Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian would like to remind youth eventing athletes that the Area Declaration deadline for the 2026 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships is quickly approaching. The 2026 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships will be held June 25–28, 2026, at The Maryland International and Horse Trials in Adamstown, Md.
Athletes interested in competing must submit their USEF Area Declaration through their USEF Athlete Dashboard prior to May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Athletes must submit their FEI Entry through their USEF Athlete Dashboard in addition to entering directly through Loch Moy Farm. When submitting a competition entry with Loch Moy, athletes must designate their intent to participate in the YRC and identify their Area.
Definite Championship entries are due to USEF by June 16, 2026.
Unprecedented FEI Prize Money
At this year’s competition, the Maryland International CCI and Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm will offer an unprecedented $100,000 in prize money across all FEI divisions in celebration of Loch Moy Farm playing host to competitions for 20 years. The additional prize money was made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor to the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation.
Important Dates
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May 12, 2026: Loch Moy entries open
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May 15, 2026: Area Declarations close at 11:59 p.m. ET
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Access on USEF Athlete Dashboard
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June 9, 2026: Loch Moy entries close; Championship Nominated entries due to USEF
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June 16, 2026: Championship Definite entries due to USEF; last date to earn the required Certificates of Capability and complete the required volunteer hours
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June 22, 2026: Declarations of Starters
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June 25–28, 2026: 2026 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship - Adamstown, Md.
Eligibility and Qualifying Requirements
The qualifying period for the 2026 Championship is January 1, 2025, through June 16, 2026. Athlete/Horse combinations must meet the following Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) to earn a Certificate of Capability:
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CCIU253*-S (FEI ages 16–25; born January 1, 2001 – December 31, 2010): MER at one CCI3* level or higher FEI competition required.
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CCIYJ2*-S (FEI ages 14–21; born January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2012): MER at one CCI2* level or higher FEI competition required.
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CCIJ1* (FEI ages 14–18; born January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2012): No additional Certificate of Capability requirement.
For selection procedures and additional championship details, click here. Information on The Maryland International and Horse Trials venue and hotel information can be found at themarylandhorsetrials.com.
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The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.