Welcome to Area I Young Riders

Mission of the Area I Young Rider Program:

The Young Rider Program consists to two specific components. The Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP) branch focuses on providing young riders with the education and skills they need to progress through the levels regardless, of one’s current starting point. The North American Youth Championship (NAYC) branch is solely focused on facilitating a team of riders from Area I to compete at the Adequan North American Youth Championships, which for 2020 is going to be held at Rebecca Farm, MO.

Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP) is a core value of the United States Eventing Association (USEA) and one that Area I (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont) take very seriously as both an insurance for the future and strength of the sport of Eventing, as well as a way to maximize enjoyment and skills of our current members.

The purpose of the program is to encourage our younger members to become involved in the sport of Eventing and perhaps continue this involvement into their adult lives as members of the US Team, volunteers at local events, coaches, trainers, competitors, and consumers of equine products.

We want to share with you our new Area I YRAP three-year goal: we are focused on having 18 new FEI competitors, between the ages of 14-25 by the end of 2023 — THIS COULD BE YOU! The new FEI levels really encourage the transition into the one-star level, like never before, and we’ve been gifted educational and competition funds to make your dreams a reality.

The Area I YRAP program encompass a variety of friendly competitions, camps, scholarships and activities which provide the educational development necessary for a young rider’s progression. YRAP is in place for all members to accomplish whatever eventing goals they do have.

Young Rider Event CAMP: July 14, 15, 16 at GMHA

Opening Date: March 15th for EARLY BIRD pricing and regular pricing and starts April 10th

Our annual YRAP Camp, geared for riders between the ages of 10-24 who are keen to ride and learn with a few of the top instructors in the country and improve their competence, confidence and make new friendships. There is an application, pricing incentive for early enrollment and contact information available on the Area I website. This is geared towards all levels.

Shadow Experiences for Young Riders of Area I

Our Area I members will be given an opportunity to shadow judge, hang with the TD, Course Builder, assist in Show Jumping, scoring, and the like. The biggest learning often comes when we can change our perception of what a “good dressage test” is, or what the course builder is trying to convey. This will be offered at a few select horse trials, see the Young Rider Calendar for which ones in 2020.

Cross-Border Challenge

This team competition is hosted by AREA II and takes place at Millbrook Horse Trials each summer. It is a great chance to meet new kids from up and down the Eastern Seaboard & maybe win some cool swag in the process. These teams may be scrambled or set by division – depending on number of riders and request of the organizers. We love team competitions and encourage getting to know your teammates with various door prizes donated by sponsors. Teams are comprised of 3-4 riders.

Young Rider Scholarships

The 2020 Carol Rittenhouse Young Rider Scholarship:

Date to be determined by award recipient and Ariel Grald
Opening Date: Sunday, March 15th
Closing Date: Monday, April 20th
Award Recipient announced: on or by May 15th

This is a remarkable opportunity to work, ride, train and learn from 5* rider, Ariel Grald, for a week at her base in Southern Pines, North Carolina. This scholarship is primarily geared towards Young Riders between the ages of 14-24 who are currently competing at the training level or above, and includes a travel stipend, housing and stabling. This is a tremendous gift of time and resources that Ariel is extending to one of you and is a gift made in honor of her Mother. There is an application available on the Area I website.

The Manton Foundation Area I Young Rider Grant:

Foshay International: September 1-3, 2020
Opening Date: Sunday, March 15th
Closing Date: Monday, April 20th
Award Recipients announced: on or by May 15th

Area I riders between the ages of 14 and 25 are encouraged to apply for one of ten $1,000 competition grants that will be used specifically to compete at Foshay International at the one or two star level. The Manton Foundation Area I YR Grant is aimed at strengthening the competition experience of our Area I riders in an international arena, with our Canadian neighbors. Note: To be eligible for this grant, at least one qualifying competition needs to take place at an Area I horse trial.

Area I Classic Format YR Scholarship:

Waredaca Classic Format Three Day Event: October 22-25, 2020
Beginner Novice, Novice, Training Level
Opening Date: Sunday, March 15th
Closing Date: Monday, April 20th
Award Recipients announced: on or by May 15th

Area I riders between the ages of 14 and 25 are encouraged to attend the educational, supportive and fantastic event held in Maryland at Waredaca Farm and three riders will be awarded $300 competition scholarship to be used to make this experience possible. This award is partly funded by donations made to the Area I Young Rider program and is designed to encourage our riders reach for goals and make them a reality.

Additionally, ALL APPLICANTS for the Carol Rittenhouse YR Scholarship, the Manton Foundation Area I YR Grant and the Area I Classic Format Scholarship are invited to attend unique educational clinic at GMHA, with their instructors, on Monday, July 13th specifically aimed to preparing for your upcoming competition.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE AREA I YOUNG RIDER COORDINATOR, VOLUNTEER, SHARE AN IDEA, OR GET CLARIFICATION – DON’T HESITATE TO EMAIL OR TEXT! Sarah O’Sullivan (207)-351-5973 or maineosullivan@gmail.com or sarah.osullivan@continuummaine.com.