Intercollegiate Dressage Association – IDA

The Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Dressage Association (IDA) is a national organization founded in 2001 that provides a format for students to make dressage part of their college experience. Each academic year riders representing colleges throughout the US and Canada earn individual or team points that count towards regional standings and qualification for national finals.

IDA riders compete in Introductory, Lower Training, Upper Training, and First Level as individuals and as team members. IDA teams consist of 4 riders (one for each level) who earn points that count towards the team total to determine placing. Points earned at each show accumulate throughout the season.

IDA competitions are judged by USEF or USDF rated judges in accordance with USEF rules. Unlike any other form of competitive dressage, IDA offers the added challenge of competing on unfamiliar horses provided by the host college and assigned by random draw. Each rider is allowed a 10 minute warm up before entering the ring to be judged.

At the end of each academic year, the IDA hosts a national championship for those teams and individual riders who win their respective regions. Twelve teams and twelve individual riders in each of the four levels compete for a wide array of trophies and prizes including dressage saddles.

IDA’s approach brings added fun and challenge to the sport of dressage while providing college riders an affordable means of competing as part of a team. Riders do not have to own a horse or tack to participate and previous dressage experience is not required.

In 2011 there were 60 college members with over 800 riders participating in the IDA. A number of the colleges fielding IDA teams offer riding scholarships.

Please visit the IDA website at www.teamdressage.com.