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July 22, 2022 (Columbus, Ohio) - The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) annually awards a student rider the National Sportsmanship Award. Proudly sponsored by EQUUS Foundation, this year's award is presented to Rylee Keiffer, a junior from Tonawanda, New York who rides on the Hunters Ridge IEA Team.
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 2021-2022 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 photo, 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.
"IEA has created an atmosphere that promotes teamwork, but it has also allowed me to recognize the impact of positivity within the equine community," says Keiffer. "Seeing how the show environment can affect riders has allowed me to work towards (and encourage) a positive environment amongst my team. Supporting each other, staying positive and always helping others are vital to creating a close-knit team."
Keiffer is a 4-year member of Hunters Ridge IEA Team, coached by Lindsay Lindke out of Lockport, NY (Hunt Seat Zone 2). In addition to her IEA experience, Rylee has an extensive resume of academic achievements and community service activities including National Honor Society, leadership positions on her 4-H Horse Club, volunteering at a local Therapuetic Riding Center, assisting with multiple rescue and service organizations, and volunteering at local horse shows. Rylee carries a 4.0 GPA and has been recognized for outstanding achievements in Niagara County 4H Equine Bowl and Hippology, Equine Public Presentations, Regional and State 4H awards (including the 2021 Niagara County Horseman of the Year), and various IEA Sportsmanship and High Point Awards.
"It is evident that Rylee's ability to lead is her forte," says former teacher Katie Hockenberry of Drake School. "I became extremely impressed with the young lady Rylee has become when she volunteered her time to come back and teach my current 1st graders the French language. She went above and beyond with every lesson in a multitude of different teaching strategies. It is also evident that Rylee will continue to succeed in all she does because she has the characteristics of a champion!"
Keiffer will receive a $500 cash scholarship from the IEA, a lifetime membership to the IEA and a nomination by the IEA to affiliates’ sportsmanship award programs.
“Good sportsmanship is a tenant in the IEA and this award is held to high regard. Choosing the National Sportsman from the pool of amazing candidates is always a difficult decision every year,” commented Roxane Durant, IEA Executive Director. “Rylee is clearly committed to her equine community and we are thrilled to present her with this recognition.”
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