Lexington, KY (May 22, 2026) – The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) and Dressage4Kids™ (D4K) are pleased to partner to establish the new USDF/Dressage4Kids U-13 Regional Merit Awards. These awards, presented at each of the nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships, will recognize the highest and second highest placing juniors, aged 13 and under, in the Training and First Level Junior/Young Rider Championship classes, for four awards total per region. 

“We welcome every opportunity to better highlight the outstanding work of our junior riders, especially those who have worked so hard to qualify for the regional championships. With D4K’s mission, long-standing dedication to the sport, and support for these new awards, partnering with them was a natural fit,” enthused USDF President Kevin Reinig. 

Lendon Gray, Olympian, USDF Hall of Famer, and Dressage4Kids founder agreed, “We want to support the efforts of our youngest competitors and are delighted to recognize the hard work that these kids, and their wonderful instructors and parents, have done to get to their regional championships. We know they’ll be role models for others who are working for similar goals.” 

For over 25 years, Dressage4Kids has been committed to building a strong and sustainable future for the sport. Its mission remains the same today as it has always been, to encourage riders under 25 to become true horsemen; to offer scholarships; to develop good sportsmanship; to support programs for adults who in turn educate youth, and to have fun! For more information on Dressage4Kids and their other programs and opportunities, visit www.dressage4kids.org. 

For more information on the USDF/Dressage4Kids U-13 Regional Merit Awards, Great American/USDF Regional Championships, or other USDF youth opportunities and offerings, please visit www.usdf.org or contact regchamps@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.