Oakwood Manor is excited to offer a unique opportunity for local riders – an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team!
Benefits of joining the team include reduced lesson prices as well as additional horse related lessons and experiences such as bandaging legs, wound care, new foal care, and ground work. The team has a wonderful family atmosphere with lots of laughing and fun included along side some great learning opportunities!
Our riders compete in a variety of events including barrel racing, English, and western. Competing in shows is optional, but riders who choose to compete will have the unique experience of showing using a format similar to that of the IHSA, which is utilized by our Cornell University Western Equestrian Team. The unique aspect of the competitions is that none of the riders will supply their own horses or tack. Instead, the host team arranges for the horses and equipment, so riders are all competing on horses they have never ridden before! This makes a fun and unique challenge.
Aside from developing your horsemanship skills, we will also work a lot on your ability to quickly assess the needs of an unfamiliar horse to be able to present that horse at his or her best. Also, riders who compete in the top two levels may choose to compete in western reining, as well. If you have never ridden a reining horse, this is something you should definitely try!
Individuals in grades 6 – 12 can compete, but anyone is welcome to join and practice with us. You may join the team at any time of year. Please contact us for more information and visit our Facebook page for recent news!