The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF) is asking members to join in its mission to promote interest and participation in saddle seat equitation by making a contribution to the 2017 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders Teams.

USEF formed the U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider program for the purpose of developing riders for future U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Teams. The Saddle Seat World Cup is a bi-annual competition originating in early 1980s as an informal exchange of Saddle Seat riders. In years that the Saddle Seat World Cup Competition is not held, members of the Young Riders Teams are eligible to represent the United States in International Saddle Seat competitions, whether at home or abroad.

In 2017, USEF will field two teams of 12 athletes (six for the three-and five gaited sections, respectively) and three coaches for each to represent the United States in the U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational/Test Event to be held April 3-6 in Perry, Georgia. These individuals are riders of Arabian, Morgan, and American Saddlebred horses in the Saddle Seat discipline.

2017 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders Stripes Team

Frannie Gefke Emily Hopp
Raven Gropp Matt Huke
Jacquelyn King Anne Pateman
Joseph Plunkett Holly Sarette
Nicole Rodriguez Lindsay Slemmons
Victoria Walz Jade Woods

2017 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders Stars Team

Grace Allison Cecelia Bolka
Michael Arquilla Ainsley Budzinski
Lora Becker Madison Kobylski
Ellie Grosspietsch Olivia Schumacher
Audra Lee Téa Snider
Hallie Ricci Madeleine Wood

"Your generous support not only ensures the continued success of the Young Riders Teams, but helps to put saddle seat equitation in the spotlight," Lori Nelson, Senior Director of National Affiliate, Competition and Alliance Partner Relationships wrote in an email to USEF members. 

To learn more about tax deductible donation opportunities, simply visit www.usasaddleseatworldcup.org, or visit https://www.usef.org/donations/national to make an online contribution. For additional information, please contact Erin DesNoyers, by phone at (859) 225-6977 or via email at edesnoyers@usef.org.