IEA is proud to announce the 2020 TIMOTHY J. BOONE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was presented in July to BERNIE VILLENEUVE !

Typically awarded during the Hunt Seat National Finals, the Timothy J. Boone Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given by the IEA to a long-standing and deserving IEA board or staff member. Bernie currently serves as the IEA National Finals Coordinator and has previously served as a board member, coach and volunteer. He was also a part of the very first IEA horse show at The Andrews School back in 2002!

Due to the COVID-19 cancellation of Finals and related delays in the production of awards, we are so pleased to be able to FINALLY present this award to Bernie in "Publisher's Clearing House Style". IEA Executive Director Roxane Durant dropped in on Bernie at his house to make the award presentation. I think he was surprised!

(View the video on the IEA Facebook page:

CONGRATULATIONS BERNIE and THANK YOU for all your years of service to IEA!

Bernie joins a distinguished list of previous IEA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners:

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
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), in conjunction with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), awards a student rider the National Sportsmanship Award each year. This year’s award was presented to Sarah Mallis , a Sophomore from Coral Springs, Florida. 

The national award winner is selected from a group of riders who earned a Sportsmanship Award at a local, regional or zone IEA show during the 2019-2020 season. These winners were then invited to submit an application for the National Sportsmanship Award. As part of the application process, student riders submitted a resume, school transcripts, composed a 250-word essay explaining how horses and/or equestrian competition have influenced his/her life and three letters of recommendation.
 
“In my time as an equestrian, I have not only significantly progressed in my abilities as a rider, but I have also improved as a person,” says Mallis. “Before beginning the journey that has shaped me, I was a follower who didn’t want to pave her own path in life. After these past (five) years, I have considerably grown more confident in myself. I have been able to develop essential leadership skills, I learned to be more patient with others, and I now think about the best plan for specific situations instead of just jumping right in. More importantly, I am able to figure out my mistakes, not only in riding, but also in life, and take the necessary steps to fix them accordingly.”

The IEA COVID-19 Resource Hub has been up on the IEA website for about a month and we continue to add more information and details about holding IEA shows this season. Please regularly refer to this page for updated information and please make sure to continue to share these directions with your whole team. The link can be found at the top of every webpage.
IEA will be conducting a COVID-19 GUIDELINES Zoom Webinar on TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 at 4:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) to provide guidelines and address questions about hosting and attending IEA shows this season as well as the “extraordinary exceptions” to our rule book.
 
This webinar is FREE and open to COACHES and SHOW HOSTS and will be available to the first 500 participants who sign up. (Adult members only, please.) The webinar will be archived and available for viewing (also for free) on the IEA website several days following the live webinar. Please only sign up if you know you are able to attend at that time. 
 
IEA Leadership will address the resources, guidelines, new rules, and best practices and answer questions that have been pre-submitted for discussion. After reviewing the documents on the COVID-19 RESOURCE HUB on the IEA website, if you still have questions you would like answered, you may submit them to info@rideiea.org .
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) 2020-2021 Western National Finals will be held during the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The APHA Show will take place June 25-July 11, 2021 . IEA Western Finals will take place over two days during this time period, however exact dates are yet to be determined. 

Billy Smith , APHA Executive Director thought it a good idea to have the youth riders of the IEA to show their talents along with the APHA youth equestrians in separate, but complimentary, competitions during one of the world’s largest youth equestrian events. 

The future of equestrian sport is dependent on attracting young people to participate. We show the variety of competition disciplines during our World Championship Show, but there is nothing better than kids watching other kids having fun to show our Sport. We look forward to welcoming the IEA to Fort Worth next year ,” said Smith. APHA is a Member Partner of the IEA.

The recent announcement of the cancellation of the All American Quarter Horse Congress unfortunately means that the IEA Western Special Event Horse Show on October 8, 2020 at the Congress has also been cancelled. We sincerely appreciate our partnership with the Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) and all their work done on the Congress and our event. While certainly a disappointment for many people, we look forward to planning ahead for the 2021 Congress with OQHA and coming back stronger than ever. Western members who have questions may contact IEA Western Zone Administrator, Tammy Braham at tammy.braham@rideiea.org .
Over 4 million riders have chosen a Troxel helmet to protect themselves. With a safety record second to none, Troxel is the most trusted brand of ASTM/SEI- certified equestrian helmets. 

As pioneers in equestrian helmet safety, over 30 years of research and development go into every Troxel helmet available today. Your safety matters to us. 

Troxel is proud to be the Official Helmet of the IEA .  
Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on the world. So many have been affected by this crisis. Not only has our own organization had to take some extreme measures to combat the cancellation of events and lost income, but our beloved barns, horse providers, coaches, teams, and schools have also experienced significant losses these past few months.

Each year the IEA offers assistance to our members through programs funded though the IEA BENEVOLENT FUND.
The Financial Assistance Program offers aid to incoming rider members who require help financing their IEA competition and the Coaches Assistance Grant offers financial assistance to our member coaches in their time of need.

