Tag Archives: Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Phelps Media Group

Virginia Horse Center to Host 2017 IEA National Finals

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Lexington, Va. – May 24, 2016 – The Virginia Horse Center is excited to announce that it will be hosting the 2017 Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Finals in Lexington, Virginia April 21-23.

IEA Nationals is hosted in different locations each year to allow members to travel to different parts of the country, experience different horses and horse communities, and allow various IEA zones and the teams within them to showcase their horses. For 2017, Zone 3 was chosen zone, and the Virginia Horse Center was the perfect fit.

IEA National Finals Coordinator, Stephanie Keough, said, “Zone 3 has long tradition of quality equestrian competition and activity. We’re excited for our riders to be part of that. When looking at Zone 3, Virginia Horse Center is a top-notch facility that can accommodate all of our needs.”

The Virginia Horse Center was founded to promote the development of all aspects of the equestrian sport and is located in the rolling hills and mountains of Rockbridge County. The facility features a 4,000 seat coliseum arena, eight barns to accommodate over 1,200 horses, and 19 different show rings including two indoors, a cross country field and combined carriage driving course, campgrounds, and full catering and dining services.

The Virginia Horse Center is run by the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Foundation is an integral part of the Rockbridge County, VA community and economy and is a valuable resource to the East-Atlantic competition circuit. The Foundation serves over 500,000 people and 100,000 animals, and manages 115 annual events, most free and open to the public.

“The IEA is one of the most important organizations in equestrian sport today,” expressed Virginia Horse Center Foundation CEO John Nicholson. “By providing young people an organized forum for safe and fair competition, IEA not only is making a critical contribution to the future of our sport, but also to the positive character development of middle and high school students throughout the country. The Virginia Horse Center is proud to welcome the all the participants of the IEA National Finals. We are confident all will enjoy our first class facilities and will enjoy the beautiful vista of the Shenandoah Valley.”

Keough concluded: “We’re looking forward to the continued support of our many sponsors and expect the quality of the event to continue to impress!”

Founded in 2002, the IEA has more than 12,500 members across the United States.  The IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students and is open to public and private schools and barn teams. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, 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. There is no need for any rider to own a horse because the IEA provides a mount and tack to each rider at every event, including the National Finals.  For more information, please view the IEA website at: www.rideiea.org.

To learn more about additional upcoming events at the Virginia Horse Center, visit www.horsecenter.org.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Buffalo Equestrian Center Welcomes in 2014 with Five Students Qualifying for IEA Zone 2 Regionals

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Buffalo, NY – January 23, 2014 – Four years ago, the Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC) conceptualized a program congruent with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). This program has opened doors for riders unable to afford the equestrian sport, or with little access to horses, while promoting the educational aspect of teaching horsemanship and team camaraderie. Since its inception at the BEC, the team has proved unstoppable.

Recently, on January 18 and 19, 2014, the BEC’s IEA team competed at the Bromley-Daggett Equestrian Center (Alfred University Equestrian Center) in Alfred Station, NY, contending against other top riders and teams for the points necessary to qualify for the upcoming Regionals. Five of the young riders qualified with the necessary points, and are now training to showcase their skills at the Equestrian Center on March 2, 2014.

Each rider is judged on both an individual and team level, earning points throughout the year to qualify for the esteemed regionals and eventually the national qualifier. The IEA program teaches secondary and upper-level students the fundamentals of equitation and horsemanship.

Maddi Callanan finished third over fences, and first in the flat, paving the way to the IEA Zone 2 Regionals with her excellent efforts in the Varsity Open. Jazzlyn Igiel placed first for both over fences in the Varsity Open on Saturday, and returned on Sunday to also nab the second over fences, and the third in the flat. Igiel qualified for both the over fences and flat for the Regionals. She was joined by Amanda Gross who brought home the second place over fences, as well as the third place in the under saddle. Amanda Turner qualified for the regionals with a strong performance over fences, earning the blue, and also completing the Future Intermediate with the second place prize. Emma Walters rounded out the qualifying five with top finishes in both the over fences and under saddle classes. Also finishing with good ribbons in the over fences and under saddle classes were Naomi Frisch, Clio Jabine and Sarah Rodwin.

