We would like to introduce you to the Alberta Horse Trials Association (AHTA) Young Riders Program. The primary focus of the Program is to develop riders up to the age of 21 years to compete at internationally sanctioned competitions open only to this age group. In North America this is known as the North American Young Rider Championship (NAYRC).
The NAYRC involves approximately 300 riders under the age of 21, coming from such countries as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, United States, Mexico, Canada, and others. It is sanctioned under FEI (International Equestrian Federation) regulations, and involves the disciplines of dressage, stadium (show) jumping and, of course, 3-day eventing.
The AHTA Board has approved a program to educate and develop young riders, preparing them to represent the AHTA and the Province of Alberta. The Young Riders (YR) program is open to those who have completed three events at Pretraining level and are committed to training towards the Young Rider International level.
For any given year, the Young Rider Committee organizes activities that will include a variety of clinics, lectures, schooling shows, plus the ever-popular YR Camp. There is always pre-season preparation and goal setting with a review of short and long term goals, including competition plans and fitness programs. Coaches and clinicians provide feedback to the individual riders.
For Young Riders declaring for the NAYRC the selection and approval process will be done through a Committee approved by the AHTA Board, which then reports to the Young Rider Chair.
Financial assistance, for travel costs and entry fees, is available to assist riders competing at the NAYRC or other 3-Day events that the committee may designate. There is no cost specifically to join the program, however you must be an AHTA member and there will be costs associated with the clinics and camp. However these will be subsidized by AHTA grants to the Young Rider Fund and from the YR fundraising efforts.
Members of the YR Program will be expected to communicate regularly with the Committee about such things as their winter training program, competition plans, and results. They will be required to participate in all fundraising activities. YR meetings are held throughout the year and it is expected that the members will attend. All subsidies will be determined based on program participation. Parental support is also essential, as all YR activities are organized by volunteers and it is assumed that parents will be able to provide assistance.
The Alberta Horse Trials Association Young Rider Program is continuously evolving, as the AHTA board members, and the YR Committee strive to encourage the next generation to participate in upper level competitions. Our goal is to encourage the youth of our sport with their future plans. This is a program that offers a goal-oriented approach while fostering a fun and friendly atmosphere. It may even provide a stepping-stone to a successful riding career.
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