2026–2027

Mission of IEA

To introduce students in middle and secondary schools (grades 4–12) to equestrian sports.
The IEA was founded on the principle that any middle school or high school student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of their financial status or riding level.
To develop an understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions.
The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of each contestant.

Participants MUST participate in NCMT’s Horsemanship Program (either 1 or two lessons a week) to be eligible for the IEA team.
Each rider will be required to attend one team practice per week. This is in addition to their regularly scheduled weekly lesson(s) and should NOT be scheduled on their regular lesson day. There are no make-ups for missed practices.
Each rider attends up to 5 shows during the regular season. ( Max number of shows)

The fee per rider is $4,122. This includes registration, information session, team practices through regular season, training & horse show fees. It does not include any personalized team gear you may want to purchase, or fees should the rider qualify for postseason.
Registration is first-come, first-served. The team is limited to 20 riders.
The IEA fees can be paid in full or in two installments: 50% with registration and remaining balance due 120 days from the first installment. Payment must be made by the due date or the rider cannot compete.
Once your membership is confirmed, your trainers will tell you which division you will be showing in. Horse show entry fees will be paid by NCMT directly so no payments will be required by riders on the day of shows.

No need to own a horse to participate.
Competitions are offered for riders able to walk, trot and canter in a group.
Classes are offered in a range of ability levels: beginner, novice, intermediate, open.
Riders in grades 4–8 are eligible for Middle School Teams while riders in grade 9–12 compete at the High School level.
New Canaan Mounted Troop is a member of the Zone 1 Region 7 Hunt Seat Equitation division for both middle school and high school.
Points are tracked for individual rider accomplishments and for overall team accomplishments.
Individuals and teams earn points to qualify for postseason.
The regular competition season is from September through December with the postseason starting in January, and it ends at the National Finals in late spring.

Horses, and tack are all provided to the students by the host teams. Personal tack is not allowed.
Rider and horse are allowed a brief warm up in the over fences.
Scores are based upon the rider’s equitation.
Students compete as a team and individually.
Riders are competing on horses that they are unfamiliar with, therefore they will be placed at a lower level. If you have questions about your placement, please speak with one of the coaches.
Regular season horse shows are one day shows that generally do not involve overnight travel.
IEA shows require proper horse show attire.

The points will be counted and awarded as follows:

Each Team will designate one rider (the point rider) per class to compete for points toward the team championship.
Only one rider may be selected from each class regardless of the number of sections.
At every show, the total points as awarded to each team’s designated point riders will determine the hierarchy of team rankings.

Team rankings at each regular point show will be awarded as follows:

Teams qualify for Regional Finals by accumulating twenty (20) points during the competition year.
Riders qualify for Individual Regional Finals by accumulating a minimum of eighteen (18) points in that class during the competition year.

For more information & current schedule visit the IEA website.