The U.S. Eventing Association is extending the age of eligibility for the USEA Young Rider program to 25, effective immediately.

The purpose of the USEA Young Rider program is to encourage younger USEA members to become involved in the sport of eventing and continue this involvement in 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 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 evolve.

The USEA Young Rider program previously was open to USEA members ages 21 and younger. The age limit was extended after the USEA Young Rider coordinators and committee put forward a proposal to the USEA Board of Governors, requesting the age limit be increased to 25 to fully utilize training programs and youth series that are available. The new age requirements enable all USEA area teams participating in the USEF Youth Team Challenge to compete for their USEA areas and utilize the Area Young Rider funding. This will also be more inclusive to youth riders wishing to participate in the USEA Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP) in their areas, which may help provide additional young riders competing at the lower levels with the education and skills they need to progress through the levels of the sport.

The USEA membership database now is accepting membership updates for those members 25 and under who wish to upgrade their membership to include the Young Rider program. For USEA members aged 22-25 who are enrolled in the USEA Adult Rider program, those members may pay an upgrade fee to join the USEA Young Rider program additionally. Members aged 22-25 may choose to enroll in either the USEA Adult Rider Program, or the USEA Young Rider program, or both. The age eligibility for the Adult Rider program remains the same, available to any USEA members aged 22 or older.

To enroll in the USEA Young Rider program, the Young Rider membership application form is available here. The USEA staff is available to help enroll members in the program. Please call the USEA office at 703-779-0440 for assistance.