The BEC will return to the Bromley-Daggett Equestrian Center February 8 and 9, continuing their winning ways as they vie for their chance to qualify for the IEA Zone 2 Region 2 where they will compete for the chance to continue on to the IEA Nationals.

It was not only a wonderful weekend for the BEC at the IEA competition, but also for SBS Farms’ Alex Trolli and mount Del Piero. The pair was announced as the Reserve Champion High Score for the 2013 Syracuse PHA.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Contributors/Press, Hunter/Equitation

Nation’s Best Compete for Interscholastic Equestrian Association Championship

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Cleveland Heights, Ohio – April 12, 2013 – More than 350 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrians will converge on The Coliseum at New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21 to compete for top honors in Hunt Seat Classes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals (IEA).  The student-riders will travel from across the United States to participate in the completion. Dover Saddlery and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) co-sponsor the championship event.

The competitors represent 184 teams from eight zones throughout the United States that competed in numerous shows during the 2012-2013 school year.  The teams and individuals that accumulated the highest number of points within each zone qualified for the IEA National Finals from a total membership of more than 8,000 riders.

Riders will compete in Hunt Seat Equitation classes, over fences and on the flat, throughout the weekend.  The format requires that riders compete in unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts; therefore, they draw their horses the day of competition and enter the arena after a brief, if any, warm-up.

Schedule:

  • Friday – 6-7:30 AM – Schooling of horses; 7:30 AM Varsity Open Draw and Course Walk; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (approximate) Competition
  • Saturday – 6:30-8 AM – Schooling of horses; 8 AM Varsity Open Draw and Course Walk; 9 AM – 2 PM (approximate) Competition; 2 PM Varsity Open Championship Class followed by Award of IEA Leading Hunt Seat Rider; 3 PM Parade of Teams (All IEA teams, coaches and riders scheduled to appear in arena); 3:20 PM Presentation of National Sportsmanship Award (Student-rider) and the IEA Lifetime Achievement Award (Adult); 4 PM – 6 PM (approximate) Competition
  • Sunday – 6:30-8 AM – Schooling of horses; 7:30 AM Holy Innocents Horsemanship Finals; 8 AM Open and Intermediate Draw; 9 AM – 12 PM (approximate) Hunt Seat Team Semi-Finals; 12 PM – 3 PM (approximate) Hunt Seat Team Finals Competition; 3:00 PM Awards Ceremony

In addition to the IEA competition, informational sessions and demonstrations will be offered throughout the weekend from several IEA sponsors including: AQHyA (American Quarter Horse Youth Association), NRHA (National Reining Horse Association), USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and USPC (United States Pony Club).  Several colleges that specialize in equine studies will be in attendance, as well.

The entire event will be streamed live by EPCO Productions through the IEA website www.rideiea.org or directly through the link: http://www.livesportsvideo.com/golive/goliveevents.asp?q=TheEPCoGroup&name=guestfree.

Founded in 2002, The IEA was 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 IEA is a non-profit organization founded by:

Roxane Lawrence – Willoughby, Ohio
Wayne Ackerer – Delaware, Ohio
Myron Leff – Columbus, Ohio
Timothy Boone, Esq. – Columbus, Ohio
Ollie Griffith – Plain City, Ohio

Current IEA president is: Emily Zientek – Tyrone, Pennsylvania

Website is: www.rideiea.org.

