The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a unique form of competition that introduces many young equestrians to the horse show world. Student in grades 4-12 are invited to join their local IEA team and compete in three disciplines: Hunt Seat, Western, and Dressage on a local and national level. Unlike most forms of horse showing, IEA riders don’t need to own their own horse, or even tack, because horses are provided to contestants at each competition. IEA’s mission is to introduce students to equestrian sports and to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction. As the association has introduced more equestrians to the compettive world of horse showing, many riders have taken their career beyond the IEA arena into AQHA, APHA, PtHA, NCEA, and beyond.