<Your School Name>

Equestrian Team

<Date><YOUR SCHOOL

>EQUESTRIAN TEAM

Club or Varsity/JV?

The goal is to be a Varsity/JV sport! This will, unfortunately take some time,

for the following reasons:› Equestrian sports are not recognized by

the Virginia High School League› Loudoun County operates under a ‘District’

policy – individual schools cannot have a Varsity/JV sport that is not offered by ALL schools!

Difference between Club and Varsity/JV

Club:› Will be able to be called the ‘<Your School Name>

Equestrian Team’› Will be in the Yearbook, as a sport› Will be recognized in Pep Rallies and announcements› Will NOT letter from the High School, but CAN letter

through USEF (United States Equestrian Foundation)› Will NOT receive funds from the school

Varsity/JV:› All of the above, plus Letters and some funds

How will the team operate?

The <Your School> Equestrian Team will operate as part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Inc. ("IEA")

The IEA was founded on the principle that any middle school or high school student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of the student’s financial status or riding level.

The IEA attempts to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students.

The IEA attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allows more students to compete. Students ride horses that are furnished by the host barn and chosen by drawing lots.

IEA Membership Requirements

A Team consists of not less than three Rider members.

The Team must have an affiliated Coach Member.

The Team must participate fully in the activities of the IEA, including participation in individual and/or team competitions.

The Team must compete in a minimum of two IEA sanctioned shows per school year and subscribe to the Rules and Regulations of the IEA.

IEA Competitions

IEA Shows are held at the sponsor barns for each team (first-year teams are not required to host a show).

The host team provides the horses, tack, and all needed equipment, with suitable facilities.

Emphasis is on the sport and ability to ride, not ownership of a horse.

Individuals are assigned horses to ride using a draw at the beginning of the show.

Shows are conducted following IEA rules and guidelines.

IEA Competitions, continued.

Briar Woods would be part of the IEA Zone 3, which includes Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

Teams and Individuals can qualify for Zone Finals, Regional Finals, and National Finals.

Riders earn points for 1st through 6th place ribbons.

Each team will designate one rider to compete in each class for points toward the team championship.

What are the costs to the Team Members?

Team Members are responsible for the following costs:

› Yearly IEA Membership dues ($150-$250 per year)› Show class fees (not to exceed $35 per class, but varies

per show)› Riding apparel › Transportation to and from competitions› Weekly group riding lesson – <depends on coach/affiliated

barn>

Donations received from fund raising efforts are divided equally amongst all members to defray costs.

What about Liability?

Individual Team Members must sign a waiver of liability.

Team Coach must be at least 21 years of age, associated with an IEA member Team, and covered by the coach’s own professional liability insurance with minimum liability coverage of $500,000 per accident.

<Your School Name>Equestrian Team

Sponsor Barn

<enter information about the sponsor barn here>

Coach <name> <enter information about your coach here>

Assistant Coach<name>

<insert assistant coach information here>

Projected 2011-2012Team Members

<need at least 3 members>

Next Steps

Upon approval by the School administration, the team needs to submit IEA membership applications by November 15, 2011.

Reach out to other students that might be interested by holding interest meetings, as well as general advertisement of the Equestrian Team.

Develop a Team Logo.

Team meetings and practices can begin as soon as approval is obtained from the School administration.

Work toward Varsity/JV Recognition!

Step 1. Try to get as many schools as possible to start Equestrian Club Sports (reach out, advertise, etc)

Step 2. Do the necessary research to petition the Virginia High School League and School Board.