Riding Team
Our tradition of equestrian excellence prompted the vision for an Interscholastic Association where riders from preparatory schools can learn to compete under a format similar to the college competitions. With the support of Bob Cacchione, Executive Director of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), we have developed a secondary school version of the NCAA approved equestrian program. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) helps develop future Intercollegiate riders, and offers an excellent opportunity for teenagers to experience the fun and challenge of a competition based totally on skill, not expensive equipment or horses. The IEA is the ONLY High School-level Equestrian Association that is an affiliate of the IHSA.
Competitors must use host-school supplied horses and tack. The horses are drawn by participants the day of the show and ridden with a minimum of warm-up. There are both team and individual competitions, with high point winners in both categories. Divisions include Varsity, Junior Varsity and Futures (Middle School).
There are English and Western divisions in the IEA, and Andrews Osborne Academy has long competed in the English division. In 2006 a start-up Western Team was formed and AOA students began to compete in the Western division. The AOA teams are coached by Roxane Rheinheimer, Bernie Villeneuve and Stephanie Keough. Andrews Osborne Academy has produced National Championship and Reserve Championship teams in 2004 and 2005, and high point riders in 2003 and 2005.
History
The Interscholastic Association opens up new financial aid opportunities for college-bound equestrians. At the first competition in April 2000, both Lake Erie College and Cazenovia College offered scholarships to division and over-all winners. Over $8000 in scholarships were awarded.
The first competition, the Interscholastic Invitational, was held at AOA on April 29, 2000. Eight teams participated with a total of 60 riders. By the 2002 Interscholastic Invitational competition the number of entries doubled to 16 teams and a total of 136 riders! The first IEA National Finals was held at AOA in April 2003, and membership grew so much during the 2003-04 school year that Zone Finals were held to qualify riders for Nationals.
Our long-term goal has been to establish a national organization that recognizes and promotes equestrian sports on a middle and secondary level. In June of 2002 that goal was reached with the creation of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). This national organization is recognized by the IHSA, and will provide opportunities for young equestrians to be honored as competitive athletes. Once the students and teams have joined the IEA (see the official membership information on www.rideiea.com) they will earn points that will accumulate throughout the school year.
- Competitors must use host school supplied horses and tack. The horses are drawn by competitors the day of the competition and ridden with a minimum of warm-up.
- There is both team and individual competition, with high point winners in both categories. Divisions include Varsity, Junior Varsity and Futures.
- This format rewards the skills of the rider. There are no barriers created by the ability to afford a better horse or equipment.
- The Interscholastic Equestrian Association was created with the support and sanction of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, a NCAA recognized College sports organization. This gives Interscholastic participants unique opportunities at colleges with IHSA teams.
For more information on the Interscholastic Equestrian Association log on to www.rideiea.com, or contact Roxane Rheinheimer.