Lexington, Ky. – The deadline for applications for the 2017 US Saddle Seat Young Riders Team is September 1. Riders selected will compete at the U.S. Saddle Seat Test Event/Invitational to be held April 3-6, 2017 in Perry, Georgia. The deadline was extended to September 1 after confirmation that there will not be a 2017 Test Event in South Africa.

The purpose of the Young Riders Team is to develop athletes for future U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup competitions. During years that the Saddle Seat World Cup competition is not held, members of the Young Riders Team will be eligible to represent the United States in international competition. The team will consist of six athletes for both the three- and five-gaited sections.

Unlike the selection process for the U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team, riders will not have to attend live tryouts to be selected for the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Young Rider Team. Instead, selection will be based on an application and riding video.

Please visit the U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders web page for a copy of the 2017 Selection Criteria and Tips for Applicants. It is important to thoroughly read all sections prior to commencing the application process, as there are requirements and commitments that must be met to be considered.

For more information on the 2017 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders Team, please contact any of the following National Affiliates staff members:

Lori Nelson, lnelson@usef.org
Terra Schroeder, tschroeder@usef.org
Jennifer Mellenkamp, jmellenkamp@usef.org
Erin DesNoyers, edesnoyers@usef.org

From the USEF Communications Department