Lexington, KY – As part of the continuing efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the third annual Youth Sportsman’s Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. These candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization by serving as a role model for their peers and through the promotion of the horse.

The program’s goal is designed to develop youths to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This program provides an opportunity for the USEF to give back to the outstanding youth members and recognize them for their achievements. The establishment of this program is far reaching and will benefit competitions, members, recognized associations and the USEF, as well as the applicants.

The award is named after the Sportsman’s Charter which is the motto of the USEF and is featured in the front of the USEF Rule Book. Last year’s presentation of the overall winner took place at the Youth Council banquet at the USEF Annual Meeting in January, 2008. The winner was Kirstin Kimbler, who was nominated by two organizations, the American Endurance Ride Conference and the Arabian Horse Association. She received a career opportunity workshop at the USEF national office, a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship to be paid to the educational program of her choice and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. As the winner of the Youth Sportsman’s Award, Kirstin also had the opportunity to be nominated and selected as the winner of the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, which was presented at the Pegasus Awards during the USEF Annual Meeting.

Recognized associations assist with the administration of the selection process, including selecting a nominee from each USEF district, region or zone. From that list, a national nominee is chosen. Each national nominee receives a certificate of honor, lapel pin and exclusively designed hat from the USEF. The national recognized nominees will be submitted to the USEF National Affiliates Working Group as well as nominated for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.

To be considered for the award, the following criteria must be met:
• Active membership in good standing with the USEF and a recognized national affiliate
• At the time of application, the youth must be age 17 or under
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of the horse
• Serve as a positive role model for peers
• Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional or national events
• Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles

Nominations open May 1, 2008 and are due into the USEF offices by October 31, 2008 from the recognized affiliates. A sub-committee of the National Affiliates Working Group will review the resumes during their November meeting and a final selection will be made by November 10, 2008. The award will be presented at the USEF Annual Meeting in January, 2009.

As one of the benefits of being selected, each recognized national affiliate winner will be granted a five-day expenses paid workshop at the USEF national headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. This experience will provide a window of learning within the equine industry to the youths plus they will have the opportunity become familiar with the USEF and its various departments. The youth will have the opportunity to meet the USEF staff in each department; learn about a wide range of opportunities within the horse industry and meet many professionals in the equine business. They will also have an opportunity to meet both national and international level riders and drivers. The youth will have an opportunity to see the sights of Lexington and visit area horse farms.

The career workshop program will take place June 22-26, 2008 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. Nominations open May 1, 2008 and are due into the USEF offices by October 31, 2008 from the recognized affiliates. A sub-committee of the National Affiliates Working Group will review the resumes during their November meeting and a final selection will be made by November 10, 2008. The award will be presented at the USEF Annual Meeting in January, 2009.