The 2024-2025 Emerging Athletes Under 21 (EA21) National Camp held at Sweet Dixie South in Ocala, Florida, concluded with a focus on the final day bringing finishing touches to the athletes. Coaches discussed career paths in eventing and the need to diversify income sources to fund an FEI campaign. Athletes were tasked with setting and designing a show jumping course, with coaches providing guidance on course design and individualized warm-ups to simulate competition mindset.
The riders at the EA21 program found the week of information and training to be rewarding, with concepts finally clicking and turning theory into instinct. The program aims to identify and develop young talent in eventing, providing consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. Coaches emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and creating a trickle-down system of education within the equestrian community.
The EA21 program, launched in 2022, consists of regional clinics and a winter national camp for selected Young Riders. Athletes aged 21 and under, who are members of their USEA Young Rider Area program and established at the Training Level or higher, are eligible to apply. The program is sponsored by various organizations and aims to create a pipeline for potential team riders by improving horsemanship, riding skills, and consistency among young event riders.
