Welcome to Area I Young Riders

Mission of the Area I Young Rider Program:

The purpose of the program is to support and encourage Area 1 members up to the age of 25 to become involved in the sport of Eventing and perhaps continue this involvement into their adult lives as members of a US Team, volunteers at local events, coaches, trainers, competitors, and consumers of equine products.

The Area I Young Rider program encompasses a variety of friendly competitions, camps, scholarships and activities which provide the educational development necessary for a young rider’s progression. We also are the place where the USEA begins developing riders to become candidates for high performance teams competing at World Championships and the Olympics. No matter how high the dreams or goals, we are here to educate, support and encourage all Young Rider members.

Young Rider Event CAMP

Registration for the 2021 Area 1 Young Rider Camp at the Green Mountain Horse Association July 19th-22nd is open!

This is a 3-day, overnight camp designed exclusively for members of the Area 1 Young Rider program who are between the ages of 12 and 25 years old and have completed at least 1 Beginner Novice event or have a written recommendation from their current riding instructor.

We have an all-star lineup of instructors ready to teach all levels from Beginner Novice to 3*. Jane Hamlin, John Bourgoin and Stephie Baer have been bringing Area 1 Young Riders to the top of the sport and teaching at this camp for many years. New to camp this year is Jan Byyny – Jan has been a member of many US Equestrian teams all over the world, including as a team alternate for the Athens Olympics. Still an active rider and competitor, she also is now a selector for US teams. **YTC candidates – Jan has agreed to coach Area 1 riders for the remaining YTC competitions, so this camp is your opportunity to train with her ahead of time** Also joining us for the first time is Lauren Mair – Lauren grew up in Area 1 then traveled the world as a groom and barn manager for 5* rider Lauren (Kieffer) Nicholson. Lauren will be sharing her tips, tricks and vast expertise in horse care.

Cost: $725 (Scholarships are available to help with the cost)

This includes:

3 full days of riding instruction and unmounted horse management from four of the top Young Rider coaches/instructors in the US and an internationally experienced 5* groom/barn manager
3 nights of stabling for your horse (shavings and hay can be purchased with advanced notice)
All meals from dinner July 19th through lunch July 22nd
3 nights accommodation at the Shire Motel in Woodstock, VT
Bus transportation between the Shire Motel and The Green Mountain Horse Association
EMT on site
Vet and farrier services on call
Lots of fun, making new friends and learning new things!

Camp starts with arrivals on Monday July 19th (4-6pm) and runs through Thursday, July 22nd at 5pm.

An electronic registration application is HERE

GMHA Waiver

USEA Release

New! Eventing Youth Team Challenge

CCI*, CCI2* and CCI3* Teams competing throughout the season with end of the year East Coast and West Coast Championships.

New! Interscholastic Eventing League

Have you ever wanted to ride on a high school eventing team, or an eventing team representing your barn? Here’s your chance.

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. Stay tuned for more info.

Cross-Border Challenge

2021 details to be determined. 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 2021 Carol Rittenhouse Young Rider Scholarship:

Stay tuned for 2021 details

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:

Stay tuned for 2021 details

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:

Stay tuned for 2021 details

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.

APPLICATIONS AND FORMS

area I 2020 scholarship application

Educational_Activities_Release_Form

YR Mission and Code of Conduct

USEA EmergencyMedRelease

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!

Young Rider Coordinator: Melanie Loschiavo – melanie.loschiavo@gmail.com – 802-279-6228