By Ross Creech & Amber Wiseman
As most kids are gearing up to head back to school, it’s important to remember there are other education and recognition opportunities available outside of the traditional classroom. And for our dressage youth, there are MANY! Here we will explore just a few of the offerings USDF makes available for youth dressage enthusiasts to expand their dressage knowledge, increase their efficiency in the saddle, and earn recognition for their accomplishments in all aspects of the sport.
FEI Youth Clinics
Taught by top US dressage riders George Williams, Lilo Fore, Anne Gribbons and Sabine Schut-Kery, the USDF FEI Youth Clinic series is geared towards those who are striving to compete at the FEI levels. These clinics are two-day events that include private lessons, theory, and auditing. Eight riders, ages 12-21 (competing in FEI Children, Junior, or Young Rider classes) or 12-16 competing in FEI Pony classes, are chosen for each clinic. An invaluable learning opportunity, even if you aren’t riding, people of all ages are welcome to audit!
There are still currently upcoming 2024 clinics scheduled in six of USDF’s regions. Visit the website for a full list of clinic dates, more information, and to apply.
Youth Outreach Clinics
Geared toward “grassroots” riders, USDF Youth Outreach Clinics serve as an introduction of dedicated youth riders to the USDF “youth pipeline” and the opportunities it provides.
These two-day clinics include a variety of instruction each day, consisting of a 45-minute session with an instructor, a lunchtime lecture with interactive discussion, and an evening get together for attendees and participants. While all youth, and their designated chaperones, are eligible to audit these clinics for free, 8-10 riders will be selected to participate in each. Selected riders must be 10-21 years of age and able to complete a Training Level test.
As of the publication date of this article, there are currently clinics scheduled in Regions 5 (October 5-6, 2024) and 6 (November 2-3, 2024), featuring clinicians Brandi Roenick and Benjamin Pfabe, respectively. Applications and more information can be found on the USDF website.
USEF/USDF Young Rider Graduate Program
Previously featured in the Spotlight On series, this program, with funding support from The Dressage Foundation, brings together top professionals from around the country to teach on a variety of subjects, meant to foster strong role models for the future of the US equestrian industry. Held as a two-day educational seminar, this program focuses on topics of which young adults (age 20-28) need knowledge, to prepare for a professional career in this industry. Some of the topics covered in these seminars include goal setting, sponsorship, international competition, contracts, insurance, and tax practices, to name a few.
By having top professionals educate our young adults on these crucial topics, graduates of the program are equipped to take the next steps in their professional equestrian careers and have a leg up on others who have not had the opportunity to take part in this invaluable experience.
Held on a bi-annual schedule, with the next currently scheduled for January 18-19, 2025, the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program is open to USDF Participating and Group Members, age 20-28, currently riding at Third Level or above. Additionally, through the Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund, The Dressage Foundation offers grants, of up to $500 each, to individual participants to attend.
Applications and more information can be found on the USDF website.
USDF Youth Convention Scholarship
The 2024 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention is being hosted in Houston, TX, and youth could win a scholarship to attend!
Each year, up to four scholarships are awarded to youth (21 and under) to help cover the cost of attending and participating in the annual convention. This includes the opportunity to attend education sessions specifically relevant to youth – recipients are required to attend the USDF Youth Educational Session. (While this year’s topic is still to be announced, previous years have covered topics such as judging, conformation and how it relates to an FEI prospect, balancing school, a social life, and horses, clinics – getting the biggest bang for your buck, time and stress management, and more!). Recipients are also encouraged to attend the Youth Programs and FEI Jr/YR Committee meetings, as well as all the other USDF University Education sessions being offered.
If interested in this opportunity, the USDF Youth Convention Scholarship page, in addition to the application form, offers tips on writing a successful scholarship application and the opportunity to read about the experiences of previous scholarship recipients. Applications must be received by August 31, so get writing!
Dressage Spirit Award
Established in April 2022, the USDF Dressage Spirit Award provides a unique recognition opportunity for youth in our sport that have made significant contributions to their local equestrian communities while promoting the sport of dressage in a variety of ways, such as volunteering, helping to form new youth clubs, fundraising, or supporting local dressage-related events. Any USDF youth member (those who have not reached their 21st birthday by the first day of the membership year, December 1) is eligible to be nominated for a Dressage Spirit Award. Applications and more information on the award and nomination process can be found on the USDF website.
Previous recipients include:
| Eliot Axt (Atlanta, GA) | Adalynn Nelson (Marion, IA) |
| Adeline Batcheller (Little Rock, AR) | Katie Staib (Allentown, PA) |
| Peyton Burch (Fort Madison, IA) | Jackson Williams (Marion, IA) |
| Aislin Falasco (Little Rock, AR) | Carolyn Woodring (Cedar Rapids, IA) |
| Ryleigh Koch (Fogelsville, PA) |
Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program
The USDF Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program is open to currently enrolled students in grades 6-12, and who are USDF Participating or Group Members. This program recognizes the accomplishments of youth in the dressage community, including volunteering, equine-related education participation, competition, and grade requirements for school.
Hours must be earned between July 1 and June 30 of the program year, and applications must be submitted no later than July 31 to earn the pin for the year. Find out more.
2023 Recipients* Included:
| Kirsty Alexander (Woodinville, WA) | Isabelle Montes (Winchester, KY) |
| Lauren Anderson (Effort, PA) | Adalynn Nelson (Marion, IA) |
| Adeline Batcheller (Little Rock, AR) | Teagan Niles (Stafford, VA) |
| Gabriella Escobar (Moseley, VA) | Finley Peterson (Woodstock, VT) |
| Claudia Foushee (Durham, NC) | Natalie Porto (Cooperstown, NY) |
| Harper Kane (Cornelius, NC) | Margaret Raffo (Cooperstown, NY |
| Hayden Kane (Cornelius, NC) | Britney Richwine (Jamestown, IN) |
| Darian Kauk (Lincoln, NE) | Emma Szachnieski (Saint Peters, MO) |
| Walker Lefkowitz (Las Vegas, NV) | Carlee Turner (Powell Butte, OR) |
*A full list of past recipients can be found on the USDF website.
Shining Star
The USDF Shining Star Award is dedicated to recognizing outstanding sportsmanship amongst youth dressage participants. Shining Star recipients must be current USDF members and nominated by anyone except their parents. Been inspired by a friend’s sportsmanship? Nominate them today!
Most recent recipients* include:
| 2022 | Paige Dolon (Kempton, PA | 2021 | Caroline Cadorette (Pownal, ME) |
| 2022 | Harper Kane (Cornelius, NC) | 2021 | Tessa Geven (Cataula, GA) |
| 2022 | Hayden Kane (Cornelius, NC) | 2021 | Shannon Riley (Trenton, IL) |
| 2022 | Mary Chapman Martin (Opelika, AL) | 2021 | Antonia Santacroce (New Windsor, MD) |
| 2021 | Dru Adams (Ooltewah, TN) | 2020 | Sarah Feik (Cooperstown, NY) |
*A full list of past recipients can be found on the USDF website.
USDF has many other opportunities available for youth, which can be explored and taken advantage of. Learn more about those and everything USDF has to offer by visiting the USDF website or contact us at youth@usdf.org.
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