After much discussion we feel it is time to implement tryouts for the IEA team. We are in the very early stages but based on size, time, weekends, school horses, etc we need to streamline the Show Team. The IEA lessons, workouts, service projects, sleepovers, and camps will be open to all who wish to participate from grades 6-12 but riders will have to earn their spots for showing. We have invited Jeanne Smith, a “R” USEF judge to run a boot camp June 22nd and 23rd followed by a mock IEA show on the 24th. She and I will come up with exercises and scenarios to test not only the riding skills but the mental strength of our riders when in pressure situations. The team members will ride head to head in the show on the 24th where Jeanne will discuss performance with the riders and address areas for improvement.
There will be more details to follow but I wanted to get the information out ASAP so all team members can have ample opportunity to prepare. No stirrup work, cantering on quarter line, halting, knowing leads and diagonals without looking, running, fly wheel, kick boxing, the list goes on. We have yet to determine how many spots per division or cost of bootcamp (waiting to hear from Jeanne) but will keep you informed as decisions are made. To be on the show team you MUST participate in the clinic. Depending on number of conflicts an alternate opportunity may be available.