Young Rider Program

The Young Rider program is offered through the USEA for riders 25 years of age and younger of all levels of riding. The purpose of the program is to encourage younger members to become involved in the sport of eventing and continue this involvement into their adult lives. The program seeks to promote a love of the sport as well as an appreciation and understanding of the horse while fostering the wonderful relationship that can develop between horse and rider. Further, involvement in this program helps to instill important moral values, such as responsibility and work ethic, as young riders grow into mature adults.

This program is divided into 10 Areas throughout the country, and each Area program is facilitated by a volunteer Young Rider Coordinator. Each coordinator oversees the program for his/her Area and sets up different educational and developmental activities their young riders to attend. Camps, clinics, and seminars are usually offered, often with Olympic athletes. Each Area Young Rider program is divided into two sub-programs or branches: the new USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship pathway, and The Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP). The USEF's Young Rider Championship pathway focuses on developing riders and horses for the Championships each year. YRAP focuses on providing lower level young riders with the education and skills they need to progress through the levels and eventually into the ranks of the Young Rider Championship. The USEA also offers a Young Rider Mentorship Program, which gives young riders the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

Mission

• To encourage and support the sport of eventing in competitors 25 years of age and younger. **In 2021, the USEA increased the YR age from 21 to 25
• To make young riders aware of educational opportunities - coaching, course walks, clinics, camps, etc.
• To promote good sportsmanship and the facilitation of working as a team member.
• To develop respect for the horse, without whom the sport is not possible.
• To field teams to compete at the USEF Young Rider Championship
• To field a national team to represent the United States, through the NGB, at the European Young Riders Championships.
• To develop camaraderie among young riders, thus, hopefully, developing life long friendships and a commitment to the sport, which will be carried on as members of the U.S. Team, volunteers at local events, coaches, trainers, competitors, and consumers of equine products.

USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship

The year 2020 brought many changes, and it is during this time that the USEF pivoted the Eventing North American Youth Championships to the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge. The USEA and USEF are extremely grateful to all of the hosts of the Eventing North American Youth Championships over the past 40+ years. The Championships provided invaluable experience, memories and opportunities for all involved. The 2021 Youth Team Challenge concept allowed over 60 athletes from nine areas to compete in team competitions throughout the year. The USEF and USEA are appreciative to be able to offer these opportunities to the athletes, but in review of the program the Youth Team Challenge Task Force and Eventing Sport Committee felt that returning to one long -format Championship competition was the best way forward. In 2022 we are pleased to announce that Tryon International 3-Day will host the 2022 USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship on November 10-13, 2022.

2022 USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship Application/Area Declarations are due by May 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. est. All athletes that have any intention of competing at the Young Rider Championships must complete an Application/Area Declaration to be in consideration for an Area team.

See the Forms and Publications on the USEF's Young Rider Eventing Championship page for Selection Procedures and an FAQ on this year's program.

Coaching Requirements:

YR Championship Coaches for the Areas must be ICP level IV or V certified, and Safe Sport certified.

Questions? Contact Your Area Young Rider Coordinator

For further information regarding the USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship, contact:
USEF: Christina Vaughn at [email protected]
USEA: Kate Lokey at [email protected]