Source: USEF

Lexington, KY - The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program is officially underway for the 2011-2012 school year! Students are encouraged to sign up now to count their summer practice and competition hours toward their goal of lettering as a USEF High School Equestrian Athlete.

The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program is open to equestrian athletes involved in all breeds and disciplines who are enrolled in grades 9-12. The program honors participants who document their equestrian training and competitions with a varsity letterman patch, year pin and certificate commemorating their achievement. Grants also will be offered for students who complete the program and meet additional requirements.

"This is becoming the new standard of achievement among young equestrian athletes," explains Lori Rawls, executive director at USEF. "We have athletes who are thrilled to earn their first letter because their high schools don't recognize equestrian as a competitive sport. We also have athletes who have already earned letters through their school's equestrian program, but realize this is a symbol of achievement within the national equestrian community. Either way, this is a perfect fit."

Annual program registration and USEF membership are required to participate. In addition, retroactive applications are available to high school students who are interested in earning their letters for previous school years. The program - now in its third year - is tracking more than 3,200 students who have earned, or are in the process of earning, their letters and pins.

For more information, or to enroll, visit the USEF website here. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more.

If you have additional questions about the program or need help signing up, contact Mary Vance at mvance@usef.org or Terra Schroeder at tschroeder@usef.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.