2024-2025 Meadowbrook Horse Show Series!

Meadowbrook Horse Shows and Team Information

Our 2024-2025 IEA Team is 100% Full

 IEA Shows:

What is IEA?

IEA stands for “Interscholastic Equestrian Association.” It is an organization that provides opportunities for high school and middle school riders to participate in horse shows without the requirement of having their own horse or equipment. Teams are required to host horse shows and provide the horses and equipment needed for the riders to compete. Riders are randomly assigned the horse they will show and are expected to adapt their riding skills to each horse.

Where are IEA shows held?

IEA shows are held at various farms throughout our assigned Region and Zone. Meadowbrook is in Zone 3, Region 10 (you can find a map of the zones and regions at www.rideiea.org). Most shows are an hour or less away, with only a few with additional travel time. 

How are IEA shows different from regular horse shows?

The main differences between the two types of shows are:

  1. In regular horse shows the rider is practicing, competing, and setting goals with the same horse consistently. In IEA the horses are assigned to the riders randomly, so there is no opportunity for practice and the goal is to demonstrate the most effective ride out of everyone in the class.
  2. At a regular horse show the rider’s performance only affects his/her placement in the class. IEA is a team sport, so each rider’s individual performance affects the team’s overall placement for the show and the season.

What are the riders being judged on?

Riders in IEA are to be judged strictly on Equitation. This means they are judged on the form and function of their position. Due to the nature of the IEA format (riding unfamiliar horses), the judges are not to place riders based on the horse or its suitability to the rider. That being said, the rider’s ability to have a polished and effective position on a variety of different types of horses is a significant factor in the process of judging a class.

How do points work?

Riders acquire points both individually and as a team at every show. Each time a rider gets a ribbon (1st-6th) they receive points associated with their placement. The points are designated as follows:

1st- 7 points

2nd- 5 points

3rd- 4 points

4th- 3 points

5th- 2 points

6th- 1 point

What would make me ineligible to show?

A team member is no longer eligible to show if the rider:

  • Does not consistently ride in their group lesson or IEA practice
  • Does not attend all hosted/co-hosted shows
  • Does not stay at a show for the entire length of the competition
  • Does not exhibit good horsemanship
  • Does not exhibit good sportsmanship/violates Meadowbrook code of conduct
  • Does not attend/help with regional finals, should the team qualify

Should a team member’s eligibility change at any point, Ashley will contact the rider/parent(s) directly.

What equipment do I need for IEA?

Riders do not need any of their own tack (saddle, bridle, etc) to compete in IEA. Horse providers are responsible for supplying their horses with all the necessary equipment for showing. Riders are only responsible for having proper show attire (think of this as your uniform). This includes the following:

  • ASTM/SEI Certified helmet (Charles Owen, One K, GPA, or Samshield)
  • WHITE show shirt
  • Black or navy show coat (fit and color must be approved by coaches)
  • Tailored Sportsman style breeches or jodhpurs (tan)
  • Tall boots (for older kids) or paddock boots with garters (for younger kids)
  • Black riding gloves
  • Black or brown crop
  • Hair bows for braids (for younger riders wearing paddock boots and garters)

Julia at JB Creighton (located upstairs) can help you get outfitted correctly for the show ring. 

 Other Shows:

Meadowbrook Stables has the opportunity to go to many shows along the east coast. If you would like to be apart of our show team you must enroll into lessons. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Office at Office@meadowbrookstables.org.