Lexington, KY (May 20, 2026) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) announced today the launch of its new Youth Partnership Program, designed with the goal of providing USDF Group or Participating Members, aged 18-28, with an intensive, personal experience to understand the needs of managing and officiating competitions, while encouraging future involvement in all aspects of the sport. To this end, selected participants will be invited to shadow competition management and officials in their briefings, experience their decision-making processes, learn the methods of scoring, and receive one-on-one instruction from some of the most experienced officials and managers in the country. Additionally, by shadowing these professional technical delegates, judges, veterinarians, show managers, and show secretaries, participants will gain a clear picture and understanding of how competition is conducted under USEF and USDF rules.

USDF President Kevin Reinig expressed his enthusiasm for the program, saying “USDF is thrilled about this new education opportunity to support future competition management and dressage officials. These longtime, hardworking professionals possess a wealth of knowledge that they can pass on, which will go a long way in ensuring the continued livelihood of our sport!”

Three competitions are slated for the program in 2026, with up to four participants at each competition.

• West Coast - Dressage at DevonWood, July 17-19 - Sherwood, OR
• Midwest - Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 4 Dressage Championships, October 1-4 - St. Louis, MO
• East Coast - HITS Hudson Valley Dressage August I/II, August 14-16 - Saugerties, NY

For more information on the Youth Partnership Program or other programs available through USDF, visit the USDF website or contact education@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.