Rider Criteria

Age: Riders should be 12-21 years of age (competing in FEI Children, Junior, or Young Rider classes). Riders ages 12-16 competing in FEI Pony classes may also apply. Consideration will also be given to U25 riders if space allows.

Membership: Riders must have a USDF Youth Participating or Life Membership. They must also have a USEF Active Competing Junior, Senior, or Life Membership.

Application and Video: Riders must submit an online or paper application, a recent riding video within the past six (6) months, and $25 application fee on or before the posted deadline. The video must show the applicant riding a complete dressage test at the level the horse is currently schooling. The horse in the video must be the same horse listed on the clinic application. Riders who have declared as an FEI Junior, Young Rider, or Pony Rider should ride the respective Team test. Videos should be recorded from the end of the arena at A or C and the rider must not be too far away from the camera. If the selection committee cannot clearly see the horse and rider, the video will not be accepted. Upload video to YouTube.com and provide the link for viewing. Do not submit a cell phone video.

If sending a paper application, please send to [email protected] or USDF, Attn: FEI Youth Clinic Coordinator, 4051 Ironworks Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Please read the Rider Criteria & Application Guidelines for detailed information.

Applications submitted after the published deadline will not be accepted. USDF is not responsible for late or misdirected mail, faxes, or email.

Rider Fee

Rider registration is $300 (includes application fee). This includes two days of private lessons, auditing, lunch, and theory sessions. Stabling, hotel, and transportation are NOT included. Riders must participate in the entire clinic. Riding one day only is not allowed.

Applicants must submit their applications, along with a $25 non-refundable application fee, through the online form. If selected to ride in the clinic, you will be notified via email and the remaining balance of $275 will be due within 48 hours of notification.

If you are not selected to ride in the clinic, the $25 application fee will be applied toward auditor registration. You will be invited to audit the clinic at no extra charge, except a lunch fee, if you choose.

Format and Schedule

Each clinic is held over two days. The format includes eight private lessons each day, approximately 45-60 minutes in length. Clinic hours are generally 8:00am - 5:00pm, with a lunch and theory break.

Cancellations and Refunds

Riders who must cancel after selections have been made will receive a refund, minus the $25 application fee, only if a replacement rider can be found by USDF. If no replacement is available, the rider will not receive a refund. If a rider must cancel due to medical or veterinary reasons, he or she may receive a refund if USDF is notified in writing, including a veterinarian or physician statement.

Questions? Contact the FEI Youth Clinic at (859) 971-2277 or [email protected].