INTER SCHOLASTIC
RIDING ASSOCIATION

Inter-Scholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) was formed to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction, competition and education.

The mission of IEA is to introduce students in middle and secondary schools (primarily ages 11 through 19) to equestrian sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Also, currently, there are a few opportunities for these students to earn scholarships towards their college education.

The unique aspect of these competitions, both at the local and national level, is that none of the riders supply their own horses or tack. Instead, the horses, saddle and other tack are all provided to the students at the show by the host school. Although the rider and horse will have a short orientation opportunity, essentially, the horses will be new to the rider and judging will be based upon equitation rather than the horse.