The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced that the 2024 USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships will take place at Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials in Leesburg, Virginia, Oct. 10-13. This national championship will feature two divisions: the first for 6-year-old horses competing at the CCI2*-S level, and the second for 7-year-old horses competing at the CCI3*-S level.

“For the past three years the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials has offered CCIYH3*-S and CCIYH2*-S divisions, providing an opportunity to support the pipeline of international-level eventing horses in the United States,” said Stacey Metcalfe, executive director and CEO of Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation Inc./Morven Park. “This year, we are thrilled to be hosting the USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships as a celebration of these athletes’ achievements and the next generation of equestrian sport.”

The aim of the USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships is to further opportunities and recognition for upcoming and developing combinations working towards the highest levels of international eventing. The championship is intended to encourage the continued development and education of young horses in the U.S., while adding incentive for athletes bringing developing horses through the levels to further their career experience.

“It’s very rewarding for us to add these National Championship divisions, and these championships will continue to drive growth and depth within the U.S. Eventing Program into the future,” said USEF Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law. “We want to recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to develop and invest in the progression of a young sport horse and know this championship will be a great addition to the fall schedule at Morven Park.”