IEA February 2021 Newsletter

Dear IEA Members and Friends,

Here we are in February already and the COUNTDOWN TO NATIONAL FINALS is definitely ON! With approximately 11 weeks until Hunt Seat National Finals in Perry, GA - the staff and Zone Administrators are busy with all the details that go into planning not one but THREE National Finals events. Whew!

As information becomes available, please refer to the NATIONAL FINALS pages on the website for your discipline. We will be posting hotel links, directions, prize lists, and other items to help you plan your trip.

February is chocked full of REGIONAL FINALS and some ZONE FINALS across the nation. Best of luck to the hundreds of riders and teams competing in post-season qualifiers this month.

ATTENTION IEA DRESSAGE MEMBERS:

DRESSAGE NATIONAL FINALS IS MOVING TO TYLER, TEXAS!

Due to ongoing COVID-related restrictions for out-of-state travelers and quarantine requirements in the State of New York, the location of DRESSAGE NATIONAL FINALS is being moved to Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas on the SAME DATES – MAY 15-16, 2021.

This change, which was discussed over a period of weeks and ultimately approved by the IEA COVID Task Force, Dressage Leadership and the IEA Board of Directors, allows for the largest number of riders and teams to compete at Dressage National Finals. Many factors, scenarios and locations were taken into consideration with safety, accessibility, horse availability and travel requirements in mind.

IEA is grateful to all our members for their willingness to be flexible in this most unusual season. We are also grateful to Texas Rose Horse Park for making their facility available for our competition.

Questions related to Dressage National Finals may be directed to IEA Dressage Administrator, Emily David at Emily@rideiea.org.

At this time, Hunt Seat and Western National Finals will remain on the same dates and locations as previously announced. Thank you.

SENIORS who qualify as individuals for National Finals - did you know you could earn CASH from the IEA FOUNDERS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS?

For the 15th season, this year at National Final competitions, the IEA will award upwards of $24,300 in scholarships to the TOP PLACING AND SECOND HIGHEST PLACING Seniors in INDIVIDUAL classes at our National Finals.

Yep. Even if you get 8th place - if you are the top placing SENIOR in that class - the cash is yours to use as you wish.

This season, IEA has 1,346 SENIOR RIDERS competing across three disciplines. Good Luck and Go Get Em!

The IEA Dressage Webinar with Olympian and Equestrian Professional Lendon Gray is NOW AVAILABLE for viewing on the main DRESSAGE page of the IEA website. (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)

VIEW: https://www.rideiea.org/dressage/

Many thanks to Lendon for giving us her time, excellent advice, and an inside look into her career as a Dressage rider. We hope you enjoy listening and watching as much as we did.

It's that time of the year again...get out your ART SUPPLIES!

This year we are proud to introduce our NEW TITLE SPONSOR for the

IEA NATIONAL FINALS COVER ART CONTESTS:

DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION - (Read rules below).

HUNT SEAT PROGRAM COVER - MARCH 1st
DRESSAGE PROGRAM COVER - APRIL 1st
WESTERN COVER - MAY 1st

Questions? Contact Montana McKnight at Montana@rideiea.org.

We can’t wait to see the submissions for all three National Finals Cover Art Contests!

Link to ZONE SCHOLARSHIPS

IEA NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Did you receive a Sportsmanship Award this season at a regular or post season IEA show?

Apply for the 2021 National Sportsmanship Award!

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

MAY 3, 2021

DETAILS

With COVID restrictions on spectators and the increased importance of communicating the flow of the show day to parents and riders - it has become even more necessary for show hosts to thoughtfully plan communications before and during their show.

As the IEA season has progressed, many shows have incorporated technology to help facilitate reaching those sheltering in their cars about what is happening in the arena.

One such example is utilizing the ZOOM meeting platform that many of us use every day as part of work/school as a simple "live-streaming" option.

1. Set up a Zoom meeting at least several days prior to the horse show. Email or text the Zoom link to all coaches/parents/riders.

2. Designate a volunteer to oversee setting up a tripod and iPad (or phone) in a good spot to see the arena. Make sure your device can be plugged in as it will need to last all day.

3. Opening up the zoom meeting when the show begins allows parents on the show grounds, as well as other family members at home the opportunity to see what classes are in the arena.

4. Stationing someone near the device to keep an eye on it and make helpful periodic comments on the progression of the show can be helpful. (Example: "Class 6, JV Novice Over Fences has just started and there are 11 riders in this class.)

5. Remember to refrain from personal conversation near the "live-streaming" device as it is being broadcast to your attendees.

*********

Some show hosts have used the REMIND app (which many schools use) or a similar group texting app to send group texts during the show. A sample text might be "Class 3 is on the reverse way. Class 4 riders are mounting. Class 5 riders should be making their way to the paddock area."

Others have set up Facebook pages just for their horse show and communicated results and timing of classes. Some have used Facebook Live to broadcast their show.

Whatever technology you may use - it is vital to PLAN AHEAD and designate a specific person as a Communications Coordinator for your show as well as any back-up technology.

Do you have other ideas that have worked for your show(s)?

We'd love to hear them - send your comments/suggestions to IEA Communications Coordinator, Kimber Whanger at kimber@rideiea.org.

The IEA Horsemanship Program is open to any youth member of the IEA.

Participants in the program will complete online quizzes on a variety of topics from Colors and Breeds to Equine Nutrition. The quizzes are released throughout the season, from September through February.

Members who also participate in the riding program will find that the online quizzes will help prepare them for the Region, Zone and National Horsemanship Tests given in person at the competitions.

In May of 2021, each participant will receive a Final Quiz which shall be a collection of questions from various quizzes offered throughout the season. Participants who complete all aspects of the program, and complete the Final Quiz with a passing score of 75% or better, will receive a certificate of achievement and a commemorative shirt.

The horsemanship program also offers a TEAM COMPETITION for teams of 3 or more riders who participate in the program. These riders will have their Final Quiz scores averaged and the team with the highest final score will win BONUS GIFTS provided our generous sponsors.

Contact Jennifer Eaton at Jenn@rideiea.org with questions.

Meet the IEA Membership Office Staff

Recently, we asked the Membership Office Staff what they liked most about working for IEA and what was one of their favorite quotes. Here's what they had to say...

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: IEApromo

CLICK HERE: https://www.usef.org/join-usef/join-renew

Contact Kimber Whanger at kimber@rideiea.org with questions.

(This promo code should not expire.)

USEF is a MEMBER PARTNER of the IEA.

Attention IEA riders who are also members of USHJA...

Check out the HAMEL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP for further education.

USHJA is a Member Partner of the IEA.

Become a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy for Just $75!

(Offer ends February 28, 2021)

If you are the coach of an IEA Team, now is your chance to become an official USHJA Recognized Riding Academy for a discounted rate of only $75 – valid through the month of February! (offer ends February 28) . If your IEA program emphasizes horsemanship and sportsmanship, promotes safety, and offers introductory hunter/jumper lessons, you are the perfect fit for this growing USHJA program. READ MORE.