Edited Press Release

Columbus, OH – March 23, 2023 – For 21 years, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) has provided opportunities for tens of thousands of youth equestrians to be able to compete at local, regional and national levels without the expense of owning a horse. On April 27 – April 30, 2023, nearly 600 of the top Hunt Seat and Dressage riders in grades 4-12 will convene at Tryon International Equestrian Center, a world-class venue set in the mountains of Mill Spring, NC.

These young athletes will travel from all across the United States to compete for championship honors in individual and team classes and over $1.1M in multi-year collegiate scholarships. The IEA National Finals event takes place over four days of competition in two arenas simultaneously. Approximately 550 teams will be represented at this year’s National Finals from the 1,467 IEA high school and middle school teams across the country. IEA again broke membership records during the 2022-2023 regular season, with more than 12,775 riders participating and over 14,600 total members nationwide.

Utilizing a unique draw-based competition format, qualified youth riders will compete on unfamiliar horses in the following classes: Equitation over fences and on the flat, Dressage Test and Dressage Seat Equitation. (A separate National Finals event for IEA Western Riders will take place in June at the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, TX.) IEA riders must develop their catch-riding skills as very little to no warm-up practice is allowed before each class. All tack and horses are provided by IEA member teams and outside horse providers – allowing for a more level playing field of competition.

Judges for the IEA National Finals competition are as follows:

Hunt Seat Judges

• Kathy Pinera – “R” – Emerson, New Jersey
• Joyce Przebowski – “R” – Farmingville, New York

Dressage Judge

• Susan Mandas – “S” – Dayton, Ohio

Live streaming of the IEA National Finals will be available online and offered at no cost to viewers through the IEA Website at www.rideiea.org. Video production is provided by ShowGrounds, LLC. Winslow Photography is the official show photographer for all arenas.

IEA National Finals is free and open to the public for spectators. Media/Press passes are available to publications and news sources interested in attending and are coordinated though Kimber Whanger at kimber@rideiea.org.

For a complete listing of information including discipline specific prize lists, class schedules and vendors, visit the National Finals pages at https://www.rideiea.org/2023nationalfinals/.

Major Sponsor Support for the 2023 IEA National Finals includes:
(at time of printing)

• United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)
• National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)
• National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA)
• United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC)
• R.J. Classics, Official Show Clothing of the IEA
• Troxel Helmets, Official Helmet of the IEA
• Bob’s Custom Saddles, Official Western Saddle of the IEA
• Weaver Leather, Official Tack and Equipment Supplier of the IEA
• American Paint Horse Association (APHA)
• American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
• United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
• Averett University – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• Besco Awards
• Boot Barn
• Cotton Candys
• Delaware Valley University – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• Emory & Henry College – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• Grier School
• Hodges Badge Company
• J.I. Tees Creative Event Wear
• John Deere, Official Equipment Provider of the 2023 National Finals
• Kimes Ranch Jeans
• Lake Erie College – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• LM Boots
• M. Equestrian Solutions
• Otterbein University – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• Rod’s Western Palace
• Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
• Schneider’s Saddlery
• Stineman Ribbon Company
• The Show Trunk II
• St. Andrews Equestrian – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• University of Findlay – Collegiate Scholarship Partner
• Winslow Photography

With additional support from the following:

• Arabian Horse Association (AHA)
• American National Riding Commission (ANRC)
• American Youth Horse Council
• Certified Horsemanship Association
• Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)
• Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)
• National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA)
• Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA)
• Albion College
• Alfred University
• Athletic Equestrian
• Awarding Ribbon Creations
• Bemer Group
• Besco Awards
• Centenary University
• Certified Horsemanship Association
• Cinch Jeans
• CM Show Ribbon Ornaments
• Dressage4Kids
• Drew University
• Equestrian Buckle Belts
• Equidae Farm
• Equine Affaire
• Equine Discounts
• Equiparent
• Equisure, Inc.
• EQUUS Foundation
• Equestrian Team Apparel
• Ferrum College
• Green Is the New Blue
• Hartwick College
• Head to Tail Boutique
• Hollins University
• Hunt Club
• Equestrian Fitness Academy
• Ink Horse Publishing
• Judy Goldthwait Equine Art & Pet Portraits
• Loushia
• Lyons Legacy Horsemanship
• Maryville College
• Midway University
• Monte Vista Christian
• Mount Holyoke
• Mount Vernon School Online
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Retired Racehorse Project
• Roanoke College
• Shires Equestrian Products
• Show Ribbon Wreaths
• Silly Sounds
• SmartPak
• State Line Tack
• Sterling Essentials
• Sweet Briar College
• The Plaid Horse
• The Posh Pony Boutique
• The Rising Equestrian Pro
• Thoroughbred Incentive Program
• Tonya Johnston Mental Health Coach
• Trafalgar Square Books
• UltraCruz
• University of South Carolina Aiken
• Veltri Sport
• #WeRideTogether
• Wilson College

Questions about advertising, sponsorships or vendor space should be directed to IEA Sales Manager, Megan Taylor at megan@rideiea.org. Deadline to participate is Monday, April 3, 2023.

ABOUT THE INTERSCHOLASTIC EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION

Now in its 21st year, the IEA has over 14,600 members across the United States participating in Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage disciplines. There is no need for a rider to own a horse because the IEA hosting team supplies a mount and tack to each equestrian for competitions. IEA’s mission is to promote lifelong involvement in equestrian athletics. IEA wishes to introduce students in grades 4-8 (Future) and 9-12 (Upper School) to equestrian sports and to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized competitions and educational opportunities. IEA further wishes to inspire and facilitate adults to continue their journey in equestrian athletics for a lifetime. For more information, visit www.RideIEA.org