region 9
youth opportunities

USDF Quick Links

• USDF Homepage: https://www.usdf.org
• Competition Calendar: https://www.usdf.org/calendar/competitions.asp
• NAYC / FEI Youth Info: https://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp
• Awards & Rider Programs: https://www.usdf.org/awards/
• Region 9 Page + GMO Directory: https://www.usdfregion9.org/gmo-list/
  (Your local GMO is your community hub for shows, education, and volunteering.)

Youth Opportunities at the 2026 USDF Convention

The 2026 USDF Convention will be held December 2–5 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Youth riders can attend educational sessions, meet other young riders from across the country, participate in youth‑focused activities, and learn more about national programs and pathways.

Convention details and registration will be available on the USDF website under the Annual Convention section.

Additional Youth Programs

• Dressage4Kids (Lendon Gray): TEAM clinics, national programs, scholarships, and youth education
  https://dressage4kids.org/
• The Dressage Foundation: grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities for riders, instructors, and youth
  https://www.dressagefoundation.org/
• US Pony Club: a national youth organization where riders progress through mounted and unmounted levels, building horsemanship, leadership, teamwork, and life skills
  https://www.ponyclub.org/

2026 Youth Dressage National Championship Dates

• North American Youth Championships (NAYC)
  July 28–August 2, 2026 — Traverse City, Michigan
  For qualified riders ages 12+ competing Second Level and above.
  Nomination Fee: $75 until March 9, then $150

• USEF Festival of Champions
  August 24–30, 2026 — Wayne, Illinois
  For invited riders who qualify through nomination or by winning semi‑final equitation divisions at their Regional Championships.
  Nomination Fee: $75 until May 14, then $150

• USDF National Finals
  October 30–November 2, 2026 — Wilmington, Ohio
  Riders qualify through Regional Championships.
  Region 9 Championships: October 1–4, 2026 — Katy, Texas

2026 Region 9 Summer Meeting – San Antonio, TX

The Region 9 Summer Meeting will be held July 17–19, 2026 on the San Antonio River Walk.

2026 Region 9 T‑Shirt Design Contest

• Submit your design by July 15
• Email entries to Bess Bruton: bessbruton@g majademers@yahoo.com mail.com
• Past designs can be viewed in the R9 History Section of the 2026 Region 9 Omnibus, available online at https://www.usdfregion9.org/

Region 9 Omnibus Information

• The 2027 Region 9 Omnibus, including the new dressage tests, will be for sale at the 2026 Region 9 Championships in Katy, Texas (at the entrance to the main arena).
• Pre‑sale copies will also be available online at https://www.usdfregion9.org/

The Omnibus includes show listings, rules, resources, and Region 9 history—an essential guide for all riders and families.

Battle of the Barn Baskets

Region 9’s annual Battle of the Barn Baskets returns at the 2026 Championships!
Barns create themed baskets for display and raffle, raising funds for Region 9 Youth Programs. Start brainstorming your theme now—creativity is encouraged!

For other R9 Youth fundraising opportunities, please contact Marsha Lewis.  Donations to our R9 Youth are also welcome and very much appreciated. 

Clinics Coming Soon

More information will be released soon about:

• The 2026 FEI Youth Clinic will be held November 14-15, 2026, with Lilo Fore at Paragon Farms in Conroe, Texas. Go to https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/index.asp for information and the application that will be posted towards the summer.
• D4K TEAM Clinic May 16-17, 2026, at Twinwood Equestrian Center, Fulshear, Texas. Go to https://dressage4kids.org/programs/team-program.html for more information.
• D4K TEAM Clinic October 24-25, 2026 with Maria Lithander at KAllie Beckers Dressage, Folsom, Lousiana. Go to https://dressage4kids.org/programs/team-program.html for more information.
• D4K TEAM Clinic November 7-8, 2026, with Maria Lithander at Cadence Ranch in Hutto, Texas Go to https://dressage4kids.org/programs/team-program.html for more information.
• The Region 9 USDF Youth Outreach Clinic.  Currently confirming dates and instructors.

Watch the Region 9 website and social media for dates, locations, and application details.

Get Involved

Not ready to show yet? Volunteer!
Your local GMO always needs scribes, runners, ring stewards, gate stewards, and setup help. Volunteering is the best way to learn, meet people, and become part of the Region 9 community.

Stay Connected

Follow Region 9 Youth on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/USDFRegion9JRYR

If you’re aiming for NAYC, Festival, Finals, Regional Championships—or just getting started—reach out anytime.

****************************

Marsha Lewis, R9 Youth/Jr/Yr Coordinator 

majademers@yahoo.com

USDF Book Club

The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce the launch of the new USDF Book Club. This exciting program is the newest in a long list of education initiatives and opportunities created and offered by USDF. By participating in the USDF Book Club, members will be introduced to the published works of the industry’s top authors and professionals, and engage them in firsthand discussions through webinars and on The Dressage Radio Show podcast.

2025 Book List

Build a Better Athlete by Leslie Webb – January through March
Collective Remarks by Anne Gribbons – April through June
33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by Jec Ballou – July through September
Begin and Begin Again by Denny Emerson – October through December

Dressage Radio Show Podcast