The 2025 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (EYRC) are right around the corner, and with them comes the excitement of watching the next generation of young eventing talent in action in the U.S. These championships are just one of the many development opportunities offered through the USEF Eventing Pathway Programs.  

The pathway programs are designed to identify and develop promising athletes and horses to build towards future success at the highest levels of the sport. From their first team competition experience, which for many is at the Eventing Young Rider Championships, to ultimately competing on the international championship level, the pathway is designed to prepare athletes to one day represent the United States successfully on the world stage.  

A Development Perspective 

Jenny Caras has been a part of the Eventing Pathway Programs for over six years. Her journey began as a Young Rider, first competing at the 2010 North American Junior & Young Rider Championships CH-J1* (now the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships) and winning individual bronze and team gold at the NAYRC CH-2* in 2013.  

The EYRC is the first time most athletes will experience the high-pressure nature of a championship level competition. Caras explained it was at this championship that she first learned to manage riding under pressure and working with teammates. “We had a team training camp before the championships, which really helped get us on the same page mentally and physically,” Caras said. “It was the first time we had been in that type of high pressure atmosphere, and it was super important for me to get used to that feeling early on in my career, knowing that as I moved up the levels with the goal of representing U.S. at team events in the future, I would lean on that learning a lot.” 

In 2024, Caras was selected to represent the United States at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Millstreet CCIO4*-S and again at the 2025 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S. There, she and her mount, Sommersby, were the highest placed U.S. combination, contributing to the team’s second place finish overall.  

Caras credits the pathway programs for shaping her growth and success in national and international competitions. “The pathway programs have really encouraged me to work with a variety of coaches,” she shared. “Kyle Carter was my area coach during the Young Riders Championships. I then had the chance to train under David O’Connor, and now with Leslie Law. Each has brought something unique to the table, and I’ve taken something valuable from every session – lessons I still carry with me today.” 

Eventing Young Rider Athletes  

One rising athlete who made a strong impression last year at the 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships is Audrey Ogan. A young rider from Fall Creek, Ore., Ogan won individual gold in the CCIYJ2*-S aboard her own 2011 Irish Sport Horse, Always Cooley.  

Like many other athletes, the championships were Ogan’s first time competing at a team event. “The camaraderie at the championships was incredible. It was my first time riding as part of a team and getting to represent more than just myself and my horse made the experience even more meaningful,” said Ogan. “The support from everyone involved was amazing, it really gave us a feel for what team competitions are all about.” 

The championships offer many experiences beyond competition. These include in-depth course walks with the show jumping and cross-country designers, dressage workshops with experienced professionals, and fun, community building events such as games and dinners. Volunteer hours were added to the requirements for competition at the championship beginning in 2024. This gave athletes a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into organizing and hosting a major event. Ogan travelled to the championships early last year and volunteered her time during set up and preparation. 

“Volunteering ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole experience,” Ogan said. “You really get to see how much work goes on behind-the-scenes. Setting up the dressage ring and getting the cross-country jumps gave me a new appreciation for the people that make these events possible.” 

Ogan will return to the championships this year, again partnered with Always Cooley, to compete as an individual in the CCIU253*-S. 

For more information on the 2025 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, click here. 

Inclusion or exclusion on a Training Program does not imply or preclude an athlete from selection for a Games or Championships. The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOPC, and USEF sponsors and members. For more information on the Eventing Pathway Programs, click here.