February 8, 2023 
Youth athletes, take note.
Applications for dressage and jumping athletes are now being accepted for the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), taking place in Traverse City, Michigan August 8–13, 2023.
Who can apply?
NAYC is open to jumping athletes FEI ages 12–21 and dressage athletes FEI ages 14–25. But be sure to check out the competition requirements for your age group. (**cough** the minimum show jumping height for juniors/young riders is 1.40m/1.45m; U-25 dressage riders need two scores in the current edition of the FEI Grand Prix 16–25 Test and the FEI Intermediate II Test, respectively).
I qualify. What’s in it for me?
Plenty! Especially if you’re hoping for an international career in the sport. The North American Youth Championships allow prospective, future U.S. team athletes to earn valuable experience in an FEI competition environment. And, according to organizers, when it comes to the selection process, this is a big-time steppingstone for those who aspire to someday represent the U.S. on the international stage.
How to apply: Dressage
NAYC dressage offers categories for juniors, young riders, and—new for 2023—U25. The application for juniors and young riders is available on the United States Dressage Federation website and is open now through May 9, 2023.
The application for U25 riders will be available on the USEF website no later than March 1, 2023.
Keep in mind:
| • | Applications and fees submitted online on or prior to March 14, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET, will be charged $50 per application. |
| • | Applications and fees submitted online between March 15, 2023, and April 25, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET, will be charged $100 per application. |
| • | Applications and fees submitted online between April 26, 2023, and May 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET, will be charged an application fee of $300 per application. |
| • | No applications will be accepted after May 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| • | June 19, 2023 – end of qualifying period. |
For more information, including selection procedures and the qualifying calendar, click here.
How to apply: Jumping
NAYC jumping offers categories for children, pre-juniors, juniors, and young riders. The application is available through the USEF Athlete Dashboard at athletes.usef.org. The deadline for applications is June 19, 2023 (except for Zone 10 young rider, junior, and pre-junior).
Keep in mind…
| • | June 19, 2023 – application deadline and end of qualifying period* |
| • | June 26, 2023 – last day to earn and submit Certificates of Capability* |
For more information on the NAYC for jumping, including selection procedures and current standings, click here.
