IEA Team

Ascend Equestrian offers an IEA Team for riders in the 4th grade and up. The IEA Team provides a unique competition format and that ability to compete without the expense of owning or leasing.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (“IEA”) is a program that allows riders in grades 4-8 (Futures), grades 9-12 (Upper School) and Adults to compete in horse shows where the horse is provided by the competition host facility. Horses are drawn on a random basis and the rider is judged on their position, controls, and ability to handle the horse they have drawn.

This provides a unique opportunity unlike any other and mirrors the format of IHSA and NCAA riding in college, should riders be interested in riding in college.

Our IEA Team is coached by trainer Sydney Stern. Riders have the benefit of watching the horses practice before the start of the competition with coach Sydney to note how the horse goes and the most effective ride to turn in a winning round. Together with Sydney, riders create a plan for their ride based upon notes taken during the practice session.

Riders have very limited time to warm up on their drawn mounts and must follow a specific warm up pattern as indicated by the host facility. Riders must adjust to their mounts quickly and tailor their riding to the needs of their mount, adding a layer of difficulty to the competition.

Ascend Equestrian strongly encourages all riders to participate in the IEA Team, as it provides the opportunity to work through show nerves, learn showmanship, and brings the unique team mentality to the show ring as riders work together to earn points for their team towards high point team and qualifying for team Regionals, Zones, or National Finals. Riders also have the opportunity to earn individual awards in terms of placings, high point rider, and qualifying for Finals.

The IEA season is from September – April, with the regular season running through the end of January. Riders may participate in up to 5 IEA competitions, per IEA rules, and are strongly encouraged to participate in 5 regular season competitions in hopes of qualifying for Finals individually and supporting their team in qualifying for Finals.

Our team supports each other and is there the entire day of each competition to cheer one another on. It is a great way to meet fellow riders, set and achieve goals, build your skills as a rider, and prepare for collegiate riding.