USDF Youth

06/19/2026

Big thanks to Platinum Performance for the hoof picks - always needed and useful! Check out Platinum Performance for colic coverage too. Thank you for supporting our youth clinics!

Applications are open!

FEI Youth Clinics: https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/index.asp

Youth Outreach Clinics:
https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/youth/index.asp

06/17/2026

Thank you Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses for your sharing your wonderful treats of Ring Ready, Mindful Mini, Barnyard Bestie and Super Cookies for our four legged best friends!

The treats can be found in our swag bags for the FEI Youth Clinics and Youth Outreach Clinics this year!

Apply today!
FEI Youth Clinic: https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/index.asp
Youth Outreach Clinic:
https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/youth/index.asp

We have TREATS! Thank you Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses for your wonderful donation of Ring Ready, Mindful Mini, Barnyard Bestie and Super Cookies for our four legged best friends!

You'll find these goodies in our swag bags for the FEI Youth Clinics and Youth Outreach Clinics this year!

Thank you for supporting our youth programs and youth members!

FMI:

FEI Youth Clinic: https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/index.asp

Youth Outreach Clinic:
https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/youth/index.asp

06/16/2026

It's hard to believe we are already half-way through 2026! 😮

There are still many grants available from The Dressage Foundation through the end of the year (plus it's never *too* early to start thinking about next year).

✨ Take a moment to note upcoming application deadlines
✨ Make a plan that works for you and your goals
✨ Give yourself plenty of time to prepare a strong application

Have questions or not sure which grant is the right fit? We’re happy to help, reach out anytime at [email protected] or at 402-434-8585.

🔗 Check out the 2026 Grant Calendar and start planning today: https://bit.ly/3L7zTI5

Group Education Grants are due at least 75 days prior to the event.

06/15/2026

We've received some amazing product donations for our 2026 Youth Clinics! Thrilled to have the support from the best in the industry!

Applications are open for our FEI Youth Clinic and Youth Outreach Clinic series!
FEI Youth Clinics: https://usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/index.asp
Youth Outreach Clinics: https://usdf.org/education/clinics/youth/index.asp

Absorbine, Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplies, Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. and Sterling Thompson Equine

FYI: USDF Region 4 - FEI Youth Clinic application deadline approaching! Get your applications in by July 15 11:59pm!

06/15/2026

Did you know you can audit the 2027 USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program?

Auditors must be previous graduate of the program and be a current USDF PM or GM Member!

FMI: https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/yr-graduate/index.asp

Applications are OPEN for the 2027 USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program! 🎉

This two-day educational seminar focuses on crucial topics that young adults (ages 20-28) need to know to prepare for a professional career in the equine industry. Learn about goal setting, sponsorship, international competition, and business management from some of the top professionals in the country!

📆 January 16-17, 2027
📍 Embassy Suites West Palm Beach (West Palm Beach, FL)

To learn more and apply now, visit the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/yr-graduate/index.asp

P.S... Grants are available! 💲 With funding provided through the Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund, The Dressage Foundation is pleased to offer grants of up to $750 each to individual participants of the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program. For more information, please visit The Dressage Foundation website!

USDF Youth

06/15/2026

Get your applications in for our second installment of the USDF Youth Partnership Program!

East Coast - HITS Hudson Valley Dressage August I/II August 7-8, 2026, Saugerties, NY

Application deadline Thursday, July 2nd at 11:59pm ET

For application and more information, visit: https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/youth-partnership-program/

Now introducing... the new USDF Youth Partnership Program! 🎓📖

This program is designed to provide USDF Group or Participating Members, aged 18-28, with an intensive, personal experience to understand the needs of managing and officiating competitions, while encouraging future involvement in all aspects of the sport.

✅Shadow competition management and officials in their briefings
✅Experience their decision-making processes
✅Learn the methods of scoring
✅Receive one-on-one instruction from some of the most experienced officials and managers

Check out the full press release announcement at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=1095

To learn more about the program and apply, visit the USDF website:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/youth-partnership-program/

06/10/2026

Share your artistic talents with us!

CALLING EQUINE ARTISTS: Show us your work for the 2026 USDF Arts Contest! 📸🎨

We are seeking photography and artwork submissions for the following age categories:
🔹15 and under
🔹16 to 21
🔹Adult

Division winners will receive gift certificates to the USDF Online Store and have their artwork featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, on the USDF website, and on YourDressage.org. On top of the division prize, the Grand Prize winner will have their artwork featured on the cover of the 2027 USDF Member Guide.

📆Entry Deadline: July 1

To learn more and enter, visit the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/awards/other-awards/art.asp

✍️🎨 2025 USDF Arts Contest Grand Prize Winner: “Fait Accompli” by Lisa Curry Mair

06/08/2026

Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program deadline near! Be sure to start getting your paperwork in order!

FMI: https://www.usdf.org/awards/other-awards/youth-drr-pin.asp

The USDF Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of youth in the dressage community at all levels. This program is open to students who are currently enrolled in grades 6-12 of a middle/high school or home school program and are a Participating or Group Member of USDF. Pins can be earned in each year of enrollment in the program. The program year runs from July 1 through June 30 of each year.

FMI: https://www.usdf.org/awards/other-awards/youth-drr-pin.asp
Photo Cred: Abigail Brooks - 2025 Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program Participant

06/08/2026

Our first program deadline is approaching! Get your applications in for the Dressage at DevonWood Show! Application deadline is this Friday June 12 at 11:59pm ET.

FMI: https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/youth-partnership-program/

Now introducing... the new USDF Youth Partnership Program! 🎓📖

This program is designed to provide USDF Group or Participating Members, aged 18-28, with an intensive, personal experience to understand the needs of managing and officiating competitions, while encouraging future involvement in all aspects of the sport.

✅Shadow competition management and officials in their briefings
✅Experience their decision-making processes
✅Learn the methods of scoring
✅Receive one-on-one instruction from some of the most experienced officials and managers

Check out the full press release announcement at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=1095

To learn more about the program and apply, visit the USDF website:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/youth-partnership-program/