IEA Returns to Missouri for 24th Annual Hunt Seat & Dressage Youth National Finals
For twenty-four years, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) has provided opportunities for tens of thousands of youth equestrians to be able to compete at local, regional and national levels without the expense of owning a horse. On April 23–26, 2026, the 24th annual IEA Hunt Seat and Dressage National Finals will again take place in Lake St. Louis, Missouri at the National Equestrian Center. This prestigious event takes place over four days of competition in two arenas simultaneously and is the second time that IEA is holding a National Finals in the Midwest (Zone 7).
Nearly 700 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrian athletes will travel from across the United States and converge in Lake St. Louis to compete for top honors in Hunt Seat and Dressage classes, championship titles and collegiate scholarships. Of the 1,407 IEA high school and middle school teams from eleven zones across the country, over 500 teams will be represented at this year’s celebratory event. IEA will not only award championship titles, but also over $1M in IEA cash and collegiate scholarships to seniors and top riders this season.
Utilizing a unique draw-based competition format, riders in grades 4-12 will compete on unfamiliar horses in the following classes: Equitation over fences and on the flat and Dressage Test and Dressage Seat Equitation. IEA riders must develop their catch-riding skills as very little to no warm-up practice is allowed before each class. All tack and horses are graciously provided by IEA member teams and outside horse providers – allowing for a more level playing field of competition.
For the 3rd year in a row, IEA will also play host to the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championships, featuring over 100 collegiate Dressage riders representing several dozen college teams from across the nation.
Read more:
2026 National Finals – Interscholastic Equestrian Association
