Findlay, Ohio – November 1, 2026 – The Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) is excited to announce a major milestone in the organization’s continued growth with the launch of its new YEDA Hunt Seat Division, expanding educational and competitive opportunities for student equestrians across the country.
For years, YEDA has been asking young equestrians one simple question: “Can You Catch a Ride?”
Now, we’re taking that question to an entirely new level!
With the addition of Hunt Seat competition, YEDA is opening the door for even more young riders to experience the excitement of team competition, the challenge of catch riding, and the educational opportunities that have become the foundation of the YEDA experience.
Since its founding, YEDA has been committed to providing affordable, accessible, and educational equestrian competition experiences that emphasize horsemanship, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth. The addition of the Hunt Seat Division represents a significant milestone in that mission, opening the organization to a broader community of riders while preserving the values and competition model that have made YEDA successful.
Bringing the YEDA Experience to Hunt Seat Riders
The new Hunt Seat Division will offer opportunities for riders in elementary, junior high, and high school divisions to compete in a catch-riding format that emphasizes rider skill, adaptability, and horsemanship. Classes will include both flat and over-fences competition, providing a progressive pathway for riders of varying experience levels.
At the heart of YEDA’s philosophy is the belief that great riders are developed through education, opportunity, and experience—not simply through owning an expensive show horse.
The catch-riding format challenges students to demonstrate their abilities aboard unfamiliar horses, rewarding preparation, adaptability, and true horsemanship. It’s a concept that has helped YEDA’s Western program grow, and one we are excited to bring to the Hunt Seat community.
We are thrilled to present the YEDA Hunt Seat discipline in collaboration with Jenna Kingery, Nicole Archer, and Lacie Yeager. Their goal is to create an inclusive environment where riders can learn, grow, and compete while developing skills and confidence that extend far beyond the show ring. This expansion allows even more students to experience the educational and personal benefits that YEDA provides.
Building on a Proven Foundation
The Hunt Seat Division will be developed in partnership with existing YEDA leadership and will utilize the proven framework that has supported YEDA’s Western program for years.
Members can expect a strong emphasis on equine education, rider development, good sportsmanship, and team camaraderie.
Key features of the YEDA Hunt Seat Division include:
- Opportunities for riders from elementary school through high school levels
- Flat and over-fences competition divisions
- Catch-riding format designed to emphasize equitation and adaptability
- Team and individual competition opportunities
- Educational resources and leadership development
- A welcoming environment for riders of all backgrounds and experience levels
More Than a Horse Show—A Pathway for the Future
YEDA has always been about more than ribbons and awards. It’s about creating opportunities for young equestrians to build confidence, develop leadership skills, make lifelong friendships, and prepare for the next chapter of their equestrian journey.
The addition of Hunt Seat is an exciting step forward in that commitment.
By expanding into another discipline, YEDA can introduce its educational philosophy and unique competition model to an even larger audience of students, coaches, barns, and families across the country.
And while the discipline may be new to YEDA, the mission remains the same: provide opportunities for young people to grow through horses, regardless of whether they own one.
The Next Chapter Starts Now!
The launch of the Hunt Seat Division marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for YEDA and reflects the organization’s continued commitment to growing youth equestrian opportunities nationwide.
Additional information regarding membership, competitions, rules, and upcoming events will be announced in the coming months.
We invite Hunt Seat coaches, trainers, students, and families to join us as we build this exciting new program and continue expanding opportunities for the next generation of equestrians.
For our Western riders, the journey continues. For our new Hunt Seat riders, the journey is just beginning.
Two Disciplines. One Mission. Endless Opportunities.
YEDA — CAN YOU CATCH A RIDE?
