Our mission is to provide an equestrian riding program for youth students, via both instructional and experiential learning opportunities. To accomplish this we will engage in equestrian competitions, instructional clinics, networking events, and occasions for recruitment that includes but not limited to scholarship disbursements.
What is YEDA?
Youth Equestrian Development Association, Inc (YEDA) is a program that encourages the development of riders’ skills, emphasizes exposure to scholarship opportunities, and encourages making connections with college programs.
YEDA’s Core Values:
How is YEDA organized?
We have several levels of riding from Elementary (4th and 5th grades), Jr. High (6th through 8th grades), and Sr. High (9th through 12th grades). These levels will include a walk-trot category to develop beginner students. There are additional classes offered for Alumni members. The Alumni classes include class catefories for all levels of riders from walk trot to ranch riding. YEDA also has classes for Equestrians with Disabilities. There are two divisions, Amber (walk only) and Topaz (walk/jog). Each division will have an independent and an assisted class, riders can choose which division/class is best for them. All EWD classes have rail work and a pattern.
We include rail and pattern classes for all riders, and offer our Senior High Diamond riders the chance to compete in both reining and horsemanship. The Junior High, Senior High and Alumni Sapphire riders have the opportunity to compete in ranch riding and horsemanship. This format will develop youth riders to be “complete horseman”, moving through levels to give students the opportunity to ride a variety of classes and varying difficulties.
What about scholarships?
By working with a variety of sponsors, partnering with established professional organizations, and strategic investing, it is the fundamental intention of YEDA to provide members aspiring to continue their education with financial scholarships to help them reach their utmost potential in whatever career field they choose to pursue. As of the end of our third season in the spring of 2023 we awarded over $950,000 in scholarships.
When is the YEDA show season?
The YEDA show season runs from late summer through Spring, ending with the National Championship Weekend event traditionally held at the beginning of June at Tri-State Expo Center in McDonald, TN
What makes YEDA different from other team riding associations?
- All riders wear uniform oxford shirts.
- Coaches do not pick point riders.
- Beginner Walk-Trot division offered for all ages
- All divisions offer pattern classes.
- Ranch Riding classes are offered for Junior High, Senior High, and Alumni Sapphire Divisions.
- Teams are not required to host a show.
- National Qualifiers are based on the top 20% or top 10 riders per division from the whole season of points, not one ride and one draw at one qualifying show.
- Riders can show up to 12 judges, but their top 6 are accounted for as their qualifying points. This gives the rider the opportunity to drop their 6 lowest rides.
- State Invitational Show is offered for riders who do not qualify for nationals but are ranked highest in their state behind the qualifiers. 1st and 2nd from the state invitational move on to the National Championship Show.
More questions? Check out our page of Frequently Asked Questions
