FEI Young Riders – Do you have what it takes?

If you are between the ages of 16 and 21, and are showing fourth level successfully you may just have what it takes to try for the FEI Young Riders.  The North American Young Rider championships is a prestigious competition held annually.  This is where the top young riders in North America compete in team and individual competition.  Each Region fields a team of three or four horse/rider combinations to send to the NARYC. 

How do I get there?  First you must be a member of USDF, USEF, have a FEI rider number and an FEI passport for your horse.  The competition season for 2007 is from July 2, 2006 through July 1, 2007.   You must fill out a declaration of intent for USDF by March 1, 2007.  Each rider must compete in 3 official young rider qualifying competitions you may choose to do more if so, this allows your lowest scoring competition to be dropped.  At each competition you must ride the Young Rider Individual test the fist day and the Prix St Georges the second day of competition.  At one of these shows you must also ride a freestyle, but this score will not be used in the calculation of the final standings.  When calculating standings the FEI Young Riders Team Test score will count for 50% of the score and the FEI Young Riders Prix St. Georges Test score will count for 50% of the score.

What is the benefit making it to the NARYC? 

There are many perks that come along with competeing at the NARYC.  First is the prestige, if you make it on the team you are part of the cream of the crop, one of the best young riders in the country.  You may be able to ride in the Advanced young riders clinic held in each of the regions annually with one of the top clinicians in our country this year the clinicians are Kathy Connelly , George Williams and Sue Blinks.  Also if you are thinking about making a career out of riding and teaching this is an excellent springboard to help you launch your career.  Last but definitely not least is building friendships with other riders your same age, and competing together as a team representing your region, not just as an individual.

Would you like to learn more? Go to usdf.org and you can find more detailed information.  Also get in touch with an FEI trainer and see if they can help you make it to the NARYC.   

Jami Kment is an USDF Gold & Silver Medalist.                         .