Question 1

What is the practice schedule for the 2026 Season - SPRING SEASON UPDATE

Accepted Answer

Middle School Spring Session will have two sessions during the PE block again. Check back for group assignments (may change as riders sign up).

﻿Group 1: (Anne, Hazel) 
 - Report to the upper gym at 1:35pm. 
 - Board that bus at 1:45pm to go to Beverly Equestrian 
 - Riding lesson from 2:00pm - 3:00pm
 - Board bus and head back to Wakefield for regular dismissal
 - Riders, when you arrive back at Wakefield, please wait in the upper gym until you are   dismissed to go to the front of the school for regular dismissal

Group 2: (Peyton, Liliana)
 - Report to study hall/tutorials at 1:35pm
 - Report to the upper gym to get dressed at 2:10pm
 - Board the bus to go to Beverly Equestrian 2:40pm
 - Riding lesson from 3:00pm - 4:00pm 
 - Parents must pick up riders from Beverly Equestrian.

Please contact Tee Summers at Wakefield if you have any questions.

Question 2

What should riders wear for Wakefield Equestrian practice?

Accepted Answer

Riders should come to practice dressed in safe and appropriate riding attire:
 • Collared shirt or polo: A collared shirt gives a polished appearance while allowing freedom of movement. A riding shirt designed for comfort and breathability is ideal, but a school polo also works.
 • Long pants or breeches: Breeches are the best option since they are made for riding with reinforced seams and a snug fit. Beginners may wear leggings, but avoid jeans because their thick seams can be uncomfortable and can damage saddles.
 • Paddock boots or tall boots: Footwear is essential for safety and proper riding form. Tall boots cover the calf and are often used for shows, while paddock boots (ankle-height) are great for practice and can be paired with half chaps for extra support.
 • ASTM-certified black riding helmet: Safety is the top priority. Helmets must be ASTM certified for horseback riding; bike or other sport helmets are not acceptable.
 • Optional protective vest: A body protector or inflatable vest can provide an extra layer of safety, especially for riders new to jumping or riding cross-country.
More information about these requirements and suggested places to find them are included in the attachment.

Question 3

What do I do if my rider will miss or be late to practice?

Accepted Answer

If your rider will be absent or delayed, please notify us as soon as you know:
 • Email: beverlyeq2010@gmail.com(mailto:beverlyeq2010@gmail.com)
 • Text: 561-309-1167
Because horses are prepared in advance for practices, early notice prevents unnecessary disruption to the barn routine and ensures horses are not pulled out and tacked up unnecessarily.

There are no refunds or make-up lessons for missed practices. In limited cases, we may attempt to schedule a private make-up lesson. Please note:
 • Private make-ups are billed at a different rate than group lessons and are not one-for-one replacements.
 • Make-ups must be scheduled within the same season, around the existing practice schedule.
 • Any lessons not taken during the season are forfeited.

There are no practices on days when school is not in session, including snow days. Practices missed due to school closure will not be rescheduled. Please refer to the Wakefield high-level school calendar for more information.

If a rider cancels their enrollment in the program, any refunds or reimbursements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Question 4

What is the IEA?

Accepted Answer

IEA stands for “Interscholastic Equestrian Association.” It is an organization that provides opportunities for high school and middle school riders to participate in horse shows without the requirement of having their own horse or equipment. Teams are required to host horse shows and provide the horses and equipment needed for the riders to compete. Riders are randomly assigned the horse they will show and are expected to adapt their riding skills to each horse.

Where are IEA shows held?()
IEA shows are held at various farms throughout our assigned Region and Zone. Wakefield Equestrian is in Zone 3, Region 3 (you can find a map of the zones and regions at www.rideiea.org)(http://www.rideiea.org/). Most shows are an hour or less away, with only a few with additional travel time.

How are IEA shows different from regular horse shows?()
The main differences between the two types of shows are:
1. In regular horse shows the rider is practicing, competing, and setting goals with the same horse consistently. In IEA the horses are assigned to the riders randomly, so there is no opportunity for practice and the goal is to demonstrate the most effective ride out of everyone in the class.
2. At a regular horse show the rider’s performance only affects his/her placement in the class. IEA is a team sport, so each rider’s individual performance  affects the team’s overall placement for the show and the season.

What are the riders being judged on?()
Riders in IEA are to be judged strictly on Equitation. This means they are judged on the form and function of their position. Due to the nature of the IEA format (riding unfamiliar horses), the judges are not to place riders based on the horse or its suitability to the rider. That being said, the rider’s ability to have a polished and effective position on a variety of different types of horses is a significant factor in the process of judging a class.

