The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced that the FEI North American Childrens, Junior and Young Rider Championships have been rebranded the Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships and will include numerous improvements for 2018.

The NAYC for eventing will be held in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, from July 18-22. The NAYC for jumping and dressage will be held as a standalone event at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York, from Aug. 1-5.

“Youth development is a major strategic priority for the FEI and for USEF,” said USEF President Murray Kessler. “We are dedicated to working with our host sites and sponsors on making the 2018 ‘North Americans’ the best youth championships ever. This is an important championship, and we are excited about many new changes being implemented this year. These championships are a necessity to the growth of equestrian sport and the development of our youth athletes. For most, this is their first time competing in a championship. This event gives them an early sense of what it is like to represent their country and compete as part of a team. It also may influence whether they decide to pursue a career in riding, so it is imperative that we invest and commit to its and their success.”

A special USEF task force, which included representatives from Equestrian Canada, the Mexican Equestrian Federation and the relevant USEF affiliates, spearheaded the rebranding of the NAYC. This is a collective effort to revitalize these championships and increase youth equestrian sport participation.

Some of the improvements beyond the rebranding include:

•  For the first time, prize money will be awarded by the organizing committee in the jumping divisions, including $50,000 in the junior jumping championship and $75,000 in the young rider jumping championship.

• The USEF Network will livestream all competitions. FEITV will also livestream competition.

• Hippodata will provide live scoring for dressage and jumping.

• Enhanced social media will allow followers to connect with the NAYC: @FEINAYC on Facebook and Twitter. Use #FEINAYC.

• Numerous educational events will provide competitors the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to pursue a career in competitive riding from some of equestrian sports’ greatest stars.