US Equestrian announced that the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC) will include a Children Championship for dressage athletes aged 12 through 14 for the first time in 2025.
Children at 2025 NAYC
Children are allowed to compete on ponies as well as horses and U.S. combinations must earn a minimum overall score of 62.000% on the final ranking list to qualify.
The qualifying period is consistent across all NAYC dressage divisions, and qualifying scores may only be earned within the qualifying period beginning July 23, 2024, and ending June 16, 2025, unless otherwise determined by February 1, 2025.
Postponed Launch
In 2024 US Equestrian already tried launching the Children division at the NAYC but it did not come to fruition.
Children classes found their way into U.S. competitions starting six years ago in 2017, but only in 2024 were plans made to include the division in the NAYC. Unfortunately, the time frame to launch the programme and attract sufficient competitors was too short.
After proposed rule changes discussed at the 2024 FEI General Assembly to include ponies in the division outside of Western Europe, there was enough ground for USEF to move forward with the Children's division at the 2025 NAYC.
The 2025 North American Youth Championship take place in Traverse City, Michigan, on 30 July - 4 August 2024.
Related Links
Proposed Rule Changes at 2024 FEI General Assembly Reveal Snaffle Debate, Favourable Draw, And WCF Judges Panel Reduced to Five
No Children Division at 2024 North American Youth Championships