How do points work?()
Riders acquire points both individually and as a team at every show. Each time a rider gets a ribbon (1st-6th) they receive points associated with their placement. The points are designated as follows:
1st- 7 points
2nd- 5 points
3rd- 4 points
4th- 3 points
5th- 2 points
6th- 1 point

Question 5

How do the shows work?

Accepted Answer

Wakefield Equestrian competes at shows HOSTED at OFFSITE BARNS & organized by the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The SHOW HOSTS also provide horses for competition. In order to compete at these shows, riders must be members of IEA and part of the Wakefield Equestrian Sports Team.

Question 6

What are the IEA Levels of Riding for Middle and High School?

Accepted Answer

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is unique because it is open to riders of all levels and most ages to compete at a national level. Riders do not bring their own horses to shows; instead, the host barn supplies them. Riders are assigned their show horse through a random “draw.” Because the horse is unfamiliar, competition levels are carefully regulated for safety.
This format, sometimes called “catch riding,” means that even if a rider is jumping a certain height at home, they may not compete at that level at an IEA show. Coaches are responsible for assigning riders to the correct show level based on ability, experience, and eligibility rules.

IEA Divisions by Age
·       Futures – Middle school riders (grades 4–8)
·       Junior Varsity (JV) – High school riders (grades 9–12)
·       Varsity – High school riders (grades 9–12)
📌 Note: The distinction between JV and Varsity is based on competition level, not grade. A coach’s assessment and a rider’s previous non-IEA competition record determine JV vs. Varsity placement.

IEA Competition Levels
·       Beginner – Flat only, no fences
·       Novice – Cross-rails (~18")
·       Intermediate – 2’ fences
·       Open – 2’6” fences (high school only)
The coaches have assigned the team riders to their appropriate IEA level for this year based on their current riding ability, team composition, IEA rules, and a variety of other factors.

Team vs. Individual Competition
At shows, riders compete both as individuals and as members of their team

To be competitive as a team, it is best to have a rider entered in every available class. Show hosts do not make concessions for small teams, so any “gaps” in class representation reduce the team’s ability to earn points. Because Wakefield is a small team, coaches must consider both the rider’s individual level and how they may help round out the team’s overall class participation.

This sometimes means a rider may be assigned to a level below their current training level at home if that placement helps the team cover more classes and maximize points. Assignments are set for the academic year and cannot be moved up or down except in rare circumstances.

There is also a mandatory move-up requirement once riders reach certain point or experience thresholds. For this reason, younger riders are often placed in lower-level classes within their section—they will have time to advance through the levels over the course of their school career.

Question 7

What horse will my rider ride at their IEA shows?

Accepted Answer

How Catch Riding Works at an IEA Show:
Your rider will be participating in an IEA show. Unlike traditional shows, at IEA shows, the riders do not bring their own horses; instead, the host farm provides all horses. This method is known as "catch riding," meaning your rider will “catch a ride” for each class they are entered in.

Key Points About Catch Riding:
- Horse Assignment: Riders do not know which horse they will ride until the “draw,” a process where horses are randomly assigned to riders. The draw happens before the show during a private coaches meeting.
- Multiple Classes: If your rider is competing in more than one class (e.g., an under saddle/flat class and an over fences/jumper class), they may ride the same horse in both classes or be assigned different horses for each.
- Adaptability: Catch riding is a valuable skill that allows riders to adjust quickly to unfamiliar horses, making IEA both accessible and challenging. It ensures that riders without their own horse can still participate and compete at a high level.

Watching Horses School:
Before the show begins, the horses provided by the host farm are schooled (exercised and warmed up) by riders from the host facility. This is called the “schooling” period, and it occurs while the coaches are in their meeting and before the draw.

Is Watching Schooling Useful?  
Yes, watching the schooling can be very helpful for riders because:
- It gives them an opportunity to observe how each horse behaves under saddle.
- Riders can take mental notes about each horse’s movement, temperament, and tendencies (e.g., speed, sensitivity to leg, transitions).
- Although riders won’t know which horse they’ll be assigned until after the schooling period, observing the horses in action can help them adjust more quickly once they learn which one they’ll ride.

Is Watching Schooling Required?  
This depends on the coach. There are three main approaches:
1. Some coaches require all riders to watch the schooling. 
2. Some coaches only require riders who are competing in over fences/jumper classes to watch the schooling.
3. Some coaches leave it up to the rider whether or not to watch.

