IEA was formed and organized to promote and improve the quality
of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary
school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition,
provide information concerning the creation and development of school
associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common
interests of safe riding instruction and competition, and education on matters
related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.
The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public
middle and secondary schools (primarily ages 11 through 19) to equestrian
sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of
school associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and
appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to
provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional
equine educational opportunities. Also, currently, there are few opportunities
for these students to earn scholarship money. Through the IEA, students may
have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education.