CALLICOON, N.Y. – Inside Diehl Me In’s performance horse barn in Callicoon, a handful of students are practicing their horsemanship: galloping, guiding, and practicing their jumps with their horses. Harper Ryder is one of them. She’s riding her horse, Bristol.
“She’s sweet,” said Ryder. “She’s young, and she’s kind of spicy. She likes to go fast.”
Bristol, a palomino tobiano pinto horse, has a beautiful golden coat with white spots. She has one blue eye and one brown eye.
Harper is one of several Western riders on the Diehl Me In Western IEA Team that’s qualified for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s (IEA) National competition in Fort Worth, Texas this summer.
IEA is a national organization that allows students in grades 4-12 to compete in equestrian competitions without owning or bringing a horse. Riders compete on unfamiliar horses and let their teamwork and sportsmanship take the spotlight.
About eight hopeful team members from the Diehl Me In Western IEA Team will travel from Callicoon, New York to Fort Worth, Texas to compete.
Diehl Me In Performance Horses hosts a variety of lessons, 4-H programs, interscholastic equestrian teams, and seasonal horsemanship programs for young horse riders.
Many of the young riders Radio Catskill spoke with said they’re most excited about spending time with the rest of the team in Texas.
Shannon Seibert, a parent of two of the young riders, said it’s been incredible to witness all the girls step into their sportsmanship and hard work ethic.
“These kids are smart. They’re energetic. They really go out and love this sport, and you can see it every single time they ride,” said Seibert.
Traveling to Texas comes with steep costs, including entry fees, coaching fees, transportation, and accommodation – so they’re turning to their community for help. The Western IEA Team is currently raising funds to make their dreams of heading to nationals possible.
“Every little bit will help these girls,” said Seibert. “They really do work hard. They’re a great bunch of kids and really look after each other [and]… their animals and are pretty much the hardest working kids I know.”
The team will head to Fort Worth, Texas, from June 20 to 23. Find more information on the team’s national competition and its fundraiser.
Image: The Diehl Me In Western IEA Team prepares for a national IEA competition in Fort Worth, Texas (Photo Credit: Diehl Me In Performance Horses)