February 15, 2024 – Ocala, FL – Throughout Florida, participation in the international and national levels of dressage has increased in recent years in Florida, with the youth divisions experiencing a particularly significant growth. The Florida Youth Dressage Championships (FYDC) has played a key role in this phenomenon. For the second year in a row, World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) will host the FYDC on March 15-17, 2024, in conjunction with the WEC March Dressage national shows.
FYDC entries are now open, and riders are encouraged to enter by the closing date of March 6, 2024. In addition to competitive classes, the riders will have access to a program of activities designed to encourage education and community.
Over the years, rookie riders that participated in the FYDC such as Juan Matute (ESP), Christian Simonson (USA), Codi Harrison (USA) and Naima Moreira Laliberte (CAN) have progressed through the youth Fédération Equestre International (FEI) levels and represented their country in major championships such as the European Championships, Pan American Games and Olympic Games.
2024 FYDC Schedule:
Thursday, March 14, 6 pm at Gold Mark Farm in Ocala, FL: Southern barbecue Meet & Greet – Southern Barbecue
Friday-Sunday, March 15-17, at WEC – Ocala: FYDC classes
Sunday, March 17, time TBA, at WEC – Ocala: Awards ceremony with press conference
This year, as part of the FYDC’s educational opportunities, youth riders will receive advice, tips and words of wisdom from U.S. Pan American Games team gold medalist Anna Marek, Brazilian Olympian Giovanna Pass, U.S. team rider Shelly Francis and equestrian marketing and public relations professional Jennifer Wood of Jump Media.
The 2024 FYDC will maintain the same rules as in the past and will be held again at the national level. The FYDC is open to riders of all nationalities, and the same divisions will be offered: FEI Pony division, FEI Children’s division, FEI Junior division, FEI Young Rider division and FEI Under 25 Grand Prix division. Riders will compete in three tests: a team test that counts for 40%, an individual test for 40% and a freestyle test for 20%. The FYDC classes are also qualifiers for the FEI North American Youth Championships as well as the USEF Dressage National Championships.
Along with championships in each division, an overall winner with the highest scores at the event will be crowned at the awards presentation on Sunday, March 17.
Leading up to the event, interviews with past FYDC riders that have gone on to compete at grand prix level, such as Felicitas Hendricks, Quinn Iverson, Rodrigo Encinas and other notable competitors, will be featured on the FYDC social media channels. You can find them on Facebook at Florida International Youth Dressage Championships and on Instagram at @floridayouthchampionship.
About the Florida Youth Dressage Championships
Created in 2013 by Lendon Gray and Hampton Green Farm, The Florida Youth Dressage Championships (FYDC) is one of the largest international championships for youth in Florida. FYDC offers a great platform to expand the sport for youth riders in dressage. Over the years, some of the dressage world’s brightest new talents have taken part in FYDC, such as Felicitas Hendricks, Naima Moreira Laliberte, Juan Matute, Christian Simonson, Diana Porsche, Camille Carier-Bergeron, Kerrigan Gluch, Mathilde Blais Tetreault, Genay Vaughn and Codi Harrison.
About World Equestrian Center
World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
Learn more at wec.net.
Media Contact
Justin Garner
Justin.garner@wec.net