Lexington, Ky. - Established in late 2023, the USEF Youth Advisory Group was created to give a voice to the younger members of the equestrian community. This platform brings together youth athletes from across breeds and disciplines to discuss meaningful topics impacting and shaping their respective sports. Through regular meetings, group members develop leadership skills, strengthen teamwork, and gain a deeper understanding of governance processes. The Youth Advisory Group is supported by Karen Homer Brown and Lexie Stovel of the USEF National Breeds and Disciplines Department. 

The group focuses on key issues such as horse and athlete welfare, youth engagement in equestrian sport, the current competition environment, and opportunities for increased involvement within the federation.  

Ria Raju (Cypress, Texas), the chair of the Youth Advisory Group, as well as a Saddle Seat with Saddlebred representative, joined to, “gain a deeper understanding of the horse industry.” She credits the group with offering invaluable behind-the-scenes experience and mentorship. "My hope is that more young riders will come to love the sport as much as I do and find ways to give back while they ride,” said Raju. 

Group secretary and American Morgan Horse Association representative, Cassidy Moore (Issaquah, Wash.) brings experience from her time on the AMHA Youth Council, where she focused on creating educational opportunities for youth. “I hope to create a stronger equestrian community for youth across different breeds and disciplines,” Moore shared. “I am excited to bring awareness of all the educational opportunities to our younger members.” 

Ryder Richardson (Parker, Colo.) served as the Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Group when it made its inaugural debut in 2023. As an active member and representative for the discipline of jumping, Richardson continues to advocate for youth engagement and leadership development within the federation. “I want to see more youth going down the pipeline of being ambassadors and role models for our sport, as well as helping them learn how to sit on committees and have a voice,” he said. “I would also like to see more youth and college aged members become interested in sports governance and possibly start the pipeline for future leaders of USEF.” 

Horsemanship remains a cornerstone of the Youth Advisory Group’s mission and was one of the reasons Calleigh Polo (New Palenstine, Ind.) felt called to join. “Horsemanship goes beyond competing. It means building trust, caring for your horse, respecting their needs, and growing as a rider and person through the bond you share.” Polo, a Saddleseat representative, hopes to help other young individuals learn about horses and inspire them to try riding different disciplines in the future. 

For more information about the Youth Advisory Group, email Karen Homer Brown at [email protected], or click here.