🐴Wakefield Equestrian Is Set for Its First IEA Show🐴

Understanding IEA Shows and Rider Levels

A Guide for Wakefield Equestrian Families and Beverly Riders

If you’re new to Wakefield Equestrian or just starting to explore Beverly’s riding programs, welcome! One of the most exciting opportunities for our riders is competing in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). Whether your child is just beginning or already confidently jumping, IEA has a place for them.

The Beverly Mission at Work

The Wakefield Equestrian program is more than just a school sport—it is a living expression of Beverly’s core mission: removing barriers to horses and riding. For over a decade, Beverly has partnered with Wakefield to make equestrian accessible to students who may not own a horse, by providing school horses, coaching, and a team environment that demystifies the riding experience.

This 10+ year commitment reflects Beverly’s belief that riding should be available at the entry level and beyond. Through Wakefield’s IEA program, we are building pathways for riders of all backgrounds—whether they aspire to continue into collegiate equestrian programs, pursue rated show circuits, or simply discover the lifelong joy of horses.

How the IEA Divisions Work

IEA divisions are organized by age group:

• Futures – Middle school riders (grades 4–8)

• Junior Varsity (JV) – High school riders (grades 9–12)

• Varsity – High school riders (grades 9–12)

👉 A quick note: in IEA, “Varsity” vs. “JV” is about the level of competition, not the rider’s grade. A freshman might be Varsity if their experience places them at a higher level, while a senior could be JV if they’re newer to showing.

At Wakefield, however, “Varsity” refers to all high school riders who are active, competing members of the team. Some 8th graders may practice with the high school group, but they compete as Futures in IEA.

Levels of Competition

Because riders are showing on unfamiliar horses, levels are carefully structured for safety:

• Beginner – Flat only, no fences

• Novice – Cross-rails (~18”)

• Intermediate – 2’ fences

• Open – 2’6” fences (high school only)

It’s important to know that even if a rider jumps higher at home, they may compete at a lower level in IEA to ensure they are comfortable and effective on horses they’ve never ridden before. Coaches also factor in team needs, rules, and long-term progression when making assignments.

How Shows Work

At each IEA show:

• Riders watch the host horses being “schooled” by the home team.

• Coaches attend the horse draw and receive the assignments.

• Riders mount their assigned horse and go directly into the ring—no warm-up allowed!

Because of this, riders are judged on equitation: their form, position, and effectiveness, not how flashy the horse looks. It’s all about how well the rider adapts.

Team vs. Individual Points

One of the best parts of IEA is that riders compete both as individuals and as part of their team.

Placings translate into points:

• 🥇 1st place = 7 points

• 🥈 2nd = 5 points

• 🥉 3rd = 4 points

• 4th = 3 points

• 5th = 2 points

• 6th = 1 point

Both riders and teams can qualify for postseason, moving from Regionals → Zones → Nationals.

For the team, it is important to have riders covering every class. Because Wakefield is a small team, coaches sometimes assign a rider to a level slightly below their home training level so the team can maximize points. Assignments remain fixed for the academic year, with only rare exceptions.

Hosting IEA Shows

Every IEA team is required to help host shows. Wakefield fulfills this requirement by co-hosting with other barns in our region. That might mean helping with costs for judges or pitching in on show day. Parents and riders play an important role in making these events a success.

What This Means for Your Rider

• Everyone has access to the program. Riders don’t need to own a horse or have extensive riding experience.

• Assignments are strategic. Coaches consider both the rider’s skills and the team’s overall needs.

• It’s about growth. Younger or newer riders may start in lower divisions and move up over the years.

• Teamwork matters. Each rider’s ride contributes to the team’s success.

• Expect adaptability. Catch riding teaches resilience and quick thinking in the ring.

Final Thoughts

For Wakefield families, IEA is more than just showing. It’s an opportunity for your child to grow as a rider, be part of a team, and set goals that may one day include college equestrian programs—or simply the joy of riding for a lifetime.

At Beverly and Wakefield, our coaches are here to guide each rider’s journey, ensuring they are placed where they can shine, stay safe, and contribute to their teammates.

Welcome to the adventure!

Let’s ride, Wakefield Owls! 🦉🐎