United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that a Young Event Horse (YEH) Educational Seminar taking place on Friday, Oct. 17, during the YEH-5 jumping and galloping phase at the USEA YEH East Coast Championships at the MARS Maryland 5 Star. The exact time and location will be shared once ride times are posted.

Sally Ike, a highly respected YEH judge who has been part of numerous past YEH Championships, will lead the seminar. The session will provide attendees with valuable insight into the scoring of the YEH Championship.

“I am looking forward to explaining the methodology of the Young Event Horse judging to the riders, owners, fellow judges, and spectators who come to learn more about this program,” Ike shared.

YEH judges of the jumping and galloping phase evaluate both a horse’s day-of performance and long-term potential. They assess elements such as rideability, rhythm between fences, gallop, and overall impression. Given the age and development of these horses, judges are also expected to recognize signs of greenness or playfulness, while determining whether the horse is on a positive training trajectory. Their responsibility is to place the class accurately, providing scores that reflect each horse’s current development as well as its promise for advancing in the sport.

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.

Don’t miss this chance to gain firsthand 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, HorseWeek, The Jockey Club, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartPak, and Standlee for sponsoring the Young Event Horse Program.