Letter from President February 2026

 

Happy Almost Spring !

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I am so excited for my third and final year as President of this wonderful organization. We’ve got a few new things in store for this year which I’m excited about.

1. Dedicated show managers to run our schooling shows! This has traditionally been a tough spot to fill often with board members having to fill in on a regular basis. This year we’ve instituted a nominal show management fee of 10.00 per entry and hired two very saavy women to manage our shows.  I’ve asked them to introduce themselves on our FB page and I’m sure you’ll get to know them as the season progresses. Meghan has been a member for several years and can often be found setting up our ring for us on Saturday nights. Traci is new to the organization but not new to horse showing by an means as she holds a C3/HB rating nationally in pony club and has years of experience with horses under her belt. 

2. IEO is looking into hosting a rated show in 2026. IEO used to hold rated shows many many years ago with such storied equestrians as Lendon Gray trotting down our centerline back when we were based at the York Fairgrounds. We’ve sponsored the CBLM’s for several years and sent a few members there as well. Recognizing a need for opportunities to get those qualifying scores close to home we have set up a development committee to look at facilities and discuss the possibility of running a show. If you are interested in helping out please reach out to one of our committee members- Tyra Wiegers, Jill Darosh or Emily Weyl.

 

If you are like me and don’t have an indoor you probably think Spring is never coming. I rode more in one week last winter than I have since December. But Spring does always come. So if you are stuck inside, plan your next show outfit, clean some tack and memorize a new test. Get those coggins scheduled scrub the mud off your boots( and ponies) Show season is just around the corner!

 

Happy Riding (or dreaming about riding)

Kim