Lexington, KY – Some of the most talented young horses from across the country have come to the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the 2008 Markel/United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Young Horse Dressage Championship presented by Collecting Gaits Farm along with the USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship sponsored by the Dutta Corporation and Performance Sales International. The show kicks off on Friday, September 12, and runs through Sunday.

With the Young Horse Dressage program, the focus is to promote the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses throughout the country while encouraging riders, trainers and breeders of young horses in dressage competition. The purpose of this program is to identify and recognize horses that have the potential to compete at international competitions (FEI level). The Young Horse championship will award the top horses in three age divisions—four-, five- and six-year-olds.

In addition, the 2008 USEF National Developing Horse Dressage championship will be held concurrently with the Young Horse Dressage Championship. This championship was successfully introduced in 2007 to recognize up-and-coming dressage horses and riders. This championship helps to provide a step between the young horse ranks and the high-performance at the Prix St. Georges/Intermediaire I level.

Both championships continue to grow in stature by drawing international riders while showcasing the top young horses in both of the invitation-only championships.