FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact any of our Founders through the contact us page or check out our rulebook Here

• Who chooses and hire the judges for each show?
  • For the YEDA hosted shows the Board of Directors will be hiring all show personal including judges. However, the board is definitely interested in hearing suggestions from all coaches. We are planning on rulebook distribution in early July; there will be a section regarding eligible judges to help establish baselines for selection.
  • For other teams who choose to host a show, they will be responsible for hiring all show personnel including judges.

• Will riders be showing in patterned or rail horsemanship classes? Reining? Any other classes offered?
  • All riders will have the choice to compete in Rail Horsemanship, Pattern Horsemanship, or both.
  • Diamond (highest level) riders will have the choice to do pattern and rail horsemanship, reining or both.  
  • Sapphire (second highest level in high school and highest in middle school) riders will have the choice between a pattern and rail horsemanship class, Ranch Riding, or both. 
  • EWD and Alumni Riders will show in a pattern and rail class. They will just have one class to choose from.
  • Additionally offered is a special Diamond Elite class, where high-ranking Diamond riders will have the opportunity to go head to head with other likewise ranked competitors in a format similar to NCEA.

• Which state is used to determine where a rider comes from? Their home address or team location?
  • Riders can join any team they chose it can be their local team or it can be a team from another state. When it comes to which state the rider is from for the Invitational Show the rider’s address will be used to determine the rider’s location.
• I see YEDA riding apparel in the banner picture, is that going to be for showing?
  • Yes! We decided it was a way to level the playing field if all competitors were dressed in the same attire. Click HERE for more information about show apparel. 
  • There is also YEDA gear and apparel that is for sale on the website and at the shows that is not for showing but to show your YEDA support.
• Will the teams bring horses and do a draw similar to the collegiate competitions?
  • Yes, teams need to bring 1 horse for every 6 rides. If a team can not provide horses there is a rental option but it has a cost.

• Are there a minimum number of riders required on a team? Any other team requirements?
  • We require that every individual competitor be on a team, but teams only need a minimum of 3 riders. We are also offering a referral system to help individual riders find teams in their area.

• What costs can be anticipated for each team as well as each individual?
  • Individual membership is $50. Riders need to purchase a $10 back number annually. Riders also need to have an official YEDA Show Shirt the price of these shirts range from $90-105. 
  • Team membership is $125 for a single team, $175 for two teams (EX Sr. High and Jr. High). If a team only consists of EWD, Alumni and/or Elementary riders then the cost is $100.
  • We are trying to keep the cost as reasonable as possible, while still providing the best experience and opportunities as we can!

• Will competitors be required to dress alike then, as in no chaps or fancy shirts?
  • Chaps are optional, as with most competitions, however, YEDA will require riders to all compete in an official YEDA competition shirt. We decided it was a way to level the playing field if all competitors were dressed in the same attire.

• How many shows do you have to show at to qualify?
  • Riders can only show to 12 judges per season, even though there are many more than 12 offered. Riders top 6 highest scored judges will count toward their National Championship Event qualification
  • R30.05 Riders become eligible for YEDA National Invitational Events by competing in a minimum of 2 shows throughout the season.
• Can individuals show in all regular season shows, or are they limited to 6?
  • Individuals can show in up to 10 shows during the season, but only the top six shows will count toward their qualifying. That way if a rider has a bad day, it won’t count against them!

• How does the point system work?
  • Each class will award points as 6-5-4-3-2-1 for places 1-6, as long as there are six or more riders in the class. First place will never receive more points that the total number of participants in the class (Example: There are 3 riders in class, 1st place = 3pts, 2nd = 2pts, ETC) then individual’s top 6 scoring shows over the course of the season will be used to determine the eligibility for the National Championship event. Additionally, all ties for qualifying spots will be invited to compete at the National Championship Event. With the exception of our National Championship Event there will not be double judged shows. So, over the 10 regular season shows, the top six shows per individual will be used to determine national championship qualifying. (AKA each kid get to drop their 4 lowest placing shows, if they competed at all 10 events)

• How does YEDA determine the level the riders compete at?
  • YEDA has a level determination sheet that you and her coach will need to fill out at the beginning of each year. Levels are based on experience level, amount of lessons and showing. However, our ranking system may be different than other associations
    
• What are the ages that a rider can compete in EWD classes? 
  • • Riders who are eligible for EWD classes can start to show when they are 10 years old. There is no limit to how long they can show, so the rider who is in the EWD classes can be adults who have completed school and are over 18. There is no limit to the number of years an EWD can participate. 
    • EWD Riders are eligible for the SIF program but only for 9 years. They can show longer but, after 9 years they are no longer eligible for the SIF program.