Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation® announces the formation of the USEF Youth Council, designed to encourage and support existing affiliate youth programs. The goal will be to create the most varied board possible with members from each and every USEF national affiliate.

This first-ever council will be made up of youth members, 21 years of age and under, and they must be active in their affiliate’s youth club, organization or young rider program. Applicants should also have governance experience, which includes any leadership role in a youth organization. Terms will be for two years.

The Youth Council’s vision is to provide strong and creative youth leadership for all equestrian sport in the United States, which is inclusive of all USEF-recognized breeds and disciplines. The Youth Council will develop programs with the affiliates that will expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership of equestrian sport in the U.S.

The Youth Council’s mission is to create a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of the horse and rider, regardless of the horse’s value or competition level. It will be charged with advancing the level of horsemanship across all disciplines throughout the U.S. and with generating interest between competitors and enthusiasts from all USEF breeds and disciplines.

The goal is to compile the Youth Council and seat all members by October 1, 2006. The first official meeting will take place at the USEF Annual Convention in January, 2007. In 2008, the first USEF Youth Conference will be held.