MHSEA - What's It All About?
www.mhsea.org
Founded in 2001, MSHEA is a 501 (3)(c) non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote equestrian disciplines as a high school team sport. Our emphasis is on education, citizenship and recognition of equestrian athletes. The MHSEA program provides young riders the opportunity to pursue a sport they love, enjoy the camaraderie of other high school equestrian athletes and represent their high school in “team” competition. We are an independent provider and are not sponsored by, administered by or sanctioned by the school district or the MN State High School League.
Who Is Eligible
Membership is open to youth in grades 8 – 11 at the time of registration. You do not need to own a horse to participate. We do recommend that members have a basic knowledge of and familiarity with horses. MHSEA does not provide training or lessons
Membership
Membership registration begins in April. A parent or guardian completes the on-line registration and pays the annual membership fee and any competitive awards fees. Members are responsible for paying any high school athletic fees and completing school registration paperwork. School fees and required paperwork information is provided on the MHSEA website.
High School Clubs
There are more than 32 high school clubs statewide. Riders represent their high school much the same as a basketball, baseball, hockey or other team player would. Each high school equestrian club has a volunteer Club Advisor who organizes monthly meetings, arranges club activities, communicates with parents and works with the MHSEA Board of Directors. Clubs are a combination of members riding different disciplines. Each rider has the opportunity to learn about disciplines other than their own. If your school does not have an equestrian club, ask about the MHSEA Independent Club program. Members are required to attend 4 meetings, club events or MHSEA activities during the season.
Competitions & Awards
The MHSEA disciplines include Dressage, English & Western Equitation/Pleasure, Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle Seat and Western Games. You will ride and compete at horse shows and meets just as you always have. Depending on an available venue and volunteer support, the MHSEA sponsors discipline- or show-specific MHSEA Challenges at a regularly scheduled show or competition. Show results for riders participating at the MHSEA Challenge are collected to determine individual and team Challenge winners. The challenge offers a fun opportunity for equestrians riding at different barns to interact. September 30 is the end of the MHSEA Competition Season. At this time each member completes and submits a year end work sheet and competitive members submit a year end score sheet for each discipline they have competed in over the season. These worksheets and score sheets are used to determine MHSEA and school awards and recognition. Some riders in 10th, 11th and 12th grade may ride at a competitive level to qualify for high school letters.
Fund Raising & Volunteer Hours
All funding for MHSEA comes from member fees, financial and in-kind sponsorships, corporate contributions and fund raising events. No financial assistance is received from the high schools. Each member is required to participate in an annual fundraising event. Or you may buy out with a tax deductable donation. Community spirit through volunteerism is in important component of the MHSEA program. MHSEA is proud to have received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award since 2004 thanks to the dedication of members and parents. Each member and parent is asked to volunteer specific hours to equine-related organizations and the MHSEA. Each volunteer hour equals $25 and you have a tax deductable option of buying out of your volunteer support.
Education, Citizenship, Leadership, Community Sprit Through Volunteerism, Recognition of Athletes, Character, Commitment, Discipline, Education
The "Fun" of Competing on a Team!
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