Welcome to the Frequently Asked Question Portion of our Mount Holyoke College IEA Website! If you have any other questions about our program, feel free to ask using the front page “Ask” button.
What is the IEA?
Excerpt
taken from IEA Website: A non-profit organization, the Interscholastic
Equestrian Association 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.
Through the
IEA, students have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college
education through awards in competition and through sportsmanship activities.
Who can participate in the IEA?
The IEA is
open to Middle School Students (Futures) in grades 6-8 and High School Students
(Varsity & Junior Varsity) in grades 9-12.
Does MHC have tryouts for their
team?
Yes.
Tryouts for prospective and incoming riders are usually done throughout the
summer. Any riders interested in joining the team after November 15th must wait
until the following season to compete. They may however, join the team in
practices and group activities, but a tryout is still necessary to determine
level and ability. Families usually decide to have a preliminary meeting to get
more information, followed by the riding tryout.
If so, how do I know what level to
tryout for?
A
description of your riding history is necessary in the preliminary meeting. Any
records of competition within organizations such as USEF are required.
Ultimately, after watching the tryout, the coach will make the decision of your
level appropriate to the IEA.
How can I prepare for tryouts?
A tryout is
an hour in length and consists of one-on-one with coach and prospective rider.
Frequent riding at any level is requested. Appropriate attire is also a
requirement (breeches, collared shirt, belt, ASTM/SEI approved helmet, hair pulled
back, tall boots, etc.)
What are the requirements to be
considered for the team?
A minimum
of one year of weekly lessons taken. Show experience is preferred but not
required. A committment to the team, and dedication to improving personal and
team skills is also required.
How do IEA horse shows work?
Excerpt
from IEA Website: The unique aspect of these competitions, both at the local
and national level, is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or
tack. Instead, the horses, saddle and other tack are provided to the students
at the show. The host team arranges for the horses and equipment. Some of the
equipment may be borrowed from various training barns and facilities. Though
the rider and horse have a short opportunity at orientation in the over fences classes,
essentially, the horse is new to the rider, and the scores are based upon
horsemanship and equitation, not the horse. The competitions involve six
classes jumping over fences no greater than three feet and numerous flat
equitation classes. Western riders show in horsemanship and reining, and saddle
seat riders show in both rail and individual workout classes. All disciplines
offer a variety of ability levels from beginner through advanced.
Do I need to own my own horse to be
on the MHC IEA Team?
No. The IEA
is an organization that affords all riders of all different backgrounds and
financial capabilities, an opportunity to compete, regardless of whether they
have their own horse. Likewise, the MHC IEA Team prefers to ride a variety of
different types of horses to gain experience and comfort.
What horses are available to me on
the MHC IEA Team?
The Mount
Holyoke College Equestrian Center has a wonderful grouping of beginner through
advanced horses. Due to the Hunt Seat, Dressage and Western College IHSA Teams,
our school must be equipped with a variety of horses suitable for all riding
abilities and backgrounds.
Can I be part of another sport in
addition to this one?
Absolutely!
95% of the MHC IEA Team is made up of riders that are involved in other sports.
Getting out and being active is encouraged!
How often does the MHC IEA Team
practice?
The MHC IEA
Team practices roughly 3 times a month, beginning in August and going through
to the end of April. The season is broken down into three sessions (3 months),
with 9 practices each session. Most practices are on weekends, with the
exceptions of school vacations, in which we take advantage of weeknight
availabilty. Practice dates are posted in August for the entire season.
What are some expenses to consider
on the MHC IEA Team?
At MHC, we
try and create a program for families that is conducive to their needs. We feel
that the system we have set up below, is quite popular for our families, and
competitive in our area. Please contact Kendall for more details.
3 Sessions
per Season @ $360 per session. Each session includes 9 lessons (8 paid for, 1
free).
Team
Clothing- Dependent
on the order.
Competitions- Each rider can do a maximum of 5
shows per season. Currently, classes are $40 each. There is a maximum of 2
classes per show. There is also a seperate coaching fee for the day.
Membership- Currently the year membership to
be an IEA Member, is $45
Activity
Fund- $50 for
entire season. This contributes to our team account that is used for paying for
entries at post-season shows, team outtings, etc.
What opportunities can the IEA and
MHC give to me?
Currently,
the IEA offers a wide range of opportunities for riders. Some examples are
below:
Scholarships
Sportsmanship
Awards- On a Regional, Zone and National Level
Financial
Assistance
College
Search Assistance
Tournament
of Champions- Introduction to college riding (IHSA) and recruiting information.
Scholarships are also available.
How successful is the MHC IEA Team?
The MHC IEA
Team has been at the forefront of IEA Competition for the past 6 years. Our
riders have been competitors at the Regional, Zone and National Levels. Every
year, at least 75% of the team qualifies individually for post-season Finals.
Does the MHC IEA Compete in the
Summer?
Last summer, the MHC IEA Team competed at non-IEA shows in both Massachusetts
and Connecticut. This program was designed to keep riders in the show ring,
gaining more experience and keeping a cohesive feel to the team. Feel free to contact Coach Kendall for
more information or to join in! Current Non-MHC IEA riders, will be asked to
tryout prior to joining the summer team. MHC horses are available for lease.