United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 USEA Emerging Athlete (EA21) Program will open on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Athletes who meet the requirements are encouraged to check the EA21 webpage for the official application link and a formal announcement once applications go live on the 28^th. The EA21 Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of the USEA’s pathway for developing the next generation of elite eventing athletes by providing education, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement in the sport.

New Volunteer Service Requirement for 2026

Starting with the 2026 application cycle, the USEA EA21 Committee will introduce a new requirement for volunteer service. All applicants must demonstrate completion of a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service related to the sport of eventing within the previous year. For the 2026 applications, eligible service hours will be accepted from a 14-month period, spanning from Jan. 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026, which will be the deadline for EA21 program applications.

Applicants must submit an overview of their volunteer experience within the window, including:

• The roles performed
• Dates of service
• Hours completed in each role

Volunteer service may be documented in one of the following ways:

• A list of volunteer dates and times confirmed through EventingVolunteers.com for those who volunteered at events, or
• A signed letter from the applicant’s Area Coordinator verifying other forms of service within the applicant’s Area, such as involvement with youth councils, committees, working groups, or other recognized volunteer contributions.

Applicants will be able to upload their proof of volunteer service directly within the EA21 application.

The USEA EA21 Committee believes this requirement reinforces the importance of giving back to the sport while fostering a deeper understanding of the many roles that support eventing at all levels, for a well-rounded athlete.

For more information about the USEA Emerging Athlete (EA21) Program and the upcoming application cycle, please visit the EA21 webpage and monitor USEA communication channels for updates.

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, GGT Footing, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether, and YETI for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.