Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian (USEF) is pleased to announce that the FEI North American Childrens, Junior and Young Rider Championships have been rebranded the Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North (NAYC) and will include numerous improvements versus prior years. The NAYC for Eventing will be held in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Mont.), an existing CCI3*, CCI2*, and CCI1*, as well as a CIC3*, from July 18-22, 2018. The NAYC for Jumping and Dressage will be held as a stand-alone event at Old Salem Farm (North Salem, N.Y.) from August 1-5, 2018. 

“Youth development is a major strategic priority for the FEI and for USEF.  We are dedicated to working with our host sites and sponsors on making the 2018 “North Americans” the best Youth Championships ever. This is an important Championship and we are excited about many new changes being implemented this year,” said US Equestrian President Murray Kessler. “These championships are a necessity to the growth of equestrian sport and the development of our youth athletes. For most, this is their first time competing in a championship. This event gives them an early sense of what it is like to represent their country and compete as part of a team. It also may influence whether they decide to pursue a career in riding, so it is imperative that we invest and commit to its and their success.”

A special USEF task force, which included representatives from Equestrian Canada, the Mexican Equestrian Federation and the relevant USEF affiliates, spearheaded the rebranding of the NAYC. This is a collective effort to revitalize these Championships and increase youth equestrian sport participation. 

Some of the improvements beyond the rebranding include:

For the first time, prize money will be awarded by the organizing committee in the jumping divisions, including $50,000 in the Junior Jumping Championship and $75,000 in the Young Rider Jumping Championship. 

For the first time in years, the USEF Network will live stream all competitions. FEITV will also live stream competition. A broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

For the first time, Hippodata will provide live scoring for dressage and jumping.

Enhanced social media will allow followers to connect with the Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North @FEINAYC on Facebook and Twitter. Use #FEINAYC. 

Numerous educational events will provide competitors the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to pursue a career in competitive riding from some of equestrian sports’ greatest stars.

For more information on the FEI NAYC contact:

For Jumping - Jennifer Haydon, Director of Jumping National Programs at [email protected] or visit the website. 

For Dressage - Hannah Niebielski, Director of Dressage National Programs at [email protected] or visit the website. 

For Eventing - Shealagh Costello, Director of Eventing National Programs at [email protected] or visit the website. 

For Sponsorship information - Lauren Carlisle at [email protected].