The 2025 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) continues with its second round of regional clinics starting June 29-30 in Aiken, South Carolina (East II) and Paso Robles, California (West I). This summer, five regional clinics across the U.S. will host 12 selected riders each for two-day intensive training led by certified EA21 coaches. The program aims to identify and develop young elite event riders aged 21 and under, focusing on improving horsemanship, riding skills, and consistency to build a pipeline for future team riders. Selection is competitive, based on performance, sportsmanship, horse welfare knowledge, and work ethic, with 60 riders chosen from over 160 applicants.
Each clinic includes dressage, show jumping, cross-country discussions, and horse management lessons, with costs covered by USEA except for travel and lodging. Following the regional clinics, a select group will attend the national camp in Ocala, Florida, in late December 2025, coached by EA21 Director David O’Connor. The program is supported by sponsors such as ARMA, Bates Saddles, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, and YETI, providing participants with custom merchandise and resources to enhance their development as emerging event riders.
