IEA National Sportsmanship Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Overview
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) presents an annual National Sportsmanship Award to a student-rider. Candidates may be any active IEA rider in grades 4–12.

Eligibility
Only riders who received a Sportsmanship Award at an IEA local, regional, or zone show during the school year are eligible. Those local awardees receive an IEA Sportsmanship patch and will be invited to submit an application for the national award.

Application requirements
Each applicant must submit a personal resume and supporting materials that document the following:
- Equine-related activities and memberships (note any year-end or exceptional awards)
- School activities, including clubs, sports, leadership roles, and any honors or awards
- Community involvement such as volunteer work, service projects, leadership roles, and any recognition
- An official school transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA

In addition, applicants must provide:
- A 250-word essay describing how horses and/or equestrian competition have shaped their life
- Three letters of recommendation: one from an equine professional, one from a teacher or school advisor, and one from another individual of the candidate’s choosing

Selection criteria
A designated IEA committee will evaluate submissions based on:
- Active participation in equestrian activities
- Scholastic and extracurricular involvement
- Demonstrated sportsmanship and ability to serve as a positive peer role model
- Academic record of 3.0 GPA or higher

Placement and awards
Finalists will be ranked 1st through 8th, with students from all IEA disciplines considered together, as in other IEA national competitions. The first-place recipient will receive:
- A $500 scholarship from IEA
- Lifetime membership in IEA
- Nomination by IEA for affiliate sportsmanship programs (for example: USHJA Affiliate Sportsmanship Award Program, USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, and other similar programs where applicable)
- Publication of the winner’s essay and a photo in an IEA monthly newsletter and on IEA social media

In addition, the highest-placing senior among the applicants will be awarded a $500 scholarship.

Sponsorship
This award is partially supported by the EQUUS FOUNDATION (www.equusfoundation.org).

Deadline and submission
All application materials must be submitted no later than May 8, 2026. Materials received after that date will not be considered, so please submit as soon as possible.