The world of competitive equestrianism, particularly dressage, faces a significant challenge: a declining number of young participants. While many sports offer clear pathways and encouraging milestones for children, dressage often presents a discouraging and complex landscape for newcomers. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend and proposes actionable solutions to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible environment for aspiring young riders.
Dressage, a discipline renowned for its precision and artistry, struggles to attract and retain young talent compared to other equestrian pursuits like hunt seat equitation, eventing, or even quarter horse competitions. The current system, often characterized by high barriers to entry and a lack of age-appropriate challenges, inadvertently alienates potential enthusiasts.
The Uphill Battle for Young Dressage Riders
Consider the typical journey of a child interested in horses. If introduced through hunt seat equitation, the path is often clearer: lessons, pony leases, and eventually, a competitive horse. This progression is supported by a framework of accessible competitions and milestones.
However, the dressage world presents a stark contrast. A non-horsey parent inquiring about lessons for their child might be met with a discouraging response if they don’t own a horse. Even for those who find a welcoming barn, the progression can be steep. A young rider, after years of diligent training on a lesson pony, might find themselves competing against seasoned young professionals on advanced horses in recognized shows. This disparity in experience and ability, even at introductory levels, can be disheartening. The realization that significant financial investment and specialized pony acquisition are often necessary to remain competitive can deter families who are not already deeply embedded in the sport.
“We need to cultivate a system that engages kids and families—and then supports them in reaching their goals.”
This lack of age-appropriate milestones and a supportive structure is a fundamental reason why dressage struggles to attract children. The current youth divisions can be overly challenging, making it difficult for trainers to build businesses around them and leading to disappointed children and parents.
Rebuilding the Pipeline: A Call for Change
The good news is that other equestrian organizations are successfully engaging youth. Disciplines like eventing, 4-H, Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), and various breed-specific associations offer active youth programs that tap into the vast pool of horse-loving children. Dressage can learn from these models to create a more robust and welcoming pipeline.
Here are ten proposed strategies to revitalize youth participation in dressage:
- Age-Appropriate Divisions at Lower Levels: Restructure youth classes at second level and below into clearer age brackets (e.g., 12 and under, 13-16, 17-21). This ensures more equitable competition and developmentally appropriate challenges.
- Redesign Dressage Seat Equitation: Introduce walk-trot equitation for introductory levels and walk-trot-canter equitation for training level. This approach rewards fundamental riding skills without prematurely demanding advanced movements like counter-canter.
- Incorporate Pony Divisions: Create separate divisions for small, medium, and large ponies, with appropriate level requirements and age limits. This mirrors successful models in other disciplines and fosters a market for suitable dressage ponies.
- Revive the USDF Regional Youth Team Challenge: Reinstating this team competition would provide a valuable platform for grassroots dressage riders to showcase their skills and build confidence.
- Appoint Regional Youth Advisors: Designate a youth development advisor in each USDF region to identify talent, mentor young riders and their trainers, and collaborate with show organizers to create more youth opportunities. This boots-on-the-ground approach is crucial given the vast size of the United States.
- Support Youth Trainers: Implement mentorship programs specifically for youth dressage instructors. Many dedicated trainers feel isolated and seek guidance to improve their skills in working with young riders.
- Offer a USDF Instructor Certification Badge: Recognize and support instructors who may not be elite competitors but are highly effective and passionate youth educators. Identifying and mentoring these individuals is vital for the sport’s future.
- Rebuild the USDF Youth Executive Board: Empowering teens with experience in governance, communication, and project management ensures that the sport evolves with the needs and perspectives of the next generation.
- Revamp FEI Youth Clinics: Expand these clinics to include dedicated time for one-on-one team consultations. This allows coaches and organizers to gather in-depth feedback from riders and their support teams, leading to more effective mentorship and problem-solving.
- Encourage Horsemanship: Integrate and reward fundamental horse management skills alongside riding instruction. This could include awards for best turnout, combined riding and handling challenges, and unmounted horsemanship seminars.
Conclusion: Making Room for the Future
The decline in youth participation in dressage is not due to a lack of interested children, but rather a systemic lack of accessibility and support. The sport has become unwelcoming and unforgiving to newcomers. By implementing these changes, dressage can transform from an intimidating uphill climb into an exciting and accessible journey. It’s time to make space for the next generation of dressage riders, ensuring the sport’s vibrant future.
Nicole DelGiorno is a USDF gold medalist, a board member of The Dressage Foundation and Dressage at Devon, and specializes in developing youth riders. Her passion for horses, fostered by the U.S. Pony Clubs, drives her commitment to proper care and handling.
