Dear IEA Member:

The IEA Board of Directors and Staff have been extensively reviewing factors and options related to Covid-19 and the remainder of the IEA 2019-2020 season. With much disappointment, we announced on Monday, April 13th that all IEA competitions for Hunt Seat, Dressage and Western disciplines are cancelled for the remainder of this competition year, which was originally scheduled to conclude on June 14 th .

As always, human and equine welfare are of the utmost importance to IEA and lie at the heart of this difficult decision. The Coronavirus continues to be a health danger across the Country for all—every age; everywhere. We all should follow the guidelines of our Government and Health officials and because IEA has members in 46 states, the rules vary extensively from state to state. It is expected the Coronavirus guideline variances will widen over the next few months, complicating parent and coach decisions regarding health, travel and expenses.

Roxane Durant, IEA Co-founder and Executive Director stated, “ As an organization that is based in community, we must consider the needs of our entire membership base across the country and across disciplines to make our decision that assures the safety and welfare of all IEA members and our equine partners. This was an unbelievably hard decision because it disappoints so many, especially our senior riders. To lessen the setback, we are revising some rules and making changes relative to this decision so current riders have more options for next season. In addition, we plan some special surprises for our riders, including providing a scholarship opportunity for every senior .”
The  AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL  has put together an extensive list of Equine Industry Resources for horse owners, including best practices and financial support resources. We hope you will find this information helpful.
NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 1, 2020
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association awards a student-rider the National Sportsmanship Award each year.
The national award winner will be selected from the group of riders who earned a Sportsmanship Award at a local, regional or zone IEA show during the school year. These Sportsmanship Award winners will receive an IEA Sportsmanship patch (pictured), and will be invited to submit an application for the National Sportsmanship Award.

APPLICATION DUE MAY 1, 2020.
Sponsored by IEA and IHSA

DOWNLOAD the TROXEL
Equestrian Helmet Education Guide

Troxel is the Official Helmet of the IEA.
PROGRAM COVER ART CONTEST WINNERS

Congratulations to the following winners in the Hunt Seat National Finals Cover Art Contest. Despite the cancellation of all National Finals, we are continuing with the art contest for Western Nationals (see details below) . We will announce winners of the Dressage Cover Art Contest soon, so stay tuned.

All IEA riders are eligible to submit artwork for the Western cover. The Deadline is May 8. The winner receives a $50 Amazon giftcard! We have some VERY TALENTED artist members as you can see.
NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR THE 2020 IEA WESTERN NATIONAL FINALS COVER ART CONTEST
  • DEADLINE - May 8, 2020 by 11:59pm EST
  • Artwork must be 8.5" wide by 11" tall and 300dpi resolution.
  • Any medium can be used, but must be scanned to digital.
  • Any IEA rider may submit for the contest regardless of discipline.
  • Please include name, team name, grade, and title of artwork. A description of your piece is also encouraged.
  • Should have a Western theme.
  • 1st place winner receives $50 Amazon Gift Certificate and special recognition.
  • Email submissions to kimber@rideiea.org by the deadline.
Weaver Leather is the Official Tack and Equipment Supplier of the IEA.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has created a Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship for graduating High School Seniors who intend to further their equestrian knowledge and skills in college.
Deadline is July 31, 2020.

Check it out:

USEF is a MEMBER PARTNER of the IEA.
Have you activated your US Equestrian FREE Fan Membership?
All current IEA Riders, Coaches and Parents are eligible to sign up
to receive a Fan Membership using the code: IEA20 .
Click the image above to get started.
Contact Kimber Whanger at kimber@rideiea.org with questions.
Industry Professional Survey to Improve Rider Performance
Are you a horse professional that seeks to give your riders a competitive edge? Do you instruct or assist riders with honing their riding craft? Would you be interested in learning techniques that would improve rider performance?
 
Middle Tennessee State University is conducting a research study to gain insight into techniques used with riders to help improve riding performance. Your completely anonymous responses will be used by horse industry organizations (breed and discipline groups), extension programs, and universities to assist in understanding common industry practices, needs, and methods that are being used among trainers and coaches in the industry to further improve rider performance.
 
To complete this short survey visit
 
Thank you for providing input that can be used to benefit coaches, trainers and equestrians at all levels in the industry."

This research study is being organized by IEA Coach, Courtney Smith (Team Need A Hand - Zone 4) as part of a Graduate Studies program. Participation in the survey is voluntary.
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
Membership Office
607 North Avenue, Door 18,2nd Floor
Wakefield, MA 01880

Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm (Eastern)
Phone: 877-RIDE-IEA | 877-743-3432
Fax: 508-597-7373
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