Western classes
For hundreds of years, western riding has been synonymous with ranch work. Movements necessary to work cattle can be seen in reining patterns used in competitions today where a horse demonstrates changes of speed with the slightest touch from the rider and the ability to stop and turn quickly with ease. Western horsemanship provides a rider with a strong foundation that will support seamless communication with the horse as the combination executes the walk, jog or lope on the rail and maneuvers in individual pattern work. All Western classes are done with zero warm-up time allotted to the rider. Classes of horsemanship, reining and ranch are availble.
Hunt Seat
Gliding through the air over obstacles on a 1,200 pound mount is quite the sight and, for a rider, a significant accomplishment! Hunt Seat is the largest discipline of the IEA, and competitions offer over-fences opportunities at every event. With a history based in foxhunting, modern day hunt seat riding has adapted to a forward seat style to allow the rider to easily stay in balance with the horse on the flat or over a course of fences. In equitation, a rider’s position, ability to clearly communicate with the horse and overall performance are being judged. Each ride is performed on an unknown mount determined by a draw-based format. Whether showing over fences or on the rail, riders have lots of fun.
MDPH Equestrian Team
TEAM ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!! Contact us to try out!
MDPH now offers TWO IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) teams. We accept students from all barns and skill levels to compete on our middle school and high school teams. IEA teams are open to riders in middle school (grades 4–8) and high school (grades 9–12), in both public and private schools. It offers classes from walk trot/jog all the way to Varsity jumping, 2’6", Reining, Horsmanship and Ranch. These teams allow students to compete both locally and possibly nationally. Its purpose is to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions. Our riders take 2-3 lessons per week and will compete in shows around PA and NJ.
IEA was founded to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Like the IHSA, the format utilizes a draw-based form of competition whereby riders are given an unknown mount on which they compete thereby leveling the playing field and challenging the rider’s ability to adapt to different horses each ride. Now in its 21st year, the IEA has over 14,500 members across the United States. It is the largest youth equestrian organization in the country and the largest feeder organization to collegiate equestrian programs.
An IEA rider’s journey starts with the desire to be part of a team. Whether the team is the partnership between rider and horse or the team that consists of old and new friends at the barn, an IEA rider has the opportunity to develop competitive riding skills, make lasting memories, and further their riding ability in college and beyond. The best part is, IEA riders do not need to own a horse or tack to participate – making it an affordable way to participate in equestrian sport. IEA offers THREE disciplines of riding competition, an online Hippology Academy, Zone and National Scholarships, National Youth Board, and much more.
Each member of the team can compete in up to 5 Hunt Seat and/or 6 Western shows per season (approx. September – April). Team members do not need to own a horse to participate. Like intercollegiate riding, we go to participating barns and compete on their horses. The horses, saddle and other tack are provided to the riders at horse shows. Riders are responsible for providing their show clothes. Though the horse is new to the rider, scores are based upon horsemanship and equitation, not the horse. Competitions are open to a variety of ability levels from beginner through advanced.
For the first time, IEA is rolling out an Adult Pilot Program for amateur riders ages 21 and older to participate in the IEA format during the 2022-2023 season. All adult riders must become a member of the IEA and be associated with an IEA coach. Adult rider members will participate as individual participants only and will not participate as part of a team. The Adult Pilot program includes Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage classes with three class options for each discipline. Adult rider members will not be limited to the number of competitions they may participate in and unlike youth riders, points will not be earned and therefore no post-season competitions will be held after the regular season. Results of Adult Classes will be collected and posted on this webpage throughout the regular season during this initial Pilot year.
Western Team
The best slides aren't necessarily on the playground.
When our kids slide, they are not on a playground. They are on a Reiner!
- Open to riders in grades 4-12.
- Horse and tack assembled for all competitions by Host Team(s).
- 3 Western Classes Offered – Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Riding
- 4 Ability Levels for Horsemanship in Middle and Upper School: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Open.
- Horsemanship classes are primarily rail classes with possible patterns for upper levels.
- 2 Ability Levels for Reining: Intermediate and Open.
- Reining classes use standard NRHA or modified reining patterns for lower levels.
- RANCH RIDING classes have now been added for the JV Novice and Future Novice levels.
- 4th or 5th grade riders can now be POINT RIDERS on middle school (Futures) teams and compete in any eligible division level.
- ASTM/SEI helmets are mandatory for all 4th and 5th grade riders as well as any rider competing in a beginner division.
- Zone and National Scholarship Awards available.
- Western competition season 2023-2024: August 1 – Late June 2023.
Hunt Seat Team
Our kids are always hunting for a seat.
The best seat in the house is not in front of the big screen TV, but on a horse.
- Open to riders in grades 4-12.
- Horse and tack assembled for all competitions by Host Team(s).
- 2 Hunt Seat Classes Offered – Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences.
- 4 Ability Levels for Equitation on the Flat: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Open.
- Flat classes may include patterns for upper levels.
- 3 Ability Levels for Over Fences: Novice, Intermediate and Open.
- 4th or 5th grade riders can now be POINT RIDERS on middle school (Futures) teams and compete in any eligible division level.
- Over fences classes include cross-rails, 2’ and 2’6” jumps.
- ASTM/SEI Helmets are mandatory for all Hunt Seat riders.
- Zone and National Scholarship Awards available.
- Competition season 2023-2024: August 1 – April 30.