IEA
IEA is a competitive team sport. Riders compete with either a high school or middle school age team, and accumulate points both individually and collectively, with the potential to progress to postseason competition: regionals, zones, and nationals. No rider needs to own a horse, and riders do not bring horses to competitions. They compete on horses provided by the host team, selected by random draw. This levels the playing field so with a little bit of luck, and a lot of skill, any rider can place well regardless of whether or not they’re in a financial situation to be able to compete on their own horse. All riders who are comfortable cantering on a variety of horses are welcome and must commit to one IEA practice and one lesson per week.
Collegiate Teams
Whispering Willow Equestrian Center is home to both the Wesleyan University and Yale University Equestrian Teams. Riders of all levels and those brand new to the sport are welcome to join and participate in practices throughout the school year.
Both schools also compete in IHSA shows throughout the year. Similar to IEA, IHSA riders show at a host school and have their horses selected for them via random draw. This levels the playing field and allows all riders to compete, regardless of whether or not they have the means to own their own horse.
If you have any questions or are a prospective student interested in learning more about the teams, feel free to reach out to us:
Morgan Greer, Coach: whisperingwillowct@gmail.com
Wesleyan Captains: wesquestrian@gmail.com
Yale Captains: https://equestrian.yale.edu/