2024 Show Season Junior/Young Rider Age Requirements

Per USEF DR119.3, age of a competitor is calculated as of the calendar year.  It is not based on the type of membership that a competitor has with USEF or USDF.

Beginning January 1, 2024, anyone born in 2002 will turn 22 and is considered an adult for the purpose of competing in a Dressage Competition.

USEF DR119.3 states the following:
For purposes of competition in the Dressage Division:

Individuals are eligible as Juniors until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 18.

Individuals are eligible as Young Riders from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 16 until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 21.
Competitors shall compete as Adults from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 22.  Individuals possessing current amateur certification are only eligible as Adult Amateurs from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach age 22.

USEF DR119.4 states the following:
For purposes of qualification for and participation in competitions conducted under FEI rules, age groups are as follows:

a. Young Riders: Same as in DR119.3;

b. Juniors: Individuals are eligible as Juniors from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 14 until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 18;

c. Pony Riders: Individuals are eligible as Pony Riders from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 12 until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 16;

d. Children: Individuals are eligible to participate in competitions and championships for Children from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 12 until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 14;

e. A person may compete as a U25 Rider from the beginning of the calendar year in which he reaches the age of sixteen (16) until the end of the calendar year in which he reaches the age of twenty five (25);

f. Seniors: Individuals are eligible as Seniors from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 18.