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Opportunities for Dressage U25 Athletes

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Feb 26, 2018, 2:23 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian (USEF) recognizes the importance of the Under 25 (U25) division, and there are several initiatives underway to strengthen this division in our country. The dressage U25 division offers an increasingly important pathway for athletes between the FEI ages of 16 and 25 to the Grand Prix level. The following programs are available to assist in this transition.

Discover Dressage™ USEF/USDF Emerging Athlete Program

Aimed at providing strategic guidance and educational opportunities to U25 athletes, the USEF/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) program provides access to educational opportunities and competition planning for qualified athletes. Led by USEF Dressage Youth Coach George Williams and USEF Dressage Assistant Youth Coach Charlotte Bredahl-Baker, this program is proudly sponsored and supported by Discover Dressage.

If an athlete participates in the Training and Evaluation sessions, they are eligible to be selected for membership to the program. Membership includes access to resources such as score analysis, human sport science and medicine program, strategic planning meetings, and possible financial assistance towards agreed-upon targets. If the athlete is not selected, the sessions themselves are educational and a great way to “stay on the radar,” and you can always reapply!

Learn more about how to apply for Training and Evaluation sessions and find additional resources on the Dressage Emerging Athlete Program here.

For information on the Young Rider European Tour, please go here.

Contact Hannah Niebielski, Director of Dressage, National Programs, at [email protected] or 859-225-6918 with questions about this program, and follow USA Dressage on Facebook for updates.

Development Program (Developing Grand Prix & U25)

The aim of the Development Program is to provide strategic guidance and resources to selected athletes with the perceived ability to make the podium or contribute to podium scores. This program is overseen by the USEF Development Coach, Debbie McDonald, with the assistance of the USEF Dressage Youth and Young Horse Coaches, as well as the USEF Dressage Technical Advisor. The program is generously supported by Akiko Yamazaki and The Red Husky Foundation.

If an athlete participates in the Training and Evaluation sessions, they are eligible to be selected for membership to the program. Membership includes access to resources such as score analysis, human sport science and medicine program, strategic planning meetings, and possible financial assistance towards agreed-upon targets. If the athlete is not selected, the sessions themselves are educational and a great way to “stay on the radar,” and you can always reapply!

Learn more about how to apply for Training and Evaluation sessions and find additional resources on the Development Program here.

Contact Kristen Brett, Director, Dressage Programs, at [email protected] or 859-225-6919 with questions about this program, and follow USA Dressage on Facebook for updates.

USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship Presented by Dressage Today

Hosted at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill., from August 21-26, 2018, the Brentina Cup highlights top FEI U25 athletes. Participants have access to USEF coaching staff at the Championships.

Learn about selection procedures, how to submit an application of intent, and more here.

Contact Kristen Brett, Director, Dressage Programs, at [email protected] or 859-225-6919 with questions about this program, and follow USA Dressage on Facebook for updates.

Wellington, Fla. - CDIO-U25

CDIO-U25 events provide an opportunity for the best U25 athletes to compete head to head in a challenging competition format similar to that for senior athletes. These athletes must have a score from the CDI-U25 or Brentina Cup National Championships.

The U.S. is permitted at least one team of three athletes in the Wellington CDIO-U25 on March 21-27, 2018. The team will be led by a Chef d’Equipe and will have access to both US Equestrian dressage staff support as well as the U.S. Dressage Team Veterinarian.

Read the selection memo and learn more about this event here. Athletes interested in competing in this event must return a written declaration by February 28, 2018, in order to be considered for selection. Declarations must be submitted by email to [email protected] or by fax at 859-231-6662.

Contact Hallye Griffin, Managing Director, Dressage, at [email protected] or 859-225-6949 with questions about this program, and follow USA Dressage on Facebook for updates.

If you are interested in European competition, information about the U25 European competition opportunities can be found here.

There are many more educational opportunities available to athletes in the U25 division. Opportunities include USDF Clinics, the USEF Young Horse Program, and the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program.

Contact Hallye Griffin, Managing Director, Dressage, at [email protected] or 859-225-6949 with questions about European U25 competition and additional educational opportunities, and follow USA Dressage on Facebook for updates.