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Flamekissed Equestrian riders advance to national IEA competition

Last weekend, riders on the Flamekissed Equestrian Team were recognized for their performance in regional competitions held at the Bulloch Agricultural Complex .
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Flamekissed Equestrian riders advance to national IEA competition Credit: Flamekissed Enterprises

Last weekend, riders on the Flamekissed Equestrian Team were recognized for their performance in regional competitions held at the Bulloch Agricultural Complex. Several Bulloch County riders qualified to participate in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association national competitions this May, which will be held in Pennsylvania, including:

  • Kate Muldrew - Varsity Open Reigning (individual)
  • Avery Taylor - Varsity Open Horsemanship (individual)
  • Kearstyn Thayer - Future Novice Ranch Riding (individual)
Avery Taylor, Kearstyn Thayer, and Kate Muldrew will advance to IEA nationals in May. Credit: Flamekissed Enterprises

Riders also participated in regional team competitions at this event. The Flamekissed middle school team, which includes local rider Grace Fields, qualified for nationals. The high school team, including local riders Avery Taylor and Heather Smith, also qualified to advance.

According to coach Amanda Pope, high school individuals and teams must place either first or second in their class to advance to nationals. Middle school students and teams are required to snag an overall win.

Heather Smith and Grace Fields will advance with their teams to IEA nationals in May. Credit: Flamekissed Enterprises

About Flamekissed Equestrian Team

Flamekissed Farms, located a few miles west of Portal, is owned and operated by Dennis, Joy, and Amanda Pope. Dennis and Amanda specialize in horsemanship and reigning and are certified judges. Joy is a certified show secretary.

About IEA

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a catch-ride circuit for middle and high school riders. Riders from all different skill levels can participate with no horse ownership required. Participants randomly draw a horse and watch it warm up before mounting and showing without any practice time. This challenge tests each rider’s show ability amongst some of the most highly-skilled riders in the Southeast.