MZ EQ IEA Hunt Seat & Dressage Teams

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. 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 way for middle school and high school riders to experience showing without the expense of horse ownership 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 team in college and a great way to develop teamwork and lasting barn friendships. 

The IEA is based on a 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.