Fast Facts: 2025 USEA EA21 Regional Clinics
Next week, the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) will officially get underway with a double-header of clinics occurring on Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18 in Bucyrus, Kansas (Central), and Leesburg, Virginia (East I). A total of five clinics will take place throughout the U.S. over the course of the summer with each location hosting 12 hand-selected riders for a two-day immersive educational opportunity led by the ECP certified EA21 Coaches.
The purpose of the 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, improving horsemanship and riding skills, and training and improving skills and consistency.
Before the EA21 Central and East I Clinics kick off next week, learn more about the program and the talented athletes that will be participating in the fourth edition of the program's regional clinics.
The Facts
- EA21 riders consist of members of the USEA Young Rider Program who are aged 21 and under, per FEI standards. The riders must be established at the Training level or higher (minimum 4 MER’s at the Training level or higher).
- The USEA received over 160 highly qualified applicants for this year's EA21 program. Selections begin with rankings submitted by Area selectors, and then a team of EA21 selectors carefully reviewed Area rankings, as well as all applications to determine the 60 riders that will participate in the five regional clinics. Selection Guidelines may be found here.
- Each applicant was evaluated based on the following 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.
- The USEA will cover the regional clinic cost, stabling fees, and provide lunch each day for all accepted applicants, as well as one team dinner. Applicants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs. Athletes will be contacted by the USEA and on-site Young Rider Coordinators with more information and scheduling.
- Thanks to the USEA EA21 sponsors, like ARMA, Bates Saddles, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether, and YETI, all regional clinic participants will receive custom merchandise and accessories.
- In the fall, a select group of athletes that participated in the regional clinics will be chosen to attend the 2025-2026 EA21 National Camp with EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 through Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Ocala, Florida.
- O’Connor will also mentor the ECP Regional Clinic Coaches and help to develop a curriculum that leads to the national camp.
The Clinics
- Central Clinic - Chaps Equestrian Center in Bucyrus, Kansas, on June 17-18
- East I Clinic – Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Virginia, on June 17-18
- West I Clinic – Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, on July 29-30
- East II Clinic – Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on July 29-30
- West II Clinic – Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington, on Aug. 12-13
The Coaches & Coordinators
- Central – Coach Shannon Lilley & Coordinator Christy Hagan
- East I – Coach Bec Braitling & Coordinator Susie Beale
- West I – Coach Emily Mastervich & Coordinator Teresa Harcourt
- East II – Coach Rebecca Brown & Coordinator Shelley Ryan
- West II – Coach Jan Byyny & Coordinator Kendra Zartman
The Participants
Central
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(2) Rayna Williams (3) Olivia Pratt |
East I
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East II
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West I
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West II
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The Schedules
Central | Chaps Equestrian Center | June 17-18
Monday, June 16
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Arrival and open schooling
5:00 p.m. - Welcome meeting and dressage lecture
Tuesday, June 17
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Dressage lessons (two riders per group, one hour lesson per lesson)
1:00 p.m. - Lunch (provided by the USEA)
2:00 p.m. - Horse management session
3:00 p.m. - Show jumping lecture and course set-up
6:00 p.m. - Group dinner (provided by the USEA) and daily recap (riders only)
Wednesday, June 18
7:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Show jumping lessons (four riders per group, one and a half hours per lesson)
12:00 p.m. - Lunch (provided by the USEA) and wrap-up lecture
East I | Morven Park | June 17-18
Monday, June 16
5:30 p.m. - Welcome meeting and dressage lecture
Tuesday, June 17
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Dressage lessons (two riders per group, one hour per lesson)
12:30 - Lunch delivered for athletes to eat between watching and riding in lessons (provided by the USEA)
2:30 p.m. - Horse management session
3:30 p.m. - Show jumping lecture and set course
6:00 p.m. - Dinner (provided by the USEA) and daily recap (riders only, no parents or coaches until after 7:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 18
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Show jumping lessons (three riders per group, one hour and 15 minutes per lesson)
12:30 p.m. - Lunch (provided by the USEA) and wrap-up lecture
East II | Stable View | July 29-30
Monday, July 28
5:00 p.m. - Meet & greet, dressage lecture
Tuesday, July 29
6:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - Dressage lessons (two riders per group, one hour per lesson)
12:45 p.m. - Lunch (provided by the USEA) and show jumping lecture
2:00 p.m. - Set show jumping course
5:30 p.m. - Dinner (provided by the USEA)
Wednesday, July 30
7:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Show jumping lessons (three riders per group, one hour and 15 minutes per lesson)
11:30 a.m. - Lunch delivered for athletes to eat between watching and riding in lessons (provided by the USEA)
12:15 p.m. - Wrap-up discussion
West I & West II - More information regarding daily schedules will be provided by your coach and on-site coordinator prior to the clinic. Check back for USEA announcement updates closer to each clinic.
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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, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether, and YETI for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.
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