U.S. Equestrian Federation officials have appointed Jeremy Steinberg of Kirkland, Wash., the inaugural USEF National Youth Dressage Coach.

Steinberg, the 1996 North American Young Riders Championships individual gold medalist, has also competed at the Grand Prix level, including international competitions and U.S. League Finals for the FEI World Cup.

The USEF hopes that the Youth Dressage Programs, currently under construction, will become a critical link in the pipeline for development of future riders.

“The National Youth Coach needs to help develop the next generation of riders, trainers, teachers and knowledgeable supporters to ensure that dressage sport flourishes,” said Steinberg. “My vision for the USEF National Youth Coach is to be part of the system which can produce riders and horses from the very basic level all the way up to international superstar riders and trainers, producing along the way those teachers who can bring success for generations to come. I see that in our future, believe in that goal, and I look forward to working with USEF to make that a reality.”

Through an open application process conducted in the spring and summer, Steinberg was selected from a pool of highly qualified international candidates. He will work extensively with Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons and the USEF Dressage Committee to design a program to benefit youth at all levels of the sport.

“I am confident that Jeremy will bring the energy and enthusiasm we need to build programs which promote the best education and opportunities for our youth,” said Jayne Ayers, chairwoman of the USEF Dressage Committee.

Steinberg conducts clinics throughout the country in addition to working extensively with juniors and young riders on the West Coast. At this year’s NAJYRC, he received the inaugural “Albers Award” presented to the dressage chef d’equipe who best demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit.

“The youth riders are our future, whether it’s as international-level competitors or local horse trainers,” said Steinberg. “Proponents of the sport know that we need a steady stream of new and upcoming riders and trainers who are well-educated in all things to do with the horse, not just riding dressage tests. It is our responsibility to find a way to create a system where younger riders and professionals in the United States are groomed for the future and given the tools to better themselves and exceed our expectations.”