Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s Brings the Power of Teamwork to Arabian Horse Hub

Featured in Arabian Horse Times

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a wonderful example of how Arabians are being introduced to young riders in local communities. There is an especially robust group in the Scottsdale, AZ area. Scottsdale is already synonymous with Arabian horses for many other reasons, but the way that Carolyn McDonald-Shino and Jessica Bein have integrated their Arabian and half-Arabians into this program is nothing short of impressive. Team members practice with lessons from their instructors on the various horses that they have available. When it comes to competitions, each team is responsible to bring a certain number of horses. Riders then randomly select their mounts, almost always a horse they are unfamiliar with. This teaches riders to be quick on their feet and able to ride “any” kind of horse that comes their way.

Carolyn and Jessica encourage their competitive riders to also participate in IEA because of the added benefits they get in terms of riding experience, friendships, life skills, and in special cases, family bonding. IEA also provides a variety of scholarships as part of their programming. They have local, regional, and national competitions like the structure that members of the competitive Arabian Horse Association (AHA) circuits are used to. Riders must qualify (elimination style) along the way, so the national competition is filled with the best-of-the best.

This year, a mother-daughter duo was able to compete in Texas together for their respective national titles. And yes, IEA has adult programs as well!

“I am their biggest fan-and now the tables are turned-we cheer each other on,” Gretchen Gorr, mother of twins Gabby and Maddy and Katie who all competitively show Arabians. “It's definitely given me a far greater appreciation for their accomplishments and their skill as equestrians. Ironically, the horse I drew for the National Show Horsemanship class was the same horse Gabby won Reserve National Champion two years earlier,” Gretchen and her daughters have been involved with Arabians for about five years, so IEA has been a great way for them to bond as a family.

They work under the direction of Carolyn. Gretchen’s biggest compliment of their coach and friend is that “she has fostered a great atmosphere for the kids so that they really function as a team. All of them pitch in to help where they can.”

As mentioned by Gretchen, this was not Gabby’s first time to the national stage for IEA. Although she was very honored to represent her home state of Arizona again at nationals, Gabby has another memory that stands out for reasons that might be surprising.

“My favorite IEA memory was from my first regionals,” she reflects on a moment from years back.

“After the classes were over, our team was all sitting together listening to the results being read. I was in shock hearing the steward say I had won the horsemanship class. I was not expecting it, and my teammates were so excited for me! Several of my friendships from IEA have carried over to riding competitively with the Arabian Horse Association.”

Every rider has equal chances of pulling the “old pro” as the horse who is at their first IEA show. It should be noted that teams bring horses who are fit for this environment, and the stewards will eliminate horses that do not fit the requirements. This model puts a spotlight on sportsmanship and teamwork.

“IEA has helped me to trust myself and what my coach has taught me,” Gabby continues about her experience. “The next best thing is being part of a team and helping less experienced riders learn and watching them succeed.”

There is a lot to be learned from the structure of IEA and how these Arizona-based trainers have integrated it with their already successful programs. To learn about your local opportunities to support or participate with IEA visit rideiea.org.