We are option no. 2: our coach requires riders who are competing in over fences/jumper classes to watch the schooling. Any other riders may attend the schooling, if they like.

Question 8

Where do I ride?

Accepted Answer

The practices occur at Beverly Equestrian, a year-round riding facility about 7 minutes from school in The Plains. The school provides transportation to Beverly for all weekday practices for the upper school and middle school students enrolled in the full program. Beverly Equestrian has a heated and light indoor arena for year round practices.

Question 9

Do I need to know how to ride to join the program?

Accepted Answer

Because we are working with horses and safety is of paramount importance, riders must have the minimum skills necessary to control horses safely in a group. Specifically, the riders need to be able to:
·      mount the horse by themselves,
·      steer, stop, and regulate pace, and
·      keep proper and safe distancing from other riders at the walk and trot.
 
If a rider cannot meet these requirements, the rider is not ready to be in the middle school program. In the fall, we are willing to take on some riders who can walk but are not quite ready to trot in a group as long as the riders understanding they may need to watch during the more advanced skill portion of the practice until they catch up.

Otherwise, there is a joint development program through Wakefield and Beverly geared for riders who need some one-on-one tutoring to be ready for the team.

Question 10

What is the Preseason Program for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Preseason will be in the Fall for the next Academic year. Please Check back for updates.

The Preseason Program is an optional two-day clinic held the week before school starts to give Wakefield riders a head start on the season.

Participation is not required but strongly encouraged, as it helps riders:
 • Get      acclimated to the barn, the program, and their teammates
 • Prepare      for the season with early practice
 • Complete      their IEA placement assessments during the clinic (those not attending      must schedule a separate assessment, which may involve an additional fee)

For 2025, it includes two practice sessions at Beverly Equestrian:
 • Tuesday,      August 26 – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
 • Thursday,      August 28 – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The fee is $250 per rider, payable directly to Beverly Equestrian. Like most barns, Beverly operates as a cash business and does not accept credit cards. Payment options include:
 • Zelle:darrin@beverlyequestrian.com
 • Venmo:      @beverlyequestrian (last 4 digits: 9296)
 • Cash      or Check (to Beverly Equestrian)
 • ACH      transfer (requires routing and account number to avoid card fees)

Riders should arrive in proper barn attire — ASTM-certified helmet, boots, breeches or long pants, and gloves — and bring a water bottle and snack.

Question 11

Is there a fee to participate in Wakefield Equestrian?

Accepted Answer

Because Wakefield Equestrian practices at an outside facility with outside instructors and must pay show fees to compete, there is a fee for participating in the program.   
Included in regular season program fee is:
·         Fees (horse/coaching) for the program lessons 
·         Entry fees for the minimum number of shows 
·         Grooming for the minimum number of shows
·         Coaching for the minimum number of shows
·         Transportation to and from practices (weekday only)
 Not included in the program fee is:
·         Assessment Fee (payable at time of assessment)
·         IEA Registration (payable to IEA at https://data.rideiea.org/riderapply/form)
·         Transportation to regular season shows 
·         Snacks and water for practices and shows
Riding clothes, i.e., breeches, belt, tall boots (paddock boots and half chaps, if not showing), ATSM approved helmet, hairnets (girls), gloves, and show coat.

Because the fee is set by the Wakefield School, the fee will be provided when available. Program fees are paid directly to Wakefield School.

The program fees are due prior to the start of the practice.  Payment plans may be arranged on a limited basis. Riders may not participate in practices or shows until program fees are paid or a payment plan is established. There are no refunds for missed practices or shows.

Question 12

Do I need to own my own horse to join the program?

Accepted Answer

WESP provides horses, coaching, and transportation to a riding/training facility for students in grades 6 through 12 who are interested in equestrian. Because the program provides the horses, there is do DO NOT NEED TO OWN YOUR OWN HORSE to join. However, because the program must find enough suitable horses to facilitate the program, if your rider is even considering joing the program, please let the program director know your interest by August 15 of each year.

Question 13

How do I register for the Wakefield Equestrian program?

Accepted Answer

Because this program depends on the availability of safe and suitable school horses, we ask riders to give advance notice of their intent to participate. Riders are asked to provide notice of their intent to participate as soon as practicable but at least by August 15 each year. THIS IS BEFORE THE SCHOOL REQUIRES YOU TO MAKE YOUR SELECTION, so do not wait to hear something from the school to contact us.

WAKEFIELD EQUESTRIAN 2026

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