Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) has announced the members of its first ever Youth Council, which is designed to develop programs that expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership of equestrian sport in the U.S., from the grassroots through the levels of horsemanship across all disciplines. Youth representing many of the Federation’s affiliates have accepted the challenge to provide their equestrian leadership and commitment to support and develop programs with their affiliates.

“This council is comprised of a very progressive and energetic group of individuals who will focus on the council’s mission and vision,” said Joyce Hamblin, USEF’s Director of National Affiliates. “I believe we will see great ideas and programs coming from this extraordinary group.”

In addition to developing new programs aimed at youth, the Council’s collective vision is to provide strong and creative leadership; promote the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship; and to become the best national equestrian Youth Council in the world.

“These young equestrian leaders have a clear-cut mission in front of them, and as standouts within each of their respective disciplines and breeds, they are certain to succeed in achieving their many objectives,” said John Long, USEF Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to helping them set up the Council and then getting out of the way.”

Both short- and long-term goals have been established for the Council, and the inaugural meeting is scheduled during the USEF Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 13, 2007, in Louisville, KY.

It is with great pleasure that the Federation announces these talented youths who will serve on the Youth Council representing their affiliate organizations:

American Connemara Pony Society – Courtney Yeager
American Endurance Ride Conference – Kristin Kimbler
American Hackney Horse Society – Michelle Herron
American Morgan Horse Association – Katherine Foy
American Road Horse & Pony Association – Jeb Boyd
American Saddlebred Horse Association – Will Harris
American Vaulting Association – Megan Benjamin
Arabian Horse Association – Monica Christian
International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association – Hayley Perkins
National Reining Horse Association – Ashley Fuchs
National Show Horse Registry – Alexis Scott
Paso Fino Horse Association – Christine Meyer
United Professional Horseman’s Association – Kelsey Herbert
United States Dressage Federation – Claire Darnell
United States Eventing Association – Matthew Fine
United States Hunter Jumper Association – J.P. Roukis
United States Pony Club – Meredith Baker
Welsh Pony & Cob Society – Tassie Munroe

For further information on the USEF Youth Council, contact Joyce Hamblin, Director of National Affiliates at [email protected] or call (859) 225-6939.

~~~For more information, please contact Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (859) 225-6941, or via e-mail at [email protected].