Mission Statement:
The Equestrian Performance Team (EPT) is dedicated to the development of the whole athlete. By combining rigorous horsemanship with academic-style performance tracking, we cultivate resilient, skilled, and compassionate equestrians both in and out of the show ring.

Interscholastic Equestrian Association - IEA

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) provides middle and high school students in grades 4 through 12 the opportunity to compete in organized equestrian sports without the financial burden of horse ownership. Utilizing a unique "catch-riding" model, athletes compete on horses they may be riding for the first time, ensuring a level playing field where skill and horsemanship are judged rather than the quality of a personal horse. This team-based program bridges the gap between recreational youth riding and collegiate success by focusing on technical equitation, academic mentorship, and national varsity-equivalent recognition. By removing the prohibitive costs of leasing or owning, the IEA makes performance-level competition accessible to a broader range of young riders.

Visit Rideiea.org here

A Parent’s Guide to the IEA & Equestrian Performance Team (EPT)

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) model is designed to make competitive riding accessible and team-oriented. For many parents, "catch-riding" is a new concept, but it is the gold standard for preparing students for collegiate-level riding.

How the IEA Competition Works

• No Horse Required: Unlike traditional shows, you do not need to own or lease a horse; the host barn provides all the horses for the competition.
  
• The "Draw": Riders draw a horse's name out of a hat right before they compete, meaning they have no prior practice with that specific animal.
  
• Level Playing Field: Judges focus entirely on the rider’s skill, equitation, and ability to handle an unfamiliar horse, rather than the horse's price tag.
  
• Team Scoring: Riders compete both as individuals and as a team, earning points that contribute to the Equestrian Performance Team's overall regional standing.

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Eligibility & Requirements

• Grade Levels: Open to students in grades 4 through 12.
  
• Skill Level: Riders must have at least one year of experience and be able to meet the minimum riding requirements for their assigned division.
  
• Saddle Time: To remain competitive, EPT members are required to participate in at least two weekly lessons and one mandatory monthly team practice.
  
• The "Varsity" Commitment: High school riders can earn national varsity-equivalent recognition by tracking 100 hours of equestrian-related service and horsemanship.
  

Financial & Time Commitment

• Seasonal Dues: Total seasonal costs range approximately between $2,000 and $2,850, which include team deposits and monthly installments.
  Sponsorship Requirement: To support our non-profit mission, each rider is responsible for securing a $200 team sponsorship.
• Volunteer Spirit: Since EPT is a non-profit, parents and riders are assigned to "Work Groups" to help with horse prep, equipment hauling, and show hosting.

The 2026-2027  Team Packet will be posted here in May 2026.  
Team Guidelines, & Team Packet, Team Application and Waiver, Tryout Information, Fee Schedule and Team Calendar will be included. 

Announcements

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