Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Congratulations to Caroline Schutte and  Maddi Callahan!! On their way to ZONE FINALS in Flemington New Jersey March 24-25!!!!

 BEC IEA featured on Phelps Media Group.. great article

The Buffalo Equestrian Center is pleased to announce that we are now a member of the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association). This opportunity is available for riders in grades 6-12 and is a great introduction to the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) which is available at many colleges. The program is run as a team club and is slated to start competition in the fall of 2010.

IEA was formed and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools (primarily ages 11 through 18) 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, and to provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Also,through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education.

The objectives of IEA are:

• To promote the equestrian as an athlete
• To provide students with organized competitive opportunities.
• To introduce new riders to equine sports.
• To promote the IEA among middle, and secondary schools.
• To provide students with opportunities for further education equine sports and other equine-related matters.
• To encourage liaison with USA Equestrian, Inc, IHSA and other interested bodies
• To provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated mounted and non-mounted equestrian programs.
• To establish and enforce IEA rules, standards and policies
• To evolve with the continuing progress of equestrian sports.
• To generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to the horse industry and all segments thereof.

The unique aspect of these competitions, both at the local and national level, is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or tack. Instead, the horses, saddle and other tack are all provided to the students at the show. The host team arranges for the horses and equipment. Some of the equipment may be borrowed from various training barns and facilities. Though the rider and horse have a short opportunity at orientation in the over fences classes, essentially, the horses is new to the rider, and the scores are based upon horsemanship, not the horse. The competitions involve six classes jumping over fences no greater than three feet and numerous flat equitation classes. We are very excited about offering this new program. More Information about IEA can be found on their website at www.rideiea.org.

For specific questions regarding the BEC team and membership, please contact team coaches Chelsea Stanbro or Megan Knodt at (716) 877-9295 or becandbtrc@aol.com