This coming season, we anticipate a much greater level of need from our members.
If you are able, please use this opportunity to make a contribution to the IEA BENEVOLENT FUND. Any amount is needed and appreciated. Thank you.

As a special gift, for a $35 or more donation to the IEA Benevolent Fund you will receive a 2020 commemorative National Finals hat, and if you act fast, we’ll add in a 2020 National Finals pin as an extra bonus gift! (Offer is good while supplies last.)
We are HORSE PEOPLE HELPING HORSE PEOPLE.

Our goal for the 2020-2021 season is to raise $55,000 to cover these requests. Can you help us?
The webinar " From the Judge's Perspective for the IEA " is now live at EquestrianCoach.com . This is a unique, informative, fun, and interactive webinar with photos, videos, and insights for IEA riders.

Co-hosts Julie Winkel and Bernie Traurig are joined by Nancy Kohler-Cunningham , IEA Immediate Past President and USEF ‘r’ Judge, and Megan D. Taylor , also a ‘r’ Judge, who serves as moderator for this special event.

There is a pay-per-view fee of $8.99 to view the full video.
(Videos purchased on a pay-per-view basis never expire and you can watch as many times as you like online. Read more below for an exclusive offer to IEA members.)


View the full length video here:

World Class Training Comes to You—24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week on Any Device with  EquestrianCoach.com

EquestrianCoach.com  is teaming up with the IEA to provide educational discounts for members. For the first time, they are offering 67% off Monthly and Annual Memberships to the site. That is $99 a year or just $9.90 per month . This is exclusive to IEA members.
Membership grants you access to a library of almost 400 videos by 65 Olympic, Championship & World Class Coaches contributing their coaching, teaching & training techniques. You'll gain a lifetime of education for riders, trainers & coaches with topics for all levels—Beginners to Olympic caliber. A variety of topics for everyone including: Jumpers, Hunters, Equitation, Eventing, Dressage, Horsemanship, Veterinary, Equine Dentistry, Fitness, Sports Psychology, Vintage Footage, Thoroughbred Training, Safety Tips & More!

To get this special offer, fill out the form on their EDU page: Equestriancoach.com/ECEDU
DID YOU KNOW THAT IEA HAS AN AFFILIATE DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR NEW COACHES?

DID YOU KNOW EXISTING IEA COACHES COULD ACTUALLY MAKE MONEY JUST BY TALKING TO POTENTIAL COACHES ABOUT JOINING IEA?

2020-2021 AFFILIATE DISCOUNT PROGRAM
New coaches that join receive a one-time 10% discount off of their coach application if the coach is a member of any of the following IEA Affiliates: 4H, APHA, AQHA, CHA, IDA, IHSA, NRHA, NSBA, USDF, USEA, USEF, USHJA, or USPC.
2020-2021 REFERRAL PROGRAM FOR MEMBER COACHES

  • The “Referral Program” aims to utilize our existing coaches as recruiters of new coach members in an effort to increase team numbers across the United States.

Program Goals
  • Refer another equine professional (coach) who is new to the IEA. Each referral will pay the IEA member coach $50.
  • Only 1 referral will be credited per new professional / new team.
  • There is no limit to how many Referrals an IEA coach member can be credited for.

Eligibility 2020-2021

  • Any adult member of the IEA who is responsible for the enrollment of a new equine professional (coach) that successfully enrolls a new team (3 members) with the IEA for the 2020-2021 season. Membership of the new team is required to be in effect on December 1, 2020 and it may not have a returning coach or more than two (2) returning riders.

Questions? Contact IEA Membership Marketing Coordinator, Jennifer Eaton at Jenn@rideiea.org or by calling 1-877-RIDE-IEA ext. 203
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN TODAY!

IEA show season officially opens in 4 DAYS on August 1st! Get your teams and riders registered NOW so you can start showing before the weather gets too cold.

Know a coach that should have an IEA team? Hook them up with IEA Membership Marketing Coordinator, Jennifer Eaton at Jenn@rideiea.org . She can answer all their questions and help them get started.
Saddle fit or back conformation issues? The Weaver Leather Wool Blend Felt Shim pad is a great option that allows for various configurations to address saddle fit, fill muscle deficit areas and relieve pressure points. Featuring EVA Sport Foam inserts with proven orthopedic value that won’t degrade over time. All this comes together on a contoured and close contact butterfly cutaway pad design for better feel between horse and rider.  Learn more at  https://bit.ly/3dyKo1t

Weaver Leather is the Offical Tack and Equipment Supplier of the IEA.
HOW DO YOU RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS FOR YOUR IEA TEAM?

This is the time of year when IEA coaches and teams across the nation are busy organizing their team rosters and practice schedules and planning their IEA Show Season.

While some IEA teams may be at their capacity for riders, there are many teams that are smaller or just getting started and are always looking for ways to recruit new members. Or maybe a team is thinking of adding a second (or third) discipline to their existing team.

