March 31, 2019 – Columbus, Ohio – The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is proud to announce that the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has become the organization’s newest affiliate.
With this alliance, IEA and APHA will cross-promote across both organizations in a variety of methods and venues beginning in 2019 that will include benefits and discounts for both IEA and APHA members. APHA will also provide sponsorship of one award for the “Most Valuable Paint Horse” of the show at both the 2019 Hunt Seat and Western National Finals.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with APHA,” stated Roxane Durant, Co-founder and Executive Director of IEA. “Both IEA and APHA are committed to working with other organizations to achieve shared goals and ideals in promoting equestrian involvement. The versatility of the Paint Horse breed is a great fit for the diversity of programs we offer in IEA—all centered on young riders. We are especially thrilled to work with APHA to help strengthen our Western program.”
“We are excited to partner with IEA,” said Billy Smith, Executive Director of APHA. “Education and youth development are at the forefront of all we do. This alliance will not only benefit both organizations, but more importantly, help expand the horizons of young equestrians everywhere. We’re looking forward to working together to offer even more opportunities to youth aboard American Paint Horses.”
About IEA
Now in its 17th year, the IEA has nearly 14,000 members across the United States riding and coaching Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage disciplines. The non-profit (501(c)3) IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students and is open to public and private schools and barn teams. There is no need for a rider to own a horse because the IEA supplies a mount and tack to each equestrian for competitions. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.
For more information, please visit www.rideiea.org
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.
For more information, please visit www.apha.com.
