United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) New Judge Education Program. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to become certified to judge the Jumping and Galloping phases of USEA Young Event Horse competitions.

Applicants interested in serving as a primary YEH Judge are required to be a current U.S. Equestrian Federation Licensed Official. In addition, officials with experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Competed at the Advanced level of eventing or higher;

• U.S. Team Selectors;
• Sourced top-level event horses and demonstrated an eye for identifying young prospects;
• Licensed breed inspectors with experience evaluating jumping and dressage horses; and/or
• Ridden, bred, or trained horses that have competed in the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships.

The YEH New Judge Education Program is a four-part hybrid course that includes virtual and in-person instruction. The first training session will be a two-hour video conference session that is designed to introduce candidates to the YEH Program and provide a basic overview of judging. During this session, candidates will review the YEH Rules & Guidelines, discuss judging methodology, and learn about the judge’s responsibilities at a YEH competition.

The second training session will also be held via video conference, but will dive into the vocabulary and scoring criteria for the Jumping and Galloping phases. During this session, candidates will participate in group scoring exercises in which videos of previous USEA YEH Championship competitors will be discussed and scored.

In preparation for the third session, participants will be assigned videos to review and score independently. The group will then reconvene for a final video conference to discuss the results of this exercise, review their scoresheets, and compare their evaluations with those of their peers and the instructor.

The final training session consists of a required in-person apprenticeship with a current YEH Judge. Candidates will select a YEH qualifying event to shadow a certified YEH Judge. To complete the apprenticeship requirement, candidates must observe at least five rounds in each age group (4- and 5-year-olds) and a minimum of 15 rounds total. These requirements do not need to be completed at a single event. Candidates may apprentice with multiple YEH Judges at different competitions to fulfill the requirement.

Once a candidate has completed the four-part training program, they will be eligible to take the two-part final exam. The first component is an online written test, and the second component is an in-person exam at a USEA YEH Qualifier. The in-person exam will require candidates to walk and evaluate the jumping course before the start of the competition and then judge a minimum of 10 horses as they complete their rounds. Following the conclusion of the exam and review by the YEH Committee, the candidate will be informed of the results of their examination and receive any necessary feedback. Candidates who receive a passing score will be added to the YEH Judges List. Additional information regarding the administration of the 2026 final examination will be provided to eligible candidates in the coming months.

Individuals interested in participating in the 2026 USEA YEH New Judge Education Program should register here by Friday, July 3, and confirm their eligibility. Training sessions will be scheduled following the registration deadline based on participant interest and availability.

A fee of $200 will cover the first three training sessions. Auditors may participate for a fee of $50 but will not be eligible to advance to the final examination. Candidates who proceed to the final examination will be required to pay an additional $250.

Questions regarding the YEH New Judge Education Program or eligibility requirements may be directed to Abigail Fulmer at [email protected].

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, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Gallagher's Water, HorseWeek, The Jockey Club, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, and Standlee, and Prize Sponsor 100xEquine for sponsoring the Young Event Horse Program. The USEA also thanks Ocala Horse Properties for their support of the 2026 USEA YEH Symposium.