Sights from the 2023 FEI Youth Clinic Series

The USDF FEI Youth Clinic Series is an educational opportunity for youth riders striving to compete at FEI levels. The goal of this series is to promote hardworking, talented youth riders who want to rise to the top of the discipline. This year’s clinics were taught by top US riders including George Williams, Anne Gribbons, Lilo Fore, and Sabine Schut-Kery.

Each clinic includes two days of private lessons, theory sessions, and auditing. Eight riders between the ages of 14 and 21 are selected to participate in each clinic.

Check out what some of the talented group of riders selected for the 2023 FEI Youth Clinics had to say.

Region 2

Held September 9-10, 2023 at Renaissance Equestrian Center in Saline, Michigan, featuring George Williams.

My name is Emily Keithley and my horse Dino is very cheeky as you may see in our picture. The whole week leading up to the clinic I had what felt like horrible rides and I was running out of ideas. Thank goodness for the clinic! George really helped me understand my horse’s tension and where in my body I can help him work through that. I also got a better idea of certain exercises like shoulder in, flying changes, and reverse. It was really neat for me to watch George teach other riders as well. We all had such different problems, however George had us use many of the same exercises to create a desired outcome. It helped me to better understand when and where to use certain exercises.

I also loved the theory lectures at lunch. George expanded on the ideas of what exercises can be used to develop any desired feel. As well as guiding us through the training scale to develop a greater idea on what each word really means and where it is applied. This clinic really helped me to better understand the purpose of dressage and for that I am so grateful! 

Region 4

Held September 2-3, 2023 at Providence Farm, Palmyra, Nebraska, with George Williams.

Beth Mount, mother of rider Lily Petitt had to say:

The clinic was such a delightful experience for my daughter, Lily, her young mare and our trainer, Tommy Fahey.  We appreciated this opportunity greatly and sincerely hope to be back next year!  Lily had several light bulb moments in her training and Mr. Morris was complimentary and helpful all while pushing this young team forward.

The Kment family were such gracious hosts.

Region 5 

From Tracey Christopher, mother of Candace Christopher, had to say:

Our Show-jumping mare, who is moving over to dressage, is a testament to the effort and character of this willing horse.  And…good riding is good riding no matter what the discipline is.  Lastly, always take time to smell/eat the flowers.

Region 9

USDF Region 9 Director Bess Bruton wrote:

Thank you Paragon Farm in Magnolia, Tx, for hosting the 2023 USDF Region 9 FEI Youth Clinic with George Williams. It was two beautiful November days, at an awesome facility. The riders gained valuable experience from George. Thanks George for sharing your knowledge, to the riders, in the theory session, and to the auditors.  

Thanks to  Marsha Lewis, our Region 9 Jr/Yr Coordinator for planning and setting up the clinic, and to the riders, parents and support group…all contributed to a very successful and fun clinic.