IEA National Sportsmanship Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Overview
Each year the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) presents a National Sportsmanship Award to a student rider. Eligible applicants are active IEA riders in grades 4–12.

How candidates are identified
Only riders who earned a Sportsmanship Award at an IEA local, regional, or zone show during the school year may apply. Those recipients receive an IEA Sportsmanship patch and are invited to submit an application for the national honor.

Eligibility requirements
- Active IEA rider, grades 4–12
- Must have earned a Sportsmanship Award at a local, regional, or zone IEA show in the current school year
- Application materials must be submitted by the published deadline to be considered

Application components
Each applicant should submit a personal resume that documents:
- Equine-related activities and memberships (include any year-end or special awards)
- School activities (clubs, athletics, leadership roles, awards/honors)
- Community involvement (volunteer work, community organizations, leadership roles, awards/honors)
- An official school transcript showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

In addition:
- A 250-word essay describing how horses and/or participation in equestrian competition have shaped the applicant’s life
- Three letters of recommendation: one from an equine professional, one from a teacher or school advisor, and one from another person of the applicant’s choice

Selection process and judging criteria
A designated IEA committee will evaluate submissions. Judging will consider:
- Active participation in equestrian activities
- Scholastic achievement and extracurricular involvement
- Demonstration of sportsmanship and being a positive peer role model
- Academic record of 3.0 GPA or higher

Finalists from all IEA disciplines will be evaluated together. Applicants will be ranked 1st through 8th, consistent with other IEA national competitions.

Awards and recognition
- 1st place: $500 IEA scholarship, lifetime IEA membership, and nomination by IEA for applicable affiliate sportsmanship programs (for example: USHJA Affiliate Sportsmanship Award Program, USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, and similar programs). The winner’s essay and photograph will be published in an IEA monthly newsletter and shared on IEA social media.
- Additional award: A $500 scholarship will be granted to the highest-placing senior sportsman among the applicants.
- Placements for finalists will be announced 1st–8th.

Sponsorship
This award is made possible in part through support from the EQUUS Foundation (www.equusfoundation.org).

Submission instructions
Please assemble and submit all application materials as soon as possible. All documents must be received by the stated deadline to qualify for consideration.