View photos from the 2010 IEA National Finals

August 2010

To IEA Riders, Coaches and Friends,

As the new president of the IEA, I would like to welcome all of you to the 2010-2011 Season. I initially started in the IEA when it was just an invitational show (before the association was formally established). I am coach of the Garrison Forest School team, and I have held several positions in the association including rules/regulations committee member, zone 3 chairman, and vice president. I am looking forward to serving as your president for the next 2 years, and, as usual, we have lots of new and exciting updates for the coming year!

It is another historic year as we will begin to include Saddle Seat as an "emerging discipline" of the IEA! Much like Hunt Seat and Western at their inceptions, this will initially be a small group of dedicated individuals who hope to grow their discipline within the IEA. Memberships to saddle seat riders and teams will be offered at a discounted rate for this initial year. Riders will compete for points in a season that will run from September - May. Top point earners will receive year-end awards in each of their designated divisions. In future years, the IEA will look to develop a National Finals event that is comparable to the current finals for Huntseat and Western riders. The IEA Board of Directors and the Saddle Seat Committee are committed to the success of this new discipline within our organization. Membership details are now available on the website.

For all new and returning members, I am pleased to announce the launch of a new software system that will allow the membership process to become more timely and efficient. In June, the 2010-2011 membership forms were posted in their new, electronic versions. Members can now complete all forms and payments electronically and then just print and sign them for submission to the IEA office. Running in parallel with this effort, we are developing software to enable the show hosts to better manage entries, and to allow us to track and post points more efficiently. The show hosting program will be unveiled to a select number of shows this year as we continue to streamline its uses. Please contact the membership office if you are interested in sampling the new program and helping with some developmental feedback.

As always, the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Founding Members strive to meet the overarching goal of the IEA mission statement, while providing an environment that develops and showcases a positive ethos of sport. As such, we are taking steps to initiate a Sportsmanship Program to acknowledge and reward the camaraderie, volunteerism, and positive learning environment of the IEA experience. The IEA will incorporate a renewed emphasis on good sportsmanship through oath, through example, and through reward. This new program is currently in development and will be announced in detail as our show season begins this fall.

And, one other major addition to this year's season is our new magazine, "Take the Reins!" The inaugural issue of the magazine has just been mailed. It will arrive in your mailbox each quarter as a benefit of your membership. Teams, coaches and riders are encouraged to submit photos and articles for each publication. This magazine is about our members, their achievements, and all the lessons we can learn from one another. Enjoy the new magazine and send us your stories!

As an organization whose success is due in large part to the efforts of its many volunteers, I would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to the many individuals whose involvement makes the IEA possible. Thanks in particular to the Zone Chairs for their efforts managing their respective zones, including all that goes into organizing the regular point season, regional finals and of course, the zone finals. As the membership continues to grow, these tasks become increasingly large and time consuming. The Zone Chairs are part of the Board of Directors and many are involved with the Rules and Ethics Committee, whose work continuously looks for ways to improve our infrastructure, communications and rulebook. As always, input from our membership is encouraged - please get involved. The IEA needs the support of its volunteers, new and old, to perpetuate the legacy of great equestrian competition for generations to come.

Last but not least, the 2011 National Finals will be held in Zone 3 at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center in Upper Marlborough, Maryland from April 28-May 1. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Jenny Mitchell, IEA President