APHA Partners With Interscholastic Equestrian Association
PHJ release by: Jessica Hein
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association and the American Paint Horse Association have joined forces as affiliate partners.
With this alliance, IEA and APHA will cross-promote across both organizations in a variety of methods and venues beginning in 2019 that will include benefits and discounts for both IEA and APHA members. APHA will also provide sponsorship of the “Most Valuable Paint Horse” award at both the 2019 IEA Hunt-Seat and Western National Finals.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with APHA,” IEA Co-Founder and Executive Director Roxane Durant said. “Both IEA and APHA are committed to working with other organizations to achieve shared goals and ideals in promoting equestrian involvement. The versatility of the Paint Horse breed is a great fit for the diversity of programs we offer in IEA—all centered on young riders. We are especially thrilled to work with APHA to help strengthen our Western program.”
IEA introduces students in grades 4–12 to horses and equestrian sports via team and competition environments. Horse ownership is not a requirement of participation, and riders compete on unfamiliar horses to demonstrate their horsemanship or equitation in hunt-seat, Western or dressage classes. IEA participants also have the opportunity to earn college scholarships through competition and sportsmanship activities. IEA’s promotion of both horses and education draw a parallel to APHA’s Youth scholarship efforts.
“We are excited to partner with IEA,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “Education and youth development are at the forefront of all we do. This alliance will not only benefit both organizations, but more importantly, help expand the horizons of young equestrians everywhere. We’re looking forward to working together to offer even more opportunities to youth aboard American Paint Horses.”
