IEA Welcomes Gold and Silver Sponsors

Lexington, Ky. - March 30, 2016 - The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) continues to grow each year and currently boasts more than 12,500 members. That continual growth is made possible by, and also requires, generous sponsorships each year.

This year, as the IEA gears up for its largest National Finals to date, the organization is proud to welcome silver and gold sponsors: Dover Saddlery, Henri de Rivel, Smith Brothers, Equine Journal, United States Pony Clubs, Inc., Samshield and Tredstep Ireland. The support of each of these sponsors plays a vital role in the success of the 2016 IEA National Finals, to be held April 20-24 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

"The IEA is quite fortunate to have such a fine group of

companies and organizations that

continue to provide prizes and awards to our young equestrians at the most important event in these riders' competition year. This support helps us make the Finals a special event and we thank each firm," stated Roxane Lawrence, IEA co-founder/executive director.

Dover Saddlery, a leading source for all English equestrian apparel, tack and equipment, hasbeen a long-time supporter of the IEA, as has Smith Brothers, the premier online retailer for all things Western. Both industry leading retailers now return as gold level sponsors. Shop Dover Saddlery online here and visit www.smithbrothers.com to shop Smith Brothers.

Also returning as an IEA gold sponsor is Equine Journal - the premier

resource for all-breed, all-discipline news and features from the Northeast equestrian community and beyond. The award-winning monthly magazine educates its readers on horse health, training, education, news in the industry, upcoming events and more. Look for coverage of the IEA in print in the Equine Journal and online at www.EquineJournal.com.

In addition to returning gold sponsors, the IEA is excited to welcome Henri de Rivel. Each piece of Henri de Rivel's collection of saddles and tack is expertly made with meticulous and unmatched attention to detail, providing riders with world-class European designs in the finest contemporary leathers - all at a reasonable price. Riders around the country and the globe depend on Henri De Rivel to consistently outperform the competition. To view the complete line-up of Henri De Rivel saddles, including many of which will be given away at National Finals, visit www.hdrsaddlery.com.

Offering support of the IEA at the silver level are the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., Samshieldand Tredstep Ireland.

U.S. Pony Clubs started in 1954 to teach the English style of

riding and the proper care of horses. Today, Pony Club strives to develop character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth while teaching the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. With this mission in mind, the U.S. Pony Club is proud to sponsor the Horsemanship written test at the 2016 IEA National Finals, as well as providing an anatomy display at the event. To learn more about U.S. Pony Club, visit www.PonyClub.org.

For Samshield, 2016 marks the popular helmet brand's first year of involvement with the IEA. The company strives to

always create advanced products that provide both active and passive security, more comfort and high quality with customization ability. The IEA is proud to welcome the reputable brand to the list of sponsors this year and looks forward to presenting Samshield helmets to select winning riders at this year's finals. To view all that Samshield has to offer visit www.samshield.com.

Riders at this year's IEA National Finals will not only have the opportunity to win Samshieldhelmets and Henri de Rivel saddles and bridles, they will also have the chance to receive products from returning sponsor Tredstep Ireland. Tredstep Ireland offers a complete collection of breeches, boots and accessories, and returns to the IEA with expanded support for 2016. Visit Tredstep online at www.tredstep.com.

To view all of the 2016 IEA sponsors, click here.

About the Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Founded in 2002, the IEA has more than 12,500 middle and high school student-riders across the United States. The IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students and is open to public and private schools and barn teams. There is no need for a rider to own a horse because the IEA supplies a mount and tack to each equestrian for competitions. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, 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 more information, please view the IEA website at: www.rideiea.org.

The IEA is affiliated, and collaborates with, the following organizations:

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)
American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA)
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)
Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)