Youth/Young Riders Resources

Region 9 Youth Director Jessica Fan (email)
Please send Youth News to Jessica for publication.

The U.S. Dressage Federation Programs & Education Coordinator
Phone: (859) 971-2277
E-mail: youth@usdf.org
www.usdf.org
U.S. Dressage Foundation 4051 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511

USDF Youth E-Newsletter (June 2022)

Who are youth?

In USDF, a Youth membership is for those under the age of 21 on December 1st of the current membership year. The membership year goes from December 1-November 30.

Is the membership age the same as the competition age?

It depends on what type of classes you want to enter. Some special classes determine your age by the calendar year, not the membership year.

What competitions are available for youth?

Youth riders may compete in schooling shows and recognized shows in any test under the Jr/YR division.

Children’s FEI Classes is a new division for Level 3 shows starting in 2017.  Ages 12-14 riding a horse or pony.  The tests are equivalent to 2^nd level USEF tests in difficulty.

Ponies

This is a new division for 2011. Pony classes may be held at Level 3 shows. Riders are ages 12-16. Two classes are mandatory: FEI Pony Team Test and FEI Pony Individual Test. The optional FEI Pony Freestyle test may be offered at some Level 3 shows.

NAYC Program

If you are interested in competing in the NAYC Program then your age goes on the calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31). This means that your age on January 1 is the age that you’ll become that year. For example, if your birthday is on July 2nd and you’ll turn 22 on July 2nd then you’ll be too old to compete in NAYC that year (even though you are 21 on January 1st of that year.)

You can only compete in the NAYC Program if you are between the ages of 14 and 21 on the calendar year. In the NAYC Program you can either compete in the Junior Division or the Young Rider Division. The Junior tests are comparable to 4th level tests. The Young Rider tests are comparable to PSG tests. Juniors are ages 14-18 and Young Riders are ages 16-21. If you are 16, 17, or 18, you may choose whether you want to compete in the Junior tests or the Young Rider tests.

These classes may be held at Level 3 shows. Three classes will be offered in each category (Junior and Young Rider). Both the FEI Team Test and the FEI Individual Test are mandatory, the FEI Freestyle (Junior or Young Rider) Test is optional. For more information click on this link: http://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp

Each competitor is responsible for keeping up to date with all rules and regulations of the organizations and programs in which they compete. Also, read the rules of each competition.

Program / Age Determined By
USDF / Membership Year
NAYC / Calendar Year

What other programs are available for youth?

• USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year
• USDF Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program
• USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award
• Youth Convention Scholarship
• Youth Shining Star Program
• USDF Educational Membership (e-TRACK)
• Platinum Performance/USDF FEI Junior/Young Rider (Jr/YR) Clinics
• USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program http://www.usdf.org/faqs/youth.asp
• The USDF Arts Contest has two divisions for youth members: 15 and under; 16 to 21. The three categories are: Art, Photography, and Writing. For more information click on this link
• US Equestrian Lettering Program

Are you a US Pony Club member?

Currently USDF recognizes youth members who achieve dressage specialty ratings and there is an award for USPC members who compete in USPC rallies and USDF recognized competitions.

What is going on in Region 9 for youth?

Please keep checking the Region 9 Calendar for updates in our Region.

Who can I contact in Region 9 for more information?

USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee member: Isabel Gregory
USDF Youth Programs Committee member: Jessica Fan (email)