MZ Farms IEA National Sportsmanship Award
Offered by Interscholastic Equestrian Association
About This Scholarship
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association — the national league where middle and high school riders compete on horses they draw at random — runs the MZ Farms National Sportsmanship Award to put scholarship money behind its core value. Riders who win a Sportsmanship Award at any local, Region, or Zone IEA show during the season are invited to apply for the national award, which pays $1,000, $500, and $250 to the top three Upper School finishers and $250, $150, and $75 in the Futures (younger) division.
The application is substantial: a 200-word essay on what sportsmanship means, three letters of recommendation (one from an equine professional, one from a teacher or advisor), a 90-second video on why the applicant rides in the IEA, a community and academic activities synopsis, a photo, and a transcript showing at least a 3.0 GPA.
A separate judging panel also picks the best essay from all completed applications for an additional $250 cash award. Applicants must be active IEA rider members or Junior Education Members in grades 4-12, and the show-season Sportsmanship Award is the ticket in — apply as soon as you win one.
Eligibility
- Active IEA rider member or Junior Education Member (JEM) in grades 4-12
- Won an MZ Farms IEA Sportsmanship Award at a local, Region, or Zone show (or post-season) during the 2026-27 season
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, documented by transcript, GPA summary, or report card
- Three letters of recommendation and a 90-second video are required
How To Apply
- Earn a Sportsmanship Award at any IEA show during the 2026-27 season
- Prepare the 200-word sportsmanship essay, 90-second video, three recommendation letters, activities synopsis, transcript, and photo
- Submit the online application form (link posted on the IEA sportsmanship page by September 15, 2026) by May 14, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the national award?
Only riders who won an MZ Farms Sportsmanship Award at an IEA show during the current season. Each show at the local, Region, and Zone level can name a winner, so there are many paths in.
How is the money split?
Upper School placings pay $1,000, $500, and $250; Futures placings pay $250, $150, and $75. One applicant also wins a $250 cash award for the best essay.
Do I need my own horse?
No. IEA competition is draw-based — riders compete on unfamiliar horses provided by the host, which is part of why sportsmanship is central to the league.