United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is excited to announce that coach applications are now being accepted for the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21). One additional coach will be selected and hired for a three-year term for the EA21 program, teaching one two-day summertime regional clinic annually throughout the term.

EA21 regional coaches are selected for an initial three-year term, with the option to extend for an additional two years. Either after the initial three-year term or after the extension, the coaching position will be open for applications; current coaches as well as new candidates are welcome to apply when the applications are opened.

Currently, the EA21 program has five coaches, and all regional coaches will be under the advisement of USEA EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. Once selected, the new EA21 coach will be asked to apprentice at 2026 USEA EA21 summertime regional clinic(s) and/or the EA21 National Camp taking place in December/January in Ocala, Florida. Attendance at the National Camp is encouraged but not required. The new coach will also be asked to join the USEA EA21 Task Force, with monthly meetings. The coach will then be hired into rotation in 2027, after their 2026 apprenticeship.

Coach Requirements

• Applicants must have a current Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Level IV or V certification, comply with SafeSport Training requirements, and have an updated background check complete;
• Provide leadership, direction and motivation to participants in the Emerging Athlete Program and Young Rider Program;
• Develop and manage the delivery of coach support to Emerging Athletes and a system for communicating with coaches and reviewing the progress of athletes;
• Work with the USEA ECP Committee and EA21 Director of Coaching David O’Connor on a teaching curriculum for the regional clinic(s). EA21 regional coaches will work as a team;
• Subject to contract with USEA stating duration of contract, duties, termination and payment. The EA21 coaches are asked to give back to the sport, and offer coaching services for a discounted rate for the regional clinics.

Information to be included on the application letter:

• Name and contact details
• USEA Member ID#
• ECP level of certification
• Narrative for success
• Agreement to the terms of a $1,000/day rate
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

All applications should be formally submitted by end of day, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Only complete applications including all outlined information above will be considered.

Please direct inquiries and applications to the following contact:

Kate Lokey, Senior Director of Programs, Marketing and Partnerships
[email protected]
Phone: 703-779-0440

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.