| IEA RIDING TEAM |
Cornerstone Farm Team
2009-2010 Membership Information
The Cornerstone Farm Team is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Team and is open to riders in grades 6th through 12th from any public or private school or home schooled riders. The Middle School Team is made up of riders in grades 6-8 and the Upper School Team is made up of riders in grades 9-12. At the beginning of the school year, each team starts with a goal of accumulating enough team points to make their regional playoff. Winning teams at Regions then move on to the Zone Finals. Teams take turns hosting horse shows throughout the season. The show season starts September 1 and ends in April at the National Finals. This years National Finals will be April 22 - 25, 2010 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.
IEA was formed and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools to equestrian sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Currently, there are few opportunities for these students to earn scholarship money, through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education.
IEA provides and opportunity for riders who do not own their own horses to horse show economically. IEA also provides a team component to riding in an otherwise individualized sport. IEA also "levels the play field" to some extent because the horses the riders horse show are randomly chosen for them.
All members must be in weekly training or lessons at Cornerstone Farm or another facility. Riders must be capable of walking, trotting and cantering in a group of other riders on unfamiliar horses to be eligible for membership.
All team members are expected to be familiar with the IEA rules which are available on the IEA website at www.rideIEA.com. The rules will be reviewed and learned during practices as well.
Co-Coaches: Monica Hunt email: monicadhunt@netscape.net and Triston Smith.
Team Captians: to be voted on by all team members
- High School
- Middle School
- Junior IEA
Please feel free to speak with any of the coaches or the team captians, if you have questions about the team or IEA.
IEA Competition
Team members compete individually and also as for the team according to the IEA rules. Riders are limited by the IEA to five (5) horse shows per season.
Individual Scoring
To be eligible for Regional, Zones, or Nationals finals in the individual or team classes a rider must show in a minimum of two (2) IEA shows during the regular season. Riders need to accumulate 15 points individually to qualify for Zones competition. If a Hunt Seat rider accumulates twenty (20) points in any single competition year, that rider must, during the next competition year, move up at least one class in order to be eligible to ride in any IEA show. Any Hunt Seat rider who has qualified or showed as an individual rider in a given class for the previous season's National Finals must advance to the next class level the following season.
Team Scoring
An IEA Hunt Seat Team must accumulate a minimum of twelve (12) points during a competition year and appear in at least two (2) IEA recognized shows to qualify for the National Finals. Each Team designates one rider per class to compete for points toward the team championship. This rider is usually called the "point rider" and is chosen by the coaches. Teams are placed from first through sixth according to points by totaling the scores of the designated point riders from each team. The team with the most points is awarded the Championship Award and second most points will be awarded reserve champion. Point riders in Hunt Seat may be selected from any section of Classes 2 through 6 and 8 though 14. Only one rider may be selected from each class (A or B in divided classes). Point riders must be registered with the scorekeeper or secretary before the first draw.
Points are to be calculated as follows: 1st place - 7 points; 2nd place - 5 points; 3rd place - 4 points; 4th place - 3 points; 5th place - 2 points; and 6th place - 1 point.
The IEA is organized into the following Hunt Seat Classes for competition:
Over Fences Classes
Class 2. Varsity Open Equitation o/f 2'6" - Riders should be capable of jumping 3'-3'6" on their usual mounts at home. Riders may have shown in any horse show, recognized or unrecognized, at 3'3" or above. Coaches should be confident these riders could safely perform over a 2'6" hunter or equitation course on an unfamiliar horse.
Class 3. Varsity Intermediate Equitation o/f 2' - Riders should be capable of jumping 2'6"-3' on their usual mounts at home. Intermediate Riders may have shown in any horse show, recognized or unrecognized, at 3' or below. Riders who have won 10 or more blue ribbons at 3' must be placed in Varsity Open O/F. Coaches should be confident these riders would be able to safely perform over 2' hunter or equitation course on an unfamiliar horse.
Class 4. Junior Varsity Novice Equitation o/f x-rails - Riders should be capable of jumping 2'-2'6" on their usual mounts at home. Junior Varsity Novice Riders may have shown in any horse show, recognized or unrecognized, at 2'6" or below. Riders should have a minimum of one-year of professional instruction over fences. Coaches should be confident these riders would be able to safely perform over an x-rails hunter course or equitation course on an unfamiliar horse.
Class 5. Future Intermediate Equitation o/f 2' - Restricted to middle school riders who meet the criteria for Hunt Seat Class 3.
Class 6. Future Novice o/f x-rails - Restricted to middle school riders who meet the criteria for Hunt Seat Class 4.
Flat Classes
Class 8. Varsity Open Equitation on the flat - These riders should be capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 13.
Class 9. Varsity Intermediate Equitation on the flat - These riders should be capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 9.
