Lexington, KY - The search is underway for nominees for the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Now in its fifth year, the award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, and who demonstrate commitment to the USEF, a USEF Recognized Affiliated Association or International Discipline Affiliated Association and to equestrian sport. One exemplary equestrian will be chosen from the candidates to receive a USEF Life Membership and scholarship, with a combined value of $3,500.

Applications are available online at www.usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/sportsmansAward.aspx or through any USEF Recognized Affiliated Association. Required materials are to be submitted directly to the applicant's respective USEF Recognized Affiliated Association and received by the respective USEF Recognized Affiliated Association office on or before October 1, 2010. Each USEF Recognized Affiliated Association will select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.

All National Winners will be recognized during the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY. They will also be invited to be the USEF's guest at a special career workshop, which provides hands-on opportunities to learn about careers within the equine industry, as they meet and connect with industry professionals, visit area horse farms and operations and tour equine businesses. Meals and accommodations will be provided for all who are invited to participate.

In addition to this invaluable career workshop experience, the overall winner of the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award will receive a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship payable to the educational program of choice and a USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500. The winner will also be considered as a nominee for the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.

To be considered for the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, applicants must:

• Have a current membership in good standing with the USEF;
• Have a current membership in good standing with a USEF Recognized Affiliated Association or International Discipline Affiliated Association;
(For affiliate contacts, visit: www.usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/sportsmansAward.aspx);
• Be 17 years of age or under, as of December 1, 2009;
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport
• Serve as a positive role model for peers;
• Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional or national events; and
• Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

To read more about Maxi Gumprecht, honored with the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, as well as the 2009 National Winners, visit:
http://usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=5140&star=true.

For more information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, via e-mail at [email protected] or call (859) 225-6955.

ENDS