IEA Season Sprint: TES Riders Chase the Postseason

The end of the regular season always arrives fast—but this year it’s arriving at a full gallop. The Traditional Equitation School (TES) is in the middle of an especially busy and exciting stretch of Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competition, with riders crisscrossing the West Coast and postseason dreams on the line.

Two Shows, Two States, One Weekend

This past weekend, TES riders competed in two different IEA shows on back‑to‑back days—one in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one in Vista, California. Juggling multiple venues in a single weekend is no small feat, but our riders rose to the challenge, demonstrating adaptability, focus, and strong horsemanship in unfamiliar arenas and on unfamiliar horses.

IEA competition tests far more than riding skill—it rewards preparation, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under pressure. Our team showed all three.

Eyes on the Postseason

With just one regular‑season show remaining, the stakes are high.

So far, two TES riders—Chris and Ester—have officially qualified for the IEA Zone Finals, which will take place February 27 through March 1 at the Clark County Event Center in Ridgefield, Washington. Qualifying for Zone Finals is a major accomplishment and a testament to their consistency and hard work throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, Edyn, and Verona are within striking distance of qualifying, heading into the final regular‑season show with points still up for grabs. Every ride counts, and this last competition could make the difference.

One Final Push: Ojai

This coming weekend marks the final regular‑season IEA show in Ojai, California. TES will be trailering two of our school horses to compete—an opportunity not only for our riders to represent the program, but also to showcase the quality and reliability of the TES school horse program on a competitive stage.

For riders chasing qualification spots, this is the last chance to leave it all in the arena.

Leadership Behind the Scenes

A season like this doesn’t happen without exceptional leadership behind the scenes. TES is proud to be coached by Karina, a USDF judge. The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is a national governing organization, and Karina’s judging background brings a high level of structure, clarity, and technical understanding to our riders’ preparation. Her eye for detail and calm guidance have been instrumental in helping riders develop consistency, confidence, and strong fundamentals in the ring.

We also extend a special thank you to team manager Andrea, whose coordination of schedules, travel, horses, and logistics makes weekends like this possible. Competing in multiple shows across different states—sometimes on back‑to‑back days—requires meticulous planning, and Andrea’s behind‑the‑scenes work keeps everything running smoothly so riders can focus on their performance.

Proud of the Process

No matter how the final points shake out, we are incredibly proud of our IEA team. Traveling, competing, balancing school, and riding at this level requires dedication from riders, families, and staff alike. This season has been a powerful reminder that progress is built ride by ride, weekend by weekend.

We’ll be cheering on all of our riders in Ojai—and looking ahead to Zone Finals in Washington. Stay tuned for updates as the season continues to unfold.

Go TES! 🐎