Celestial Riding Academy IEA Team

Our Mission and Goals

The core of the IEA is accessibility. Our program is designed for students in grades 4–12 (ages 11–19) who want to take their riding to a competitive level while focusing on true horsemanship. IEA is structured into four distinct competition levels for both Middle and High School riders. These levels are designed to accommodate a range of experience, from those just starting their competitive journey to advanced varsity athletes. Classes range from intro Walk/Trot classes on the flat and progresses up to Varsity jumping classes at a height of 2’6”.

Throughout the season, we focus on:

  • Building Confident Equestrians: Developing skills through quality training and unconditional team support.

  • Fostering True Teamwork: Encouraging riders to share responsibilities and find strength in the team, both in and out of the arena.

  • Academic and Leadership Growth: Helping riders tap into college scholarship opportunities and build resumes that highlight leadership, responsibility, and commitment.

  • Professional Standards: CRA adheres to the standards of national organizations, including USEF, USHJA, and the IHSA.

The "Catch-Ride" Experience

A unique aspect of IEA is that participants are not required to own a horse. Instead, teams provide the horses and tack for every competition.

  • The Draw: Before each class, riders draw a horse’s name in a "blind draw".

  • True Horsemanship: Because the horse is new to the rider, judges score based entirely on the rider's ability and equitation, rather than the horse's performance.

Season Structure and Commitment

Our success depends on a strong commitment from both riders and their families.

Time Commitment

  • Horse Shows: The team generally attends 1–2 shows per month during the regular season (September/ October through January). Show days typically run from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though some may require arrival as early as 6:00 AM to prepare horses. Team members are required to compete in at least 3 shows and no more than 5 shows for the season to earn points.

  • Practice Meets: We host monthly team meets at our facility (August through February) to focus on team bonding and practice.

  • Weekly Lessons: Team members are required to take weekly riding lessons with us. If you qualify for the over fences classes, ideally riders should be taking lessons 2x a week for the season.

  • Hosted Events: Our team is required to host or co-host at least two shows per season, which requires "all-hands-on-deck" volunteer support from parents and riders.

  • Fundraising: Full participation in 1–2 fundraisers per season is required to support our horses and team activities

Post-Season Progression

Riders and teams have the opportunity to advance through three levels of post-season competition based on points accumulated during the regular season. Riders earn points depending on how well they do in their classes. Point riders earn points for the team, and the team may get a separate award at the end of the show depending on placings. Points accumulate for both individual riders and the team, and if individual riders / the team accumulate the required points, they will move on the Regionals.

  1. Regionals (Local)

  2. Zones (Regional)

  3. Nationals (National level, typically held on the East Coast)

Team Philosophy and Expectations

At Celestial Riding Academy, we practice, compete, and support each other as a TEAM—win or lose.

  • Rider Expectations: Riders must maintain a positive attitude, attend all meetings, and be responsible for horse and equipment care at shows.

  • Parent Support: Parents are the backbone of our support system, assisting with food, water, and logistics during long show days.

  • Show Spirit: All riders are expected to stay for the entire show, regardless of when their individual classes end, to cheer for their teammates.

Ready to Join?

To join the Celestial IEA Team, follow these steps:

  1. Reach out to Sarah or Chrissy first to confirm you are eligible to join if you are a current student. We will send you the IEA Team Handbook for more details and pricing for you to read through then confirm you want to join.

  2. CRA Paperwork: Complete the member application and sign the mandatory team waivers here- https://www.waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/m7zbejxzdtc9orqkzsaqrz/web/

  3. IEA Online Registration: Complete the rider application at www.rideiea.org.

  4. Level Placement: Our coaches willdetermine your competitive level following tryouts.

  5. Gear Up: Ensure you have the required hunter show attire and team apparel (Team Jacket and Polo).

For more information or to start your application, please reach out to Sarah or Chrissy at the barn!