Newsdate: Tue 04 November 2014 - 06:30 am
Location: COLUMBUS, Ohio

After years of steadily climbing membership, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) has reached a significant milestone. With time left before the membership application deadline, 10,198 young riders-ages 12-19-have enrolled for the 2014-2015 season.

Positive results - Engaging students and horses

Founded in 2002, The Interscholastic Equestrian Association was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students and now has over 10,000 members.

In 2002, the IEA started with 175 riders on 13 teams and has progressively grown 25-30% each year. While the increased membership has come from across the United States, this year many of the new members have come from west of the Mississippi and along the East Coast.

IEA membership rates are very affordable. Fees are $45 per individual rider for the season. Most important, there is no need to own a horse to participate in the IEA.

"This is an extraordinary achievement," stated Co-founder and Executive Director, Roxane Lawrence. "We have many people to thank-especially the thousands of volunteers, parents, coaches, trainers and sponsors who contributed much for the growth of the IEA and the betterment of equestrian sport."

About the Interscholastic Equestrian Association

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.For additional information, please visit the IEA website: www.rideiea.org.