INTRODUCTION & HISTORY | THE CAMPAIGN | SHOW JUMPING DEVELOPING YR PROGRAM
MAP OF COMPETITIONS | F.A.Q | CAMPAIGN VIDEO | NEWS
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The United States Show Jumping teams have earned great success internationally over the years, having achieved competitive excellence as shown by winning 16 Olympic Games and 10 World Championship medals. We are proud of this record, however recognize for the United States to remain competitive and stay consistently at the highest level of equestrian sport, we must give our talented developing and young riders the international experiences that are critical to their training and preparation to become a seasoned member of our United States Equestrian Teams, capable of winning medals in Olympic and World Championship competition. Although this country has many talented young riders who have been successful in national competition, most have not been exposed to, nor have had the opportunity to hone their skills in the international arena as a member of a “team”. The atmosphere of European competition is dramatically different from the environment and the rider’s competitive experiences in the United States. Everything from the crowds, stadiums, technical and substantial grand prix courses, as well as the depth of talent in the European ranks, makes this an entirely new competitive experience. Part of this strategic plan is to make sure that we are not only supporting our elite teams, but to ensure that we are expanding the Developing/ Young Rider programs to give our rising stars the chance to gain confi dence and invaluable experience as a member of a “team” and to prepare the next generation of representatives for the United States Equestrian Teams. U.S. Show Jumping Coach George H. Morris
As the coach for the United States High Performance Show Jumping Teams, I am committed to putting a plan in place that will allow our teams to win at the highest levels in the sport. A critical part of this plan is providing a program for our talented young riders to ensure the United States’ long term success internationally. We cannot prepare our Developing/Young Riders at home; they must be part of the international community. We must give them the experiences and challenges that will prepare them for the rigors of Nations’ Cup competition on a championship level. Riders proving themselves on these tours will identify themselves and be recognized by selectors and the international community as the future of the United States Equestrian Team.”
“The Tour in Europe was a major influence on my riding – the level of competition, the number of riders and just the general feeling of the sport over there.” Without providing these opportunities and experiences, our riders will simply not be ready to face the challenges presented to them when asked to ride on a United States Equestrian Team in major international championships. The United States must increase the depth and pool of riders who are prepared and ready to ride on elite teams. The number of major international show jumping competitions each year makes it impossible to rely on a handful of horses and riders to carry the responsibility of keeping the United States at the top of the sport.
“I learned how to handle pressure from riding in the Nations’ Cups. You just can’t get that experience at home!” In an effort to bridge the gap between national junior and young rider competition to the elite international ranks, the United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping High Performance program has established the Developing/Young Rider program, provided sufficient resources can be raised through the USET Foundation’s Campaign to Achieve Competitive Excellence. This program funds a European Tour consisting of 4-5 riders, representing the United States in CSI and CSIO competitions (official team competition) against teams from around the world. The U.S. Team will be accompanied by a Chef d’Equipe and team veterinarian.  Katherine Miracle “This experience has made me grow, not only into a stronger rider, but also into a stronger person. The knowledge I have gained from this Tour is irreplaceable, as there is nothing that compares to being part of a U.S. team.”
“Being part of this Tour was one of the highlights of my career. It was so important for me to be showing in Europe, and to be showing against some of the best riders in the world. I’ve never been more sure about my future in this sport, and also of the amazing potential of the next generation of U.S. riders.”  Sarah Segal “It was such a privilege to represent the United States as a member of the Developing/Young Rider Tour. Not only did I experience the thrill and pressure of competing as a member of the US team in Nations’ Cups, but also the challenge of preparing my horse for competitions while traveling throughout Europe with the team. It was diffi cult to care for my horse in a strange country and to compete away from the comfort of familiar shows. It would not have been possible for me to participate in the tour without the support of the USET Foundation.” The USET Foundation, through its Campaign to Achieve Competitive Excellence, is fundraising with a goal of securing $1.5 million. We are seeking commitments of $25,000 and higher to be paid over four years to ensure the continuation of the Developing/Young Rider program in the Show Jumping High Performance Plan and budget of the United States Equestrian Federation. Melanie Smith Taylor “I believe the experiences of international competition benefi t riders in ways in which they are unaware until months or even years later...by building confidence, expanding horizons and instilling that wonderful and inescapable feeling of teamwork. Competition at this high level encourages young people to embrace a fighting spirit not only for themselves but for their fellow teammates... which in turn builds character and changes one’s perspective about riding for your country... with the ultimate honor of representing the United States of America...”
George H. Morris - “The Developing/Young Rider program is
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“My motto is Participation, Preparation and Selection." 
Georgina Bloomberg 
