Remember that Horse Show Applications must be sent in with your team membership ONLY if you are a second + year team. ALL SHOW DATES MUST BE APPROVED BY YOUR ZONE CHAIR BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED. You may email your show date to carolsterrett@ridezone4.com.

d. Adult Contributing Membership Application

Starting A Team

Many things must come together to get a new IEA team off the ground. Having a group of interested riders is of course, the first step. Once you're ready to get going, you must have the following:

1. Host Barn and Coach: Every team must have an IEA member Coach with access to enough lesson horses to support your team practices and shows.

2. School/Administration Support: You will need the approval and support of your school. Most teams are technically considered "clubs" rather than "sports teams". As a result, many teams start off working through the school Principal or Dean rather than through the Athletic Director. Feel free to contact a Zone 4 representative for more information or help in contacting your school. Note that IEA teams do not need to be affilfiated with a school, but it is encouraged.

3. Membership Applications: Once you have the riders, coach, and school support, you must submit a membership packet to the IEA. The membership packet will include:

Team application and dues
Individual rider applications and dues (minimum of 3 riders to start the team)
Coach application, proof of insurance, and dues
Coach Insurance Application through Equisure
For returning teams, a show application to host one show or co-host two shows throughout the year

Remember that your membership applications must be received at least 14 days before the opening date for entries of your first competition. Also, the deadline to start a new team is November 15th. The best time to get started is over the summer so your team is ready to go at the start of the season in September.

Hosting A Show

First year teams are not required to host a show. In it's second year, a team must host co-host one show. In it's third year, a team will be required to co-host two shows or host one. It takes a minimum of 60 days to plan your show and many teams start 3 to 4 months in advance.