The USEA Young Event Horse Series may be best described as an equine talent search. The Series gives owners and breeders the opportunity to showcase the potential of their four- and five-year-old horses while encouraging them to produce top-level event horses for the future. Young Event Horse classes focus on education and preparation of the event horse in a correct and progressive manner.

Youngsters are asked to complete three sections:

• Conformation and Type
• Dressage
• Jumping Test/Gallop/General Impression

The goal of the Young Event Horse Series is to choose the youngster that possesses the talent and mind set, and who with proper training, will excel in the uppermost levels of the eventing world. While the ultimate goal is to identify the future four-star horses it is also hoped that many fine event horses who will excel at the lower levels will also be showcased.

Requirements

1. Age: Horses are considered to be one year older on January 1 each year regardless of birth month.
   4 year-old classes are for horses attaining four years of age in the current calendar year.
   5 year-old classes are for horses attaining five years of age in the current calendar year.
   Mares that have had term or near-term foals will be allowed a “bye” year if a certificate of verification, signed by a veterinarian, is submitted to the USEA office. The intent of this rule is to allow mares who have taken time off to be bred to compete in four year old classes as five year olds and five-year-old classes as six-year-olds.
2. Membership:  Membership in the USEA is required.
3. Horse Registration: In order to maintain complete records on Young Event Horses in our database, the USEA requires that all horses be registered to participate in YEH classes.  Registration will insure that the horses' full pedigree and competition results will be maintained. Please provide a completed Horse Life Registration form to the USEA. If you have breed registry papers on your horse, send a photocopy along with the USEA HLR form. Thank you for your cooperation!
4. Saddlery:  Only snaffle bridles may be used in dressage and boots and martingales are optional for jumping. No boots to be worn in Sections I or II.
5. Dress(relaxed):  ASTM/SEI approved helmets mandatory for jumping.
   Dressage phase:  Collared shirt with sleeves, breeches, and boots.
   Jumping phase:  Cross-country attire with safety vests and armbands.
6. Foreign Horses: Foreign horses must attend and achieve a qualifying score at a sanctioned YEH competition in the United States in order to participate in the championships. 
7. Championships: Qualified horses will be allowed to participation in one championship only. Horses must earn a score of 70 percent or higher at two qualifiers or a score of 75 percent or higher at one qualifier to qualify for the championships.

Contact

If you are interested in hosting a USEA Young Event Horse Series competition, please contact Rob Burk.