Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Show Jumping Developing Rider Program is getting into full swing with several initiatives underway for the 2009 season. The Developing Rider Tour will return to Europe this summer and applications for the Tour are now being accepted. Applications can be found on the USEF website: http://www.usef.org/Contentpage2.aspx?id=hpjumping.

Applications are due March 20, 2009 and the horse/rider combinations for the tour will selected off of the Friday March 27, 2009 USEF Computer List as per the Selection Procedures for CSIO/CSI events.

The 2009 Developing Rider Tour will compete at CSI3* Linz-Ebelsberg (AUT), May 8-10, 2009; CSIO4* Linz-Ebelsberg (AUT), May 14-17, 2009; and the CSIO4* Lisbon (POR), May 28-31, 2009.

A Show Jumping Developing Young Rider Task Force has been appointed and is made up of the following members: Ronnie Beard, Chairman Emeritus; Karen Healey, Co-Chairman; Emil Spadone, Co-Chairman; Georgina Bloomberg, Ashlee Bond, Hillary Dobbs, Brianne Goutal, Charlie Jayne, Laura Kraut, Michael Morrissey, Sarah Segal, Will Simpson, Michelle Spadone and Andrew Welles.

The group is charged with strengthening the pipeline between emerging and top level riders. This Task Force will make recommendations to the Show Jumping High Performance Committee regarding the Developing Young Rider Program.

A Show Jumping Developing Young Rider Forum will be held during CSIO Wellington on Thursday, February 26. The Forum will take place immediately following the WEF Class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The Forum will be held at the White Horse Tavern and is open to all interested riders and trainers.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Lizzy Chesson, Director of Show Jumping High Performance Activities at [email protected].