Youth dressage

Youth dressage refers to dressage training and competition specifically aimed at riders under the age of 25. There are a host of options available for youth dressage riders via British Dressage (BD), with training and competitions opportunities available at various levels via BD Youth.

The BD Youth Performance Pathway for youth dressage riders is split into three segments: nurture, develop and perform.

Regional training days are open to riders from six all the way up to 25, and the best way to unlock opportunities to go further is to be assessed and allocated to the BD Youth regional squad.

Squad competitions involve special rider skill tests, which are used to monitor progress and help riders move through the squads. These tests involve traditional dressage movements, but riders are judged on their skills, position and influence on the horse, offering a more even playing field.

There are six squads open to youth dressage riders within British Dressage:

D – for riders up to the end of the year of their 11th birthday

C – for riders up the end of the year of their 14th birthday

C+ – rider skills tests similar to prelim/novice level

B – rider skills tests similar to novice/elementary

B+ – rider skills tests similar to elementary/medium

A – rider skills tests similar to medium or specific young horse tests for horses aged five or six

Squadded riders have the chance to compete for their region at events such as the youth inter-regionals, home international and under-25 championships.

International youth dressage

Some youth dressage riders go on to compete internationally for Britain, with a chance to be selected for the British team at the annual youth European Championships that take place in each section.

The FEI youth dressage divisions are:

Children-on-horses/under-14s

From the beginning of the calendar year of riders’ 12th birthday to the end of the calendar year of their 14th birthday. Ponies or horses are eligible for CDI competitions but must be six-years-old or over. For FEI championship events, riders must be on horses only.

Ponies/under-16s

From the beginning of the calendar year of riders’ 12th birthday to the end of the calendar year of their 16th birthday. Ponies must be 14.2hh or under and five years old or over. For FEI competitions ponies must be six and over. 

Juniors/under-18s

From the beginning of the calendar year of riders’ 14th birthday to the end of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, riding horses only. Horses must be five or over. For FEI competitions horses must be six and over.

Young riders/under-21s

From the beginning of the calendar year of riders’ 16th birthday to the end of the calendar year of their 21st birthday. Young riders must ride horses who are six and over for national competitions and over seven for FEI competitions.

Under-25s 

This category is for riders up to the age of 25. Horses must be a minimum of eight years old for FEI competitions. The tests are inter II, under-25 grand prix and grand prix freestyle.