Young Horses

WHERE TOMORROW'S CHAMPIONS TAKE THEIR FIRST STEPS

The Goal across all Disciplines is to give young horses the best possible start in competition by focusing on correct training, confidence building, and long-term soundness rather than short-term results.

Recognition

UDJC is proud to be recognized by some of the most influential breeding organizations in the world.

Together, we are shaping a clear and sustainable pathway for young horse development from their very first steps as unbroken horses all the way into top-level sport. We believe that a thriving young horse scene is the backbone of the equestrian industry, and we are committed to providing the structure, opportunities, and education that ensure the next generation of horses and riders can reach their full potential.

Competing

UDJC also offers a dedicated year-end award system in partnership with these leading breeding organizations.

In addition, we host official inspections and special young horse classes at selected UDJC shows, giving breeders, owners, and riders the opportunity to showcase their horses in a professional and educational environment. Be sure to check the show schedule for details on upcoming inspections, award opportunities, and featured classes.

Young Dressage Horses

Young Dressage Horses (3–7 yo)

3-4 year olds at Level E (simple flat class ridden in a group)
4-6 year-olds at Level A
5-6 year-olds at Level L
6-7 year-olds at Level M

Movements and expectations match the horse’s age and stage of training. Judges evaluate quality of gaits, suppleness, balance, and potential. Scores reward relaxation, straightness, and willingness over extreme collection or expression.

Go To Tests

Young Jumpers

Young Jumpers (4–7 yo)

4-year-olds at Level E and A
5-year-olds at Level E, A and L
6-year-olds at Level A, L and M
7-year-olds at Level L and M

Judged on rideability, jumping manners, bascule, technique, and canter quality. Courses are flowing and inviting, with distances set for young horse strides. Faults and refusals are considered in the overall style score.

Young Hunters

Young Hunters (4–6 yo)

Evaluates a horse’s natural ability and potential as a Hunter.
A variety of fences is set up in the arena, from cross-rails up to 3’3”. Verticals, oxers, bending lines, bounces as well as in-and-outs.
Three minutes to showcase strengths, no set course, rider chooses jumps and pace depending on the horse’s age and level.
Walk, trot, or canter allowed between fences; walk breaks encouraged.
Variety is key, demonstrate skills like trot jumps, counter-canter jumps, and hand gallop jumps with more experienced horses. \
After three minutes, the rider must walk and stay in the ring for the judge's verbal feedback.
Flexible format designed to show a complete picture of the horse’s potential as a Hunter.

Young Horse Championships

The UDJC Young Horse Championships are designed to showcase and develop talented 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old sport horses in Dressage, Jumping, and Hunters. Built on the principles of correct training, long-term horse welfare, and structured development, the Championships provide a professional yet affordable pathway for young horses to gain valuable competition experience and recognition.

How it works

Throughout the year, qualifying events are held as part of different UDJC Championships across the country. Each qualifier offers age-appropriate tests and courses, judged on the horse’s quality, performance, and stage of training. Riders receive detailed feedback to support the horse’s development.

Qualifiers: Depending on the location, there may be 3, 4, or 5 qualifying events leading up to a Final.

Qualification: A horse qualifies for the Final by either:

Scoring 8.0 or higher in any qualifier (automatic qualification), or
Ranking among the top ten horses in its age group and discipline, based on the average of its two best scores from the qualifiers.

The Finals

The top-qualified horses from across the qualifiers come together at the Finals, where they compete in age-specific divisions. Finals are celebrated as a prestigious capstone to the season, with awards, prize money, and recognition for all entries.

Why It Matters

The UDJC Young Horse Championships give breeders, riders, and trainers a structured and affordable stage to present their young horses. By combining expert judging, meaningful feedback, and transparent qualification standards, the series helps ensure that American-bred and developed horses can grow on the right path and compete on equal footing with their European counterparts.

Current Championships

Texas Young Horse Championships

Qualifying Events:

Back from Summer Show, Katy, TX, September 2025
Hello Fall Show, Katy, TX, October 2025
UDJC North Texas Showdown, Aubrey, TX, November 2025
This Time of Year Show, Katy, TX, December 2025

A horse must compete in at least two qualifiers to be eligible for the finals in January 2026 (Katy, TX)

Young Horses