United States Eventing Association

Paso Robles, Ca.—Sept. 28—The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce a Young Event Horse (YEH) Educational Seminar taking place on Saturday, October 17, during the YEH-5 jumping and galloping phase at the USEA YEH East Coast Championships. The exact time and location will be shared once ride times are posted.

Peter Gray, a highly respected USEF Licensed Official and YEH judge, who has been part of numerous past YEH Championships, will lead the seminar discussing methodology of how judges evaluate the horses as the rounds unfold. The seminar will begin with the first horse and continue into late afternoon.

In the jumping and galloping phase, judges consider each horse’s performance and potential. They assess rideability, rhythm between fences, gallop, and overall impression while allowing for the greenness expected of young horses. Gray will discuss how these qualities inform scores and class placings.

This educational seminar is open to all and free of charge, offering a unique opportunity for riders, trainers, parents, owners, breeders, and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of the YEH program. While there is no fee to attend, attendees are encouraged to consider making a donation in support of the YEH program. Participants should bring their own chairs and any materials they would like to use to take notes.

Don’t miss this chance to gain first-hand insight into the evaluation and training of young event horses. Stay tuned for more details as the schedule is finalized!

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., as well as ARMA, Bates Saddles, Cross Country App, Flair Strips, Gallagher’s Water, The Jockey Club, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartPak, and Standlee for sponsoring the Young Event Horse Program.