Arabian
USEF Program for Youth Reiners
By Priscilla Dance
Feb 24, 2009, 09:57

Kelley Smith

In 2006, the USEF approved a new program for young reiners – the USEF Youth Reining Championship. The program is open to Youth Riders in three age groups: 13 and under, 14-18, and 19-21. Throughout the year, shows may apply to the USEF and hold special qualifying classes. This is NOT an equitation or horsemanship based competition. The classes will be run according to NRHA/USEF reining rules and patterns except: stallions may not be ridden; riders need not own their horse; riders may only show one horse per class; riders may show more than one horse through the qualifying period (points will apply to the rider); competitors must be members of USEF in order to participate; and horses must have a USEF I.D. number. The qualifying period ends 45 days prior to the competition. This year, the USEF will hold the Championship competition at the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City in June.

Alex Mitten

At the Championship there will be separate classes per age division. USEF will award a custom-made saddle to the winners. Arizona already has seven riders with qualifying rides: 13 and under, Victoria Roe, Amara Spizziri, and Brook Yearin; 14-18, Avery Lincoln, Kelley Smith, Alex Mitten, and Mackenzie Loving.

Both Alex Mitten and Brook Yearin are students of Jessica Bein. Mitten has been riding since she was five, starting with walk/trot. She started reining when she was 10.

“It’s not just a boring sit there and go,” she said. “You run fast and stop. It’s thrilling and exciting. The Championship gives something for the Youth Riders to aim for.” She hopes to save enough to go compete in Oklahoma in June.

Victoria Roe

Yearin rode a qualifying round on Bein’s Destiny, a Half Arabian, at the Saguaro Classic. She started riding at five but, only nine, she’s just been reining for a couple of months. She’s excited about the Championship.

“It’s cool to let kids have their own program,” she said.

The next qualifying class in Arizona will be at the Smartpak Equine AzRHA Affiliate Show #1 held at WestWorld February 27-28. Any questions about this program should be directed to the USEF and Courtney Barnet 859-225-6919 or cbarnett@usef.org.



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