/lesson horses. Horses must be available from June 19 to June 24 (IEA competition days and schooling/warm up days).
Compensation is available, based on horse use.
Contact IEA Western National Finals Horse Coordinator:
Dustin Boehmer at 269-420-1242 or by email at dustin@rideiea.org
| |
| |
2026 IEA WESTERN NATIONAL FINALS THEME DAYS
Overall Theme is DECADES. Based on the online votes, each Western Region has an assigned decade. Each of the 3 competition days at Finals also has a specific theme to go along with the decades. Dig through your parents/grandparents closets!
We can't wait to see some amazing decades represented. Remember, the National Finals TEAM SPIRIT Award is up for grabs to the most spirited team!
| | |
Congratulations to all the IEA Class of 2026 Seniors graduating this month. We will miss you and wish you the best of luck as you move beyond high school and IEA to future endeavors and equine pursuits.
IEA is graduating a total of 1,290 Seniors this season! Where are they headed after IEA?
Check out the Senior Corner page on the IEA Website to see if you can spot some IEA Senior friends. The future of the industry is strong as many of these IEA alumni are moving on to IHSA, NCEA, and IDA teams and collegiate equine programs!
| | John Deere/Equine Discounts is a Sponsor of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | |
Thanks to a generous donation from the Family of Rayas Angelina Niccolini Greenlee of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, IEA Is proud to offer the Ride for Rayas Grant.
Rayas is a deeply dedicated and gifted Hunt Seat rider whose discipline, empathy, and leadership in the saddle have long reflected the very best of the sport. In 2025, Rayas’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with an extraordinarily rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer. Throughout her treatment and recovery, horses—and riding—have remained a profound source of strength, motivation, and healing. Sadly, Rayas lost her battle in February 2026.
Created in Rayas’s honor, this grant is designed to expand access to IEA competition for Hunt Seat riders in New York (IEA Zone 2). The Ride for Rayas Grant will be awarded to one or two applicants per year to support riders whose passion, perseverance, and commitment mirror the spirit Rayas brought to the sport she loved.
| |
| |
Interested in supporting the Ride for Rayas Grant with a monetary gift?
Please make gifts via check and send them to the following:
Ride for Rayas Grant Fund
c/o Interscholastic Equestrian Association
P.O. Box 809
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
| |
| | University of Connecticut is a Sponsor of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | Boot Barn is a Sponsor of the IEA and this is a paid/trade advertisement. | | 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
| | |
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: Katie Schaaf
-
President Elect: Dustin Boehmer
-
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
- Katie Morehead-Oman
- Rose Muenzenmay
- Cathy Muzzy
Non-Voting Members:
- Roxane Durant
- Susan Wentzel
- Kathryn Quinlan
- Simon Towns
Director Emeritus:
- Timothy J. Boone
- Myron Leff
| | Shop State Line Tack for your horse and rider supplies using code: PAPFHA30 at checkout or click on the image above and 7% OF YOUR TOTAL SALES will go to support the IEA. SHOP NOW >> | | | |
|
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 | |
The IEA was established to provide competitive and educational opportunities through equestrian athletics. Good Horsemanship and honorable participation are priorities at every event. It is the responsibility of all attendees to foster a spirit of belongingness, an atmosphere of community enjoyment, and a mutual respect for all participants and their equine partners. | | | | |
