Lexington, Ky. - Even if your junior-high or high-school athletic program doesn’t have an equestrian team, you can still earn your varsity letter in horse sports, thanks to US Equestrian’s Athlete Lettering Program. The program recognizes and honors equestrians in grades five to 12 for their dedication to equestrian sports. To be eligible, a student must

• Be a US Equestrian member (fan or competing)

• Log 100 hours of equestrian activity

• Compete at three competitions of any type or level

• Submit proof of enrollment in school

The program counts a broad range of equestrian activities toward the 100 hours requirement, including lessons, riding, driving, vaulting, longeing, hacking, trail riding, ground training, time riding at competitions, and more. The US Equestrian Lettering Program is open to equestrian athletes participating in all breeds or disciplines who are currently US Equestrian members.

Students receive an achievement certificate and a free letterman patch and lapel pin for each year that they complete the program’s requirements. These are designed to be worn on existing school lettermen jackets, or any jacket of the athlete's choosing, as a rite of passage and symbol of achievement.

Athlete Lettering Program members also can access branded program merchandise through ShopUSEF.com.

Students also can apply retroactively, providing they currently are in grades five through 12 and have met the requirements for each year they’re applying for.

The program runs from June 1 through May 31 each year.

For more information, please visit USequestrian.org/lettering or email [email protected]. To learn more about middle school, high school, and intercollegiate equestrian programs, check out our Learning Center video, Scholastic Equestrian Programs, hosted by Auburn University’s head equestrian coach Greg Williams.