United States Eventing Association

Applications for the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21) in 2026 are now available for those who meet the requirements to apply. The purpose of the USEA EA21 program is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent, providing them with training and development.

Applications are open here, and are due no later than Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (8:59 p.m. Pacific Time). Late applications will not be accepted. Please do not wait until the last day to apply in case you have technical issues, as the USEA will not be able to help over the weekend. A $25 application fee will be required at the time of submission.

Athletes who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply to a regional clinic and list a second choice as a backup in the case that they are not selected for their primary choice. Athletes may also be talent-spotted; however, there is no guarantee that an athlete will be.

The requirements to apply are as follows:

• Applicants should be 21 years or younger per FEI standards;
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a member in good standing of the USEA;
• Applicants must be current and active members of their USEA Area Young Riders Program, and;
• Applicants must be established at the Training level or higher (minimum of four MERs at the Training level or higher)
• NEW in 2026: Applicants must record 10 volunteer hours between January 1, 2025, and March 8, 2026 (14-month period). To read about the new volunteer requirements and how to provide proof of service, read the announcement here.

The same eastern and western venues that hosted the regional clinics in 2025 have been selected to host the EA21 Regional Clinics again in 2026. The five clinic locations are as follows:

• Central Clinic – Chaps Equestrian Center (Bucyrus, Kansas), Tues-Wed, June 16-17, coached by Ashley Johnson
• East I Clinic - Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, Virginia) on Tues-Wed, June 16-17, coached by Bec Braitling
• West I Clinic - Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, California), Tues-Wed, June 16-17,
  coached by Emily Mastervich
• East II Clinic - Stable View Farm (Aiken, South Carolina), Tues-Wed, July 28-29, coached by Rebecca Brown
• West II Clinic - Aspen Farms (Yelm, Washington), Tues-Wed, Aug. 11-12, coached by Jan Byyny

The USEA will cover the regional clinic cost and stabling fees for all accepted applicants. Applicants will be responsible for travel and lodging costs. Athletes will be selected by the designated selectors within their Area of membership and invited to attend one clinic.

Each regional EA21 clinic will have a maximum capacity of 12 riders, and a wait list will be put together for each clinic. After the regional clinics have concluded, a select group of talented riders will be chosen from the regional clinics to participate in the national camp with EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. This year’s National Camp will take place on the West Coast (venue TBA), across Tuesday-Saturday, Dec. 29, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027.

Selection Criteria:

• Competitiveness and desire to continue in the sport;
• Ability and effectiveness in dressage, cross-country, show jumping;
• Demonstration of horse welfare, stable management, general veterinary knowledge;
• Willingness to learn from coaches, trainers, and peers;
• Good sportsmanship and an ability to be a team player;
• Ability to progress through the Performance Pathway;
• Evidence of an effective work ethic;
• Personal: loves horses and dedicated to the sport for the future;
• Physical: athletic and coordinated;
• Mental: positive attitude, willingness to learn/improve, inquisitive, competitive, educated to a level, and ability to concentrate

Review the full selection guidelines here.

Selection Process:

• Each Regional Clinic will host 12 invited participants;
• Athletes will be chosen by the designated selectors in their Area of membership;
• An applicant residing out of their Area can apply for any clinic and will be chosen by selectors from their Area of membership;
• Applications are due no later than March 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (8:59 p.m. Pacific Time). Late applications will not be accepted; there are no exceptions, so please submit early.
• Notification of invitation will be announced mid-April, 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Click here for a guide on how to best fill out an application to campaign for yourself.

To learn more about the EA21 program visit here. For questions about the EA21 program and application process, please contact [email protected]

About the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21)

The purpose of the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent, improving horsemanship and riding skills, and training and improving skills and consistency.

The USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program was launched in 2022 with a model of five summertime regional clinics taught by carefully selected USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) coaches, leading to a winter national camp consisting of selected Young Riders from the regional clinics. Athletes who are 21 years or younger, are current members of their USEA Young Rider Area program, and are established at the Training Level or higher, are eligible to apply for the EA21 program. Click here to learn more about the USEA EA21 Program.

The USEA would like to thank ARMA, Bates Saddles, GGT Footing, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether, and YETI for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.