The 2026 Ocala Horse Properties USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Symposium at HITS Ocala brought together top riders and experts to emphasize the careful development of young event horses. Five-star rider Lesley Grant-Law highlighted the importance of nurturing horses to be likable, valuable, and employable athletes. FEI judge Peter Gray focused on foundational flatwork techniques such as rhythm, relaxation, and suppling, likening bending exercises to “horse yoga” to build flexibility and confidence. Riders Jonathan Holling and Leslie Law demonstrated warm-up routines that prioritize relaxation and positive experiences for young horses, while Olympian Phillip Dutton and his daughter Olivia showcased jumping exercises that emphasize balance, rider position, and teaching horses to hold their jumps confidently.
The symposium also addressed evaluating young horses’ potential, with experts stressing the importance of in-person assessment and the “feel” of a horse beyond just physical appearance or video. The YEH program, established in 2004, aims to identify and develop talented young horses capable of competing at the highest eventing levels by encouraging proper training and breeding. Supported by numerous sponsors, the program offers breeders and owners a platform to showcase promising horses through dressage, jumping, and conformation evaluations, fostering the future of top-level eventing competition.