Class 10. Junior Varsity Novice Equitation on the flat - These riders should be capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 8.
Class 11. Junior Varsity Beginner Equitation on the flat WTC - Open to riders who have been riding less than 4 calendar years, who are not eligible for any jumping classes, but should be experienced enough to canter an unfamiliar animal in a group. These riders should be capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 7, and may have shown at any unrecognized horse show. A Beginner rider may not have shown over fences larger than 2' in any horse show, recognized or unrecognized. A rider who is in their first year of showing over cross rails may still be considered eligible for this class. To be eligible for Class 11, a rider must have had at least one year continuous professional instruction.
Class 12. Future Intermediate Equitation on the flat - Restricted to middle school riders who are capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 9.
Class 13. Future Novice Equitation on the flat - Restricted to middle school riders who are capable of performing Hunt Seat Tests 1 through 8.
Class 14. Future Beginner Equitation on the flat WTC - Restricted to middle school riders who meet the eligibility requirements of Class 11.
Because riders are competing on horses that they are unfamiliar with, riders will be competing at a level lower than they regularly compete at or train at. We ask that each rider complete the IEA Class Placement Questionnaire so that we can place riders in the most appropriate class for their experience and ability. We prefer to place riders in the lowest possible division where they will be most confident and competitive. This questionnaire helps us to make that determination. If you have questions about your placement, please speak with one of the coaches prior to registration.
Hunt Seat Rider Tests
A rider must be prepared to perform the test appropriate for the class in which the rider is participating. Riders may be requested to perform the following tests collectively or individually during a show or competition. No other tests may be used. The judge may choose only from the following list, and instructions for performance of the test must be publicly announced.
- Asked an appropriate question.
- Halt
- Sitting trot.
- Two point position at the walk and/or trot.
- Figure eight at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals.
- Figure eight at canter on correct lead, demonstrating simple change of lead.
- Change Horses
- Ride without stirrups.
- Change leads down center of ring, demonstrating simple change of lead.
- Canter on the counter lead. No more than eight horses may counter canter at one time.
- Half-turn on forehand and/or half-turn on haunches.
- Jump a shortened course.
- Trot a jump not to exceed 2'6".
Re-rides
When through no fault of the rider, a horse performs so poorly that it is impossible to fairly judge the rider's ability, a re-ride may be granted. A re-ride must be requested before the lineup in a flat class or the last horse leaves the ring in an over fences class. Only the coach of the rider involved may request a re-ride. Although they may confer with show management and the judge, only the show steward may grant or deny a re-ride.
Entries fess for 2009-2010 are $35 per class.
The coaching fee is $50 for flat only riders and $75 for riders who compete in flat and over fences classes.
Payment for horse shows is due in advance of the horse show. Payment should be made out to Cornerstone Farm and should include the entry fee and coaching fee.
Horse Show Apparel
All show riders need to wear/bring for showing:
- An approved and well fitting helmet
- Clean tan britches (or jodphurs)
- Clean boots (field/dress or paddock), garters, if wearing paddock boots
- Clean, non-wrinkled show shirt and collar
- Clean, non-wrinkled show jacket (navy or gray, preferable)
- Black gloves
- Hair nets and bobby pins
- Boot polish, brush and cloth
- Other useful items:
- Layers and layers of warm clothing!
- Bottles water
- Snacks, there is usually food available for sale at the show as well
- Boot rubbers (to keep your boots clean)
- Towels (to use as a boot rag)
A Typical Horse Show Day
Most shows begin at 6:30 or 7:00 am with the horse warm up. During the warm up all of the horses that will be showing that day are ridden either on the flat or over fences depending on which divisions they will be doing that day. Riders and coaches are able to watch the warm up while the announcer introduces each horse. The warm up gives the riders and coaches the opportunity to get to know the horses a little before the competition begins. Official horse descriptions are given to the coaches by the hosting team.
During the morning warm-up, one or two riders will be assigned the job of taking careful notes on the horses. The notes should include how many strides the horse gets in the lines, if the horse appears difficult to ride in any way, if the horse is lazy or quick, or any other information that might be helpful to our riders for the day of competition ahead.
The warm up is followed by the course walk. All riders who are showing over fences need to walk the course with a coach. Riders should pay attention during the warm up so that they can discuss the course and what parts might be challenging.
The horse draw should be posted shortly after the course walk. One of the coaches will check the horse draw to find out what horse you are riding. The coach will also find out if the horse is being ridden in a class before your class. If your horse is being ridden in an earlier class, it will be to your benefit to watch how that horse goes in the earlier class.
All jumping riders will need to learn the warm-up pattern.
Classes start around 8:00 or 8:30 am and a typical show may run until 5:00pm. The High School classes are first followed by the Middle School classes. The jumping classes are run first followed by the flat classes.