Media Contact: Roxane Lawrence, IEA 440-463-4452/Roxane@rideiea.org or
Myron Leff, IEA, 614-460-3532/Myron@rideiea.org

Community/Charity, Phelps Media Group, Products/Services

Carol Sterrett Named Interscholastic Equestrian Association Membership Marketing Coordinator

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Carol Sterrett. Photo courtesy of IEA

Melrose, Massachusetts – August 18, 2012 – Carol Sterrett, immediate past chairwoman of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Zone Four, has been named as the organization’s first Membership Marketing Coordinator. In her new assignment, Sterrett will be responsible for developing and assisting new IEA teams and serving as the liaison between new IEA members and Zone Chairs.

Sterrett is overwhelmingly qualified for this new position. Not only as a parent of a very successful IEA rider, Sterrett founded an IEA team in 2006 and then served as the Zone Four chairwomen for three years (2009-2012). Under Sterrett’s guidance, Zone Four more than tripled membership throughout the southeastern United States. In addition, Sterrett is president-elect of the IEA.

“We are very fortunate to have Carol join the IEA national management team. Her business experience combined with her equestrian knowledge provides any potential IEA member with a ‘go-to’ person who can help get a team IEA-ready in a smooth manner,” said Roxane Lawrence, IEA co-founder and executive director.

Continue reading Carol Sterrett Named Interscholastic Equestrian Association Membership Marketing Coordinator →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Champions Abound as Interscholastic Equestrian Association Celebrates 10 Years at the 2012 IEA Hunt Seat National Finals

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Rebekah "Becca" Chenelle IEA 2012 Leading Hunt Seat Rider of the Year

Syracuse, New York – April 27, 2012 – More than 330 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrians competed at The New York State Fairgrounds April 20-22 for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Finals sponsored by Dover Saddlery and the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA). The finalists represented over 100 teams from seven zones throughout the United States. Individuals and teams participated in multiple competitions during the 2011-2012 regular season shows, regional and zone finals to qualify for the IEA National Finals competition.

Riders competed in Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences classes and Equitation on-the-flat classes throughout the weekend. The IEA format requires that riders compete in unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts; therefore, they draw their horses the day of competition and enter the arena after a brief, if any, warm-up.

In the individual competition Rebekah Chenelle, who rides for the Windcrest Equestrian Team of Hebron, Connecticut, was named the IEA Leading Hunt Seat Rider of the Year, winning the Varsity Open Championship class.

Continue reading Champions Abound as Interscholastic Equestrian Association Celebrates 10 Years at the 2012 IEA Hunt Seat National Finals →

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

EquestrianCoach.com’s Bernie Traurig to Present Educational System at IEA Hunt Seat Finals in Syracuse

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Wellington, FL – April 19, 2012 – Legendary, world-class equestrian, Bernie Traurig, will present his popular EquestrianCoach.com discounted educational programs at the National Finals for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The event will be held on April 20-22 at the Coliseum at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. Traurig recently formed a relationship with the IEA as an educational partner.

“EquestrianCoach.com is such an educational gift to all of us! As a promoter of equestrian education and horsemanship, the IEA is honored to partner with EquestrianCoach.com, and to tap into the wisdom and experience of Bernie Traurig and so many great horsemen that generously share their knowledge through this exceptional program,” said Roxane Lawrence, Executive Director and Founder of the IEA.

Continue reading EquestrianCoach.com’s Bernie Traurig to Present Educational System at IEA Hunt Seat Finals in Syracuse →

Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, Phelps Media Group, Western/Reining

Phelps Media Group to Sponsor Interscholastic Equestrian Association

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Wellington, FL – April 16, 2012 – Phelps Media Group International is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). Phelps Media Group looks forward to working with the IEA to expand their reach to the mainstream equestrian audience, provide access to leaders in equestrian education and act as a provider of current industry information.

Roxane Lawrence, IEA co-founder and executive director, stated, “Phelps Media does such a great job advocating for the equestrian industry.  We are thrilled to be working with them to help promote the IEA and the future of equestrian athletics.”

“We are very proud to be associated with IEA and look forward to doing what we can to help this wonderful organization fulfill its vision,” shared Mason Phelps Jr., President of Phelps Media Group International.

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