Ridgemark Farm IEA Team

Ridgemark Farm is excited to announce the start of our very first IEA Team!
The IEA was founded on the principle that any student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of riding level or financial status. The structure of the competitions eliminates the need for riders to own expensive horses or be involved in a costly training program. At the competitions, students ride horses that are furnished by the Host Barn and each student draws their horse from a random lot. The use of personal tack is prohibited and only limited schooling immediately prior to the class is allowed. The theory behind this structure is to equalize the variables of riding competition and test the horsemanship of the student athletes. The IEA offers four levels of riding, from walk/trot/canter flat classes for beginning riders through 2'6 jumping in the Open Division. The competition season runs from September to April.

The following is an excerpt from the IEA website:

"The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools to equestrian sports, 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. Through the IEA, students may also have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education." The IEA provides students the opportunity to be recognized by college coaches and recruiters. Last year the IEA awarded over $125,000 in college scholarships.

IEA Website: www.rideiea.org


Our first Team Practice will be Sunday, August 26 at Renaissance Ranch, 230 Senda Ladera Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076.

Practices will be held weekly on Sundays from 1-4 pm until our first show which is September 23 at San Domenico School in Marin. After that, practices will be held every other Sunday for the remainder of the show season.

Practices are $60 per rider, payable on the day of lesson. Vicki will teach a short lecture, provide refreshments, and lead a team building activity at the beginning of each practice day. Lessons will be 45 minutes long and riders will be grouped according to their IEA showing level These practices and team meetings will help to build team spirit and camaraderie, as well as allow Vicki to become familiar with each rider individually so that we can work seamlessly together at the competitions.

Any student, regardless of barn or school affiliation, is invited to join our team!
Please 'like' us on the IEAWest facebook page-the team picture with the most 'likes' wins $125 for a team party! Contest ends August 29.

Tuition for the Ridgemark Farm IEA Team is $110. This includes:

•The Team and Coaches membership dues to IEA for 2012-2013
•Team uniform of Ridgemark Farm polo shirt and baseball cap
•Team tent and banner to give us a 'home base' at the competitions
•Refreshments provided at Team Meetings

Ridgemark Farm IEA Team Jackets can be purchased separately for $85.

Vicki is creating a Ridgemark Farm IEA Team Manual that all riders and parents must read before joining the Team. It includes information regarding both the IEA rules and Ridgemark's values, goals, and standards.

It also includes a liability release for Ridgemark Farm.

The Competition Calendar for IEA Zone 10 thus far is as follows:

Sept. 23-San Domenico in Marin-High School and Middle School

Oct.13/14-Monte Vista in Watsonville-High School and Middle

November 10-Thacher School in Ojai-High School Only

February 10-Elvenstar in Moorpark-High School and Middle School

March 8/9-Stanford in Palo Alto-High School and Middle School (we will be co-hosting this show)

We look forward to a fun year with Ridgemark Farm and IEA and hope you can join us!