MZ EQUESTRIAN IEA TEAMS 2026-2027
The Benefits of IEA
The MZ Equestrian IEA Team is comprised of riders in Grades 4 through 12 from high schools and middle schools throughout Orange and San Diego Counties and Adult Amateurs, age 21 and older, for our Adult IEA Program. The Team competes at shows locally, with the goal of competing at the Regional, Zone, and National Finals.
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) provides an affordable and accessible way for riders to experience showing without the expense of horse ownership or leasing. Joining the team is the next step in continuing a riding career past the recreational level of weekly lessons. For riders who own/lease and show their own horse, IEA is a valuable addition to your equestrian resume if you would like to ride for an IHSA or NCEA team in college and a great way to develop teamwork and lasting barn friendships. Both collegiate models are also draw-based like the format for IEA, and so middle school and high school riders have an opportunity to prepare for this!
The IEA is a draw-based system of “catch riding” where athletes compete on a horse he/she might be riding for the first time with little to no practice before stepping into the show ring. This ensures a level playing field where each rider is being judged on how they ride the horse they draw with credit given for those who demonstrate good equitation and solid horsemanship. Riders compete as individuals as well as with their team.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Riders interested in joining our team must be able to ride in a group at the walk, trot, and canter in a group lesson. Previous competition experience is not required, as IEA levels are not correlated to USEF showing experience. Riders must also be able to groom, tack-up and properly care for their assigned horse before and after lessons. For our Adult Program this is an affordable way to horse show with your fellow amateurs.
Find out more about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), please visit: rideiea.org
Please contact the MZ Equestrian Team Manager, Cathy Muzzy, for more information at
cmuzzy@mzequestrian.com or (714) 381-9251.
Hunt Seat
The 2026-2027 Team Packet and Rider Application are linked above. Packet includes: Team Guidelines, Team Application and Waiver, Tryout Information, and Fee Schedule. Team Calendar is also linked below.
IEA Hunt Seat Memberships open online at www.rideiea.org on May 18, 2026! Get ready for an exciting new season!
DRESSAGE
The 2026-2027 Team Packet and Rider Application are linked above. Packet includes: Team Guidelines Team Application and Waiver, Tryout Information, and Fee Schedule. Team Calendar is also linked below.
IEA Dressage Team Memberships open online at www.rideiea.org on May 18, 2026. Join us!
IEA HUNT SEAT Clinic Offered at MZ Equestrian ON August 21 -
From the Judge’s Perspective Clinic with Katie Schaaf on August 21 - 22, 2026
Participants learn from a USEF “R”/IEA/IHSA judge what she’s looking for in the ring and receive specific feedback on their rides. The clinic is run like a horse show. During the clinic riders walk the course, ride a class over fences and a class on the flat. Feedback is provided both through a conversation between judge and rider, and in written format. Riders will learn about differences between USEF and IEA/IHSA showing, and how to perform their best at each. Riders are encouraged to watch with the judge and to ask questions.
OUR IEA 2026 - 2027 HORSE SPONSORS
