United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) invites members and eventing enthusiasts to register for the 2026 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Symposium, returning to Ocala, Florida, on Monday, Feb. 16. This must-attend educational event offers a full day of expert-led demonstrations, in-depth discussion, and hands-on learning focused on developing the next generation of top event horses. The 2026 program features two immersive sessions hosted at Majestic Oaks and HITS Ocala, bringing together some of the sport’s most respected professionals in an interactive learning environment.

The morning educational session will remain at Majestic Oaks from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be guided by a panel of four top industry professionals. Learn more in our recent article highlight the morning session here.

The afternoon session of the YEH Symposium has switched locations and will now take place at HITS Ocala in the Grand Prix Arena from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., providing an enhanced setting for mounted demonstrations and expert-led discussion. The goal of the afternoon will be demonstrating exercises for building jumping strength and confidence for young horses with a highlight on introducing narrow cross-country obstacles. Discussions will be guided by two top industry professions alongside a star-studded list of elite event riders. Participants will have access to seating in the VIP tent overlooking the Grand Prix arena.

Afternoon Session Panelists:

• Peter Gray

Peter Gray is a three-time Olympian, internationally respected FEI 5* eventing judge, and lifelong educator in the sport of eventing. With a deep passion for horse training and classical fundamentals, he has long emphasized progressive and confidence-building work. Through dressage, jumping, and practical exercises he promotes sound development and long-term success, especially in young horses. Today, Peter combines world-class competition insight with a teaching mindset that benefits riders and young horses alike.

• Lesley Grant-Law

Lesley Grant-Law is an accomplished international event rider, coach, and educator with a strong background in producing and developing young event horses. Since relocating to the United States in 2006, she has successfully competed at the upper levels of the sport and produced multiple top Young Event Horse finalists. Known for her thoughtful, progressive approach to training, Lesley combines high-level competition experience with a deep commitment to developing horses for long-term success.

Masterclass Riders:

• Oliva Dutton

Olivia Dutton is an accomplished event rider known for her thoughtful approach to developing young horses and building strong partnerships from an early stage. Growing up immersed in top-level eventing, she brings a deep foundation in horsemanship and a focus on confidence, correctness, and long-term development.

• Phillip Dutton

Phillip Dutton is a world-class Olympic event rider and trainer celebrated for his success at the highest levels of the sport and his deep expertise in developing young horses. With a career spanning decades of international competition and championship performances, Phillip’s thoughtful training philosophy emphasizes balance, confidence, and progressive education—shaping promising young horses into reliable, competitive partners.

• Leslie Law

Leslie Law is an Olympic gold medalist and internationally respected event rider, trainer, and coach known for his consistency and excellence in developing young horses. Since relocating to the United States in 2006, he has produced multiple Young Event Horse champions and helped guide both elite riders and adult amateurs through thoughtful, progressive training systems that emphasize confidence, correctness, and long-term success.

• Jon Holling

Jon Holling is an international 5* event rider, trainer, and coach based in Ocala, Florida, where he and his wife run Holling Eventing, developing horses and riders at all levels. A lifelong horseman who competed at top international events and led Area IV Young Rider teams to multiple gold medals, Jon brings a positive, technique-focused approach to producing confident, capable young horses and supporting rider development.

The YEH Symposium offers a valuable educational experience for riders, trainers, owners, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of young horse development through expert-led instruction and discussion.

To register for the 2026 YEH Symposium, complete the registration form located here. The morning session at Majestic Oaks (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) is $50, and the evening session at HITS Ocala (3:30 – 7:00 p.m.) is $50. Full registration for the YEH Symposium, including both the morning and evening sessions, is $90.

About the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Program

The Young Event Horse (YEH) Program was first established in 2004 as an eventing talent search. Much like similar programs in Europe, the YEH program was designed to identify young horses aged four- and five-years-old, that possess the talent and disposition to, with proper training, excel at the uppermost levels of the sport. The ultimate goal of the program is to distinguish horses with the potential to compete at the four- and five-star levels, but many fine horses that excel at the lower levels are also showcased by the program.

The YEH program provides an opportunity for breeders and owners to exhibit the potential of their young horses while encouraging the breeding and development of top event horses for the future. The program rewards horses who are educated and prepared in a correct and progressive manner. At qualifying events, youngsters complete a dressage test and a jumping/galloping/general impression phase. At Championships, young horses are also evaluated on their conformation in addition to the dressage test and jumping/galloping/general impression phase. Click here to learn more about the Young Event Horse Program.

The USEA would like to thank Platinum Sponsor, The Dutta Corp., Gold Sponsor Goresbridge, as well as Contributing Sponsors ARMA, Bates Saddles, CrossCountry App, HorseWeek, The Jockey Club, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, and Standlee for sponsoring the Young Event Horse Program.