young riders

YOUNG RIDERS

The purpose of the program is to encourage younger members to become involved in the sport of eventing and continue this involvement into their adult lives. The program seeks to promote a love of the sport as well as an appreciation and understanding of the horse while fostering the wonderful relationship that can develop between horse and rider. Further, involvement in this program helps to instill important moral values, such as responsibility and work ethic, as young riders grow into mature adults.

Mission of the USEA Young Rider Program:

• To encourage and support the sport of eventing in competitors 25 years of age and younger
• To offer support in achieving whatever goals a member aspires to in the sport of eventing
• To develop safe skills to maintain a healthy horse for competitive sport
• To offer support in the training and development of the horse and rider
• To make young riders aware of educational opportunities – coaching, course walks, clinics, camps, etc.– which will grow their horse management and riding skills
• To promote good sportsmanship and facilitation of working as a team member
• To field teams to compete at the USEF Young Rider Championships
• To develop potential member of the U.S. teams
• To develop camaraderie among young riders, thus, hopefully, developing life-long friendships and a commitment to the sport, which will be carried on as volunteers at local events, coaches, trainers, competitors, officials, land owners and consumers of equine products

USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships

Location of the 2024 championship TBD.

USEA Area VI Selectors & Selection Trials for the 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships
The 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships Selectors for Area VI are as follows:
1. Andrea Baxter     2. Amber Birtcil     3. Auburn Excell-Brady     4. Bec Braitling     5. Olivia Putrino

Selection Trials/Tryout Events
Area VI will not have a mandatory outing. Riders are expected to compete at one or more of the observation trials listed below with at least one horse trial and one FEI at the level they intend to compete at Championships.
February 16-18 – Ram Tap Horse Trials
March 28-31 – Galway Downs International Horse Trials
April 11-14 – Twin Rivers Spring International
May 24-26 – Woodside Spring Horse Trials
June 13-16 – Aspen Farm Horse Trials
For example, if the competitor is intending to compete at the CCI-1* level, that rider would need to complete a Modified Horse Trial with an MER and a CCI-1* S.

Selection Process and/or Factors by which the USEA Area VI will Utilize in Selecting Their Athletes for Team and Individual Spots
The USEA Area VI Eventing Youth Championship Selection Committee shall name the 2024 Area VI USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship Teams based on the procedures and criteria set forth by the United States Eventing Federation (USEF). The USEA Area Selectors’ evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
– The overall performance and soundness of the athlete/horse combination in various Eventing Competitions and/or CCI-S’s held within the qualifying period, with emphasis on dressage scores; current fitness; cross country and show jumping performance; jumping without faults and/or incurring time penalties, boldness, rideability and speed
– The demonstrated ability of the athlete/horse combination to success in Eventing Competitions, having considered all the factors mentioned above
– Willingness of the athlete to work within the confines of the accreditation allocation
– If all factors are equal between two athlete/horse combinations, the participation of the athlete in other Area VI Young Rider programs or activities (i.e. fundraising, securing of team sponsorship, etc) may be considered, the details of which must be included in the Area VI Selection Procedures

Additional Requirements
– Each candidate will be required to complete 10 Volunteer Hours
– These hours must be completed at a USEA Recognized Event
– Hours must be recorded via the VIP (Volunteer Incentive Program) Dashboard.(eventingvolunteers.com)
– These hours must be completed prior to Championships

More Resources Available on: useventing.com