California Riding Magazine • September, 2008

High Hopes
for High School Program
Interscholastic Equestrian League
debuts in San Diego

by Debi Gibney

The latest and most exciting news from the San Diego Interscholastic Equestrian League (SDIEL), the high school competitive league being formed in San Diego, is that plans are underway to establish a show season for high school equestrians beginning in January, 2009.
The SDIEL Committee has done extensive research and has gathered feedback from many San Diego riders, parents and trainers. We have modeled the SDIEL after the excellent examples in both Orange County and Los Angeles County, yet the SDIEL will take somewhat of a different format here in San Diego.



Forming such a league and having it be successful, in the face of closing venues and escalating costs for everyone involved, is no easy task. We have come up with a solution that will work very successfully within these parameters.  The SDIEL will be integrated into the already-established Greater San Diego Hunter/Jumper Association (GSDHJA) shows. The beauty of this plan is that it eliminates the need for separate dates, venues and costs for organizers and participants. It will fit into both the trainer and the rider’s already-established 2009 show programs and will boost attendance at the GSDHJA shows. We have received a lot of support and very positive feedback from trainers, riders and parents on this proposed format for the SDIEL.

Ready, Set, Go!

We’d like to recognize the following high schools for their excellence: Both the Cathedral Catholic High School (CCHS) and the Fallbrook High School equestrian teams are in their third very successful year of showing in the Orange County IEL. Many thanks go to the very talented CCHS equestrians who have been leaders throughout in the formation of the SDIEL. Kudos also go to The Bishop’s School for so quickly establishing their team and being ready to go for 2009!

Congratulations to the following schools whose teams are in the process of being formed: La Jolla Country Day, Torrey Pines, Carlsbad High, La Jolla High, Poway High, Ramona High, Valley Center High, La Costa Canyon High, Francis Parker, Westview High, El Capitan, Linfield Academy, San Dieguito Academy, Rancho Bernardo High, St. Martin of Tours, Mission Hills, Valhalla, Guajome Academy and Julian Charter. We’d like to make it possible for every high school equestrian to be able to represent their high school and to participate in this exciting new league.



The SDIEL show season is slated to begin in January and will continue through May, 2009. There will be a total of eight shows, with the riders having to participate in only four to qualify for year-end points. Riders will be able to count points from their five best shows for year-end points.  Specific details of how the shows will work are still being ironed out, and more information will follow as we move forward. An SDIEL website is in the works—keep an eye on www.SanDiegoIELeague.com.

Frequent e-mails will be generated, and a table will be set up at several of the upcoming fall GSDHJA competitions to keep everyone informed of SDIEL progress. Until the website is up and running, please contact me, Debi Gibney, at debigibney@aol.com with any questions and for help in setting up your high school teams.

Help!

We need a logo, and the SDIEL is holding a contest. Begin working on your designs and stay tuned for the SDIEL website for details. All logos should be in by Oct. 31, and the lucky winner will be announced and will receive a prize for their winning entry.
Sponsors are needed and will get a great opportunity for recognition and the ability to support their child in their years of high school riding. The SDIEL website will list the many possibilities for sponsorship. Get on board and join the fun!