Interscholastic Equestrian Association to Hold First National Title Competition - April 26 - 27

Willougby, OH - April 10, 2003 - Riders from across the country will gather at The Andrews School on April 26 - 27 to compete in the first national title competition of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.

The competition is open to riders grades 6 through 12 who have qualified by earning points in local and regional competitions throughout the year. Class descriptions include: Varsity Open, Varsity Intermediate, Junior Varsity Novice, Junior Varsity Beginner, Futures Intermediate, Futures Novice and Futures Beginner.

"This has been an exciting year for us!" said Roxane Rheinheimer, president of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. "The kids and the coaches have shown such enthusiasm. This is quickly becoming the major scholastic competition."

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association was formed to create an equestrian competition that is easily accessible to middle school and high school students. Teams, as well as independent riders, will be representing schools from California, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Ohio.

In addition to the competition, many colleges with equestrian programs will be on site to look at potential recruits for their schools.

The IEA was founded by Roxane Rheinheimer and Wayne Ackerer. Both have dedicated their lives and careers to the horse business. Rheinheimer, currently the Equestrian Director at The Andrews School in Willoughby, Ohio, has credits including the 1996 Olympics, The Winter Equestrian Festival and a variety of other prestigious shows.

Ackerer, owner and operator of the Horse Center, Ltd. based in Deleware, Ohio, has ridden and trained five world champions in working hunter, over 60 year-end champions in AHSA competitions and over 40 Top Ten Finalist and 11 first place winners at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress.

The competition begins on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 9:00 a.m. and is open to the public. The Andrews School is located at 38588 Mentor Avenue in Willoughby, Ohio.

Schools participating in the national championship competition are:
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau, LA
The Andrews School, Willoughby, OH
Chatham Hall, Chatham Hall, VA
Dana Hall, Wellesley, MA
Granville School District, Granville, OH
Madeira School, McLean, VA
Olentangy Equestrian Team, Delaware, OH
Santa Catalina School, Monterey, CA
Stonleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield, MA
West Licking District, Pataskala, OH