Throughout the day, the team will also have one or two riders assigned to recording the results for the day. This person could also be a parent but needs to be someone who can carefully and accurately record each and every class.
Riders should be fully dressed several classes before their class so that there is no rush to get ready. Rushing makes everyone nervous and is not a good plan for show day! Being ready ahead of time allows you time to focus on watching the show and planning your strategy with your coach.
IEA shows are very different than regular horse shows whereas the horse is tacked and ready for you. The host team has handlers that tack and hold the horse throughout the show day. The IEA rules do not allow anyone but the handler to adjust tack other than to shorten or lengthen the stirrups on the saddle. Is there is a question or an issue, ask the handler to address it or have your coach address it with the handler. You can also ask the handler if the horse requires a crop or you can check the horse description list for this information. After your class, your horse will be taken by your handler again. Please be appreciative to your horse handler, the horse and the host team. Please pat the horse after your ride and thank the horse handler.
The IEA show season is during the fall, winter and spring. The winter months can be very cold even though we will be showing indoors. Everyone must dress appropriately by wearing layers of clothing and warm boots! Hand and feet warmers are also recommended. Back warmers are also a GREAT whole body warmer which keeps your muscles warm and relaxed. One of the most important things you can do in the cold weather is STRETCH before riding!
Some shows may be far away and the coaches and riders may decide to stay overnight. Coaches' accommodations will be divided equally among all riders showing. Hotel rooms are booked together ahead of time so that everyone can stay close together and we typically go out to dinner together which is a lot of fun!
Team Practices
All team members are required to participate in one team practice per week.
Practices are $40 per practice for Cornerstone Farm riders and $45 for non- Cornerstone Farm riders.
Attire for team practices is typical riding lesson attire. You may wear chaps, half chaps or tall boots though it is recommended that you wear britches and boots as you would wear in a horse show. Your hair must be tied back or in a hair net under your helmet. NO TANK TOPS or SPAGHETTI STRAPS and NO BIG JEWELRY.
Riding Lessons:
All team members are required to take weekly riding lessons. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you do not ride at Cornerstone Farm, you will need to provide an attendance sheet signed by your trainer indicating that you are attending your weekly lessons.
Team Apparel:
We would like to get team apparel. We are looking into pricing. Show your team spirit!
Regional, Zones & Nationals:
Hunt Seat Teams may qualify for Zone Finals by accumulating 12 points during the competition year. Hunt Seat Riders may qualify for Zone Finals by accumulating a minimum of 15 points in that class during the competition year. To be eligible for Regional, Zones, or Nationals finals in the individual or team classes a rider must show in a minimum of two (2) IEA shows during the regular season.
The top twelve (12) qualified riders in each class, and not more than 12 riders, and the top twelve (12) teams, and not more than 12, will be invited to zone finals. In the event there are more than 12 qualified riders or teams, Zones utilizing regional splits will use a Regional
Finals to determine which riders and teams will advance to Zone Finals.
The 2009 - 2010 IEA National Championships will be held April 22 - 25, 2010 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. Riders who qualify and choose to attend Nationals as an individual or for the team will be given costs estimates on the travel and accommodation expenses when we determine we will be attending. We hope we will qualify and attend our first season!!
Hosting and Co-hosting Shows:
Each year the team is expected to host or co-host at least one horse show. Hosting a show gives our team the "home team advantage" but it is also a lot of work. All team members are expected to fully participate in the shows. Preparing for the show is a lot of work but it can also be a lot of fun! We may need to paint jumps, set courses, clip horses, clean tack, or many other things prior to the show. We want the shows to be fun so we will need help in planning some fun activities to make the preparation, show and clean up fun! We hope that the parents will be around for pizza runs and snacks.
On show day team members will be expected to help by getting horses ready and holding horses. The shows require a great deal of work from the riders as well as the parents and your participation is greatly appreciated!
We hope to have some fund raising efforts incorporated into the horse shows as well. IN the past, other teams have held silent auctions and food booths. We will be looking to team members for their ideas and support in these areas.
Fees, Expenses & Forms:
To become a member of the Cornerstone Farm Team, you will need to return the following forms, along with the team dues:
The team dues are $75 per rider for the season.
Team dues include:
- Rider IEA Membership Fee ($45)
- Coaches IEA Membership Fee ($50 per coach)
- Team IEA Membership Fee ($175 annually)
On behalf of the coaches, I would like to welcome you to the TEAM!! We look forward to a FUN year ahead and hope you will join us!!
Contact us at 978-407-5414 or info@ridecornerstone.com.
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Cornerstone Farm is centrally located. We are 35 minutes from Boston, only 2 miles from 495 and close to the New Hampshire border.
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Give a call or come check us out- we'd love to have you join our team!
32 Amesbury Line Road
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-407-5414
info@ridecornerstone.com
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