Appaloosa News Monthly – April 2022

Caitlin Otero – Holy Spirit Stables, Palmyra, Pennsylvania

Caitlin Otero, of Holy Spirit Stables, started her IEA team about three or four years ago.  She had a few new students come to her barn that had previously been on an IEA team. She thought her students would do well. Holy Spirit Stables has a Western team. 

Caitlin agrees with Alida in that a big selling point for IEA is that the kids do not need to own horses to show.  It provides an opportunity to show for individuals that can’t afford their own horse or perhaps don’t want to make the commitment of a purchase. All they need is a makeup box and some show clothes.  Caitlin loves that the program provides something for everyone.  They have a middle school and high school program and classes that range from Walk Jog to advanced. 

One of the biggest benefits she sees for her riders is the teamwork.  Everything they do is as a team. She appoints team captains who help provide support and guidance for team members.  The students are learning to ride many different types of horses at many different levels of training.  The horses can be anything from a greener horse to a very aged pony.  Her students get very comfortable with the format which she thinks sets them up for success in IHSA teams in college. 

The highlight of the Holy Spirit Stables IEA team’s 2021 show season was their trip to the Quarter Horse Congress.  There were 22 teams at the event which was the first time Congress had an IEA show.  Her team  ended up 3^rd out of the 22 teams and were only off the top placing by 3 points.  She said that her team consistently does well and seeing the kids succeed is the coolest feeling for her. 

If you are interested in starting a team at your farm, all the information you need can be found on the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s website at www.rideiea.org.  From all accounts, it is a great program that allows youth riders of all ages and abilities to show and have a great team experience.  It can provide additional lesson revenue to a riding facility and scholarships for eligible riders.