A young equestrian jumps a horse over a row of pink flowers during an outdoor event. The rider wears traditional attire, and the background features grass and other participants.
Youth Programs

US Equestrian’s Youth Programs encourage young riders through education, scholarships, and recognition, introducing them to diverse breeds and disciplines while supporting their growth and dedication to equestrian sport.

Kids Club

Is your child passionate about horses? We can help them pursue that passion!
By joining our Kids Club, you will receive quarterly emails packed with resources to help your child learn more about horses, including:

  • Themed coloring pages
  • Fun activity pages and ideas centered around horses
  • Video content for beginner and young riders
  • Fun facts and hilarious horsey jokes
  • And so much more!
Sign Up Today
Three people walk a horse down a tree-lined path on a sunny day. The person in the center holds the reins, while the others walk alongside. Green grass and trees border the path in the background.

Learn to Ride

If your child would like to take riding lessons but you don’t have horse experience, it can be hard to know where to begin the search for the right instructor. Locate a trainer certified through the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program, USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP), USHJA Trainer Certification Program, American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA), or Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). These organizations are affiliates or alliance partners of the USEF. However, the certified instructors are independent entities and are not agents of USEF.

This link is provided purely as a service and such information does not represent an endorsement or recommendation, (implied or otherwise) of the listed instructors.

For additional information, visit our online Learning Center, which includes such videos as "Your First Horseback Riding Lesson" and "Your First Horse Show," which are both available to members and non-members.

Three people stand outdoors with a horse that has a light mane and bridle. One person pets the horse’s face while the others stand nearby. The background features green grass and a fence.

Affiliate Youth Programs

Alliance Partner Youth Programs

US Equestrian maintains a partnership with United States Pony Club, which is a the largest equine educational organization in North America. Started in 1954 and originally based on Great Britain’s The Pony Club, the curriculum teaches riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons.

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A child with blonde hair, wearing a floral shirt and blue pants, grooms a horse’s leg in a stable. The child holds the hoof and uses a tool to clean it. The background includes a wooden wall and concrete floor.

Grants & Scholarships

In an effort to fulfill the vision of ‘bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible, US Equestrian offers several grants and scholarships for our youth members. US Equestrian believes that our youth is the future of the industry, and helps provide the means for individuals to create solid intellectual and experiential foundations through their education and hands-on learning.

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Horseware Products, Ltd. Partnership with US Equestrian Extends into 14th Year

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 2/2/2026

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce a renewal of its partnership with Horseware Products, Ltd. As part of the continued collaboration, Horseware will remain the Official Awards Blanket of US Equestrian and US Equestrian National Championships. The year 2026 marks the 14th year of partnership between US Equestrian and Horseware Products, Ltd., during which Horseware has provided high quality, durable blankets that serve as meaningful mementos for winning athletes and their...

US Equestrian Announces Dates and Location for 2026-2027 FEI North American Youth Championships for Dressage and Jumping

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 8/13/2025

(©Avery Wallace/US Equestrian) Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg, Mich., has been selected as the host venue for the 2026-2027 FEI North American Youth Championships for dressage and jumping. The championships will be held from July 28-August 2, 2026, with dates for 2027 to be confirmed. NAYC is the only FEI championship held annually in North America. “Traverse City in the summer is an incredible...

Gold-Medal Grace: The Making of a Champion at the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 8/11/2025

Christianson and her partner, FHF Roulee (©US Equestrian) At just 13 years old, Grace Christianson made history at the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), sweeping all three gold medals in the inaugural Children’s Dressage division and earning the highest score of the entire dressage competition. Christianson and her mount, FHF Roulee, delivered a record-breaking score of 81.116% in the Individual Final to cap off a standout week in Traverse City. The pair also topped...