We gathered up a few ideas on how YOU, as an IEA RIDER, COACH, or PARENT can grow your team roster.

1. CREATE AN INSTAGRAM AND/OR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR YOUR TEAM.
A social media presence these days is almost a necessity for businesses, organizations, and yes – your team. Assign a team captain or several riders to oversee the team page and update it with practice and show photos, videos, and information about your specific team. Make it fun, but keep it professional – you are trying to invite your equestrian friends to follow your page and ultimately join your team. Many IEA teams successfully use social media to advertise for new riders in their area.

2. DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE THE IEA TEAM FLYERS.
The IEA Marketing and Communications Office has created 3 different team flyers (Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage) that you can customize with your contact information and then distribute either by mail, on public bulletin boards, at school functions, at summer/fall equestrian events like horse shows, county fairs, and clinics. Flyers can also be placed in strategic areas where riders might see them like your local tack shop or feed store. Download them here or at the links below: https://www.rideiea.org/shop/promotional-items/

3. HANG UP YOUR FREE IEA TEAM BANNER AT SHOWS or CREATE YOUR OWN.
Two years ago, IEA implemented a free member banner program which allows each IEA Coach to order one free banner for their team. Hundreds of teams received banners that are to be hung up at non-IEA horse shows and events on your stalls, trailer, or seating area. For the 2020-2021 season, we will continue this program and all new teams will automatically receive an IEA Member banner. If you need to order additional or replacement banners contact Kimber Whanger at Kimber@rideiea.org to discuss your banner needs. Many IEA Teams also create their own stall or ring banners for horse shows.

4. REQUEST FREE IEA BROCHURES.

IEA has free tri-fold brochures available to coaches for recruiting purposes. You can order them here: https://www.rideiea.org/shop/promotional-items/

5. WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER OR SCHOOL NEWSPAPER.
Does your team have an interesting story to share? Did any team members qualify for Regionals, Zones, or National Finals last year? Are you looking for specific levels of riders to fill your team? This can be written as a short article and sent to your local news outlets.

6. HOST A VIRTUAL BARN OPEN HOUSE.
Since hosting events with crowds is not currently an option because of COVID-19, you can create a Virtual Barn Open House event on Facebook or Instagram live. Take photos or short videos of your facility. Video a couple of lessons or team practices. Introduce some of the IEA lesson horses, interview your coach and be sure to include your contact information for anyone who may see it and be interested. Think of it as a team commercial that can be posted to social media or sent via email.

7. CREATE A TEAM CONTEST OR PRIZE FOR THE RIDER WHO RECRUITS THE MOST NEW MEMBERS.

Many of our IEA riders are also involved in other equestrian organizations like 4-H, USEF, USHJA, APHA, NRHA, AQHA, Pony Club, NSBA, USDF, as well as their local open show circuits. These are great places to talk up your IEA team and invite new riders to join. Think of a prize (like some free lessons, or a new practice helmet) to the rider who brings in the most new members to your team.

We enjoy seeing all the creative ways IEA teams work together to strengthen the sport we all love. We very much look forward to seeing all our returning friends and making new ones this season. Got some great team member recruiting ideas? We’d love to hear them. Send to kimber@rideiea.org .
As summer horse shows and equine events begin to open up all around the country, don't forget to take your IEA MEMBER BANNER with you to display your IEA Team Pride!

Hang it on your stalls, your trailer, in the arena, or seating area and strike up a conversation about joining your IEA Team.

Take a photo and post it to INSTAGRAM using the hashtag #IEABannerContest
IEA Member Banners are FREE - ONE BANNER per team and must be requested by the coach. Additional IEA banners may be purchased at cost.
Contact Kimber Whanger at kimber@rideiea.org to order yours today.
NEW THIS YEAR - All new teams joining the IEA will automatically receive their banner after their membership is completely processed.
PROMOTE YOUR TEAM WITH TEAM FLYERS
Download any of these flyers and add your contact info to promote your team.
Print them yourself or send to a print shop.
(Flyers are 8.5 x 11 with color bleeding to the edges.)
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
2020 IEA BOARD MEMBERS
Officers:
  • President: Katie Schaaf                   
  • President Elect: Amanda Garner
  • Secretary: Samantha Fleming
  • Treasurer: Christy Landwehr
 
Founding Board Members & Designees:
  • Founding Member: Tim Boone
  • Designee for Wayne Ackerer (Founding Member): Nancy Arledge
  • Designee for Myron Leff (Founding Member): Katie Morehead
  • Designee for Roxane Durant (Founding Member): Nancy Kohler-Cunningham
Members at Large:
  • Leah Fiorentino
IEA MEMBER PARTNERS
IEA OFFICIAL SPONSORS
Official Western Saddle of the IEA
Official Show Clothing of the IEA
Official Helmet of the IEA
Official Tack and Equipment Supplier of the IEA