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IEA Announces New Horsemanship Program

IEA-15th-anniversary-logoThe new IEA Horsemanship Program offers educational opportunities to youth in grades 4-12.The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) announced a new Horsemanship Program that will be available to youth in grades 4-12, as an addition to the organization’s already successful hunt seat and Western team competitions.

As an educational offering program with grade-appropriate information and tests, the IEA Horsemanship Program is designed to provide an introduction to the basics of horses, equine care and safety focusing on the components of the horse “experience” that occurs outside of the competition ring. For 2016-2017, the Horsemanship Program will be available to youth in grades 4-12 who do not otherwise participate as a rider in the IEA mounted team program. This is a great opportunity for a young person to become a member of the IEA and benefit from being part of the organization.  Participants in this program do not need to be members of a team or have the skills and resources necessary to compete in mounted equestrian competitions.

The Horsemanship Program has three main components: online quizzes, a horsemanship journal and a final horsemanship test. Informational videos and online resources will also be added throughout the season to augment the educational resources available to participants. Members who meet the minimum requirements of the program will receive recognition and awards from the IEA to celebrate completion of the 2016-2017 Horsemanship Program.

“This new Horsemanship Program provides a way to respond to youngsters who want to be part of the IEA and either do not ride competitively, do not have access to a team or are too young for our mounted offerings. They have an interest in horses, and they want a way to be involved with our organization. The Program is an additional offering that relates to the IEA mission of providing education regarding equestrian sport,” said IEA Co-Founder and Executive Director Roxane Lawrence Durant.

For complete details about the IEA Horsemanship Program, visit www.rideiea.org.