What is IEA ? | condeefarm

What is IEA?

Formally established in the spring of 2002, the IEA held its first annual national championship event the following year in Willoughby, Ohio. A non-profit organization, the IEA has grown both geometrically and geographically each year. Beginning with just 200 student-riders and 62 finalists participating in the first Nationals, the IEA now has over 5,000 student-riders on hundreds of teams across North America. Over 500 of the competitors qualified for the National Finals in 2011. The IEA has 12 zones across North America, Alaska and Hawaii.

The IEA members compete with a team or on an individual basis in Hunt Seat, Western and Saddle Seat disciplines. There is no need for any rider to own a horse.

The MISSION of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools to equestrian sports and to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction.

The IEA PURPOSE is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to equestrian sport at the middle and secondary school levels (primarily ages 11 through 19).

To fulfill its purpose, the IEA offers guidance regarding the creation and development of school and/or barn associated equestrian programs. IEA coaches aim to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions and additional equine educational opportunities.

The objectives of IEA are:

To promote the equestrian as an athlete
To provide students with organized competitive opportunities
To introduce new riders to equine sports
To promote the IEA among middle and secondary schools
To provide students with opportunities for further education equine sports and other equine-related matters
To encourage liaison with other equestrian groups
To provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated mounted and non-mounted equestrian programs
To establish and enforce IEA rules, standards and policies
To evolve with the continuing progress of equestrian sports
To generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to the horse industry and all segments thereof.