Young Horse Program at UDJC

Confidence today. Champions tomorrow.

Developing Talent "at home"

At UDJC, we believe the U.S. has the breeding power and now it’s time to build the development system to match. Too often, properly bringing up young horses feels out of reach. Show costs are sky-high, and classes that actually evaluate a horse’s training, potential, and progression simply don’t exist in the existing show-scene. That’s where we come in. The UDJC Young Horse Program is designed to make correct development affordable and accessible. Our classes are judged on what truly matters: rideability, balance, quality of gaits, jumping style, and age-appropriate training. Horses are evaluated fairly and clearly, with judges giving feedback on every round, helping riders and trainers understand how to build better young horses over time. We don’t need to import talent , we need to support it. With the right structure, the next generation of top horses can come from right here at home.

UDJC Young Horse Jumpers

UDJC offers specially designed jumping classes for young horses of different age and levels, judged on canter quality, jumping technique, rhythm, balance, impulsion, and overall potential. Courses are age-appropriate and thoughtfully designed to give young horses positive experiences and set them up for success — building confidence, rideability, and long-term performance.

UDJC Young Horse Jumpers

UDJC Young Horse Dressage

Young Horse Dressage tests focus on Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness and Collection — the building blocks of long-term athletic development. Movements are gradual and progressive, designed to strengthen young horses without overwhelming them. Judging rewards correct basics as well as the horses' quality.

UDJC Young Horse Dressage

UDJC Young Horse Hunters

UDJC’s Young Horse Hunter class offers a unique format designed to support young hunter prospects with freedom and purpose. Riders are given up to 3 minutes to present their horse in the best possible light — choosing their own track from a variety of fences, ranging from cross rails to 3’3” oxers. There’s no set course. Instead, riders select jumps based on their horse’s current ability, confidence, and development level. Judges score the round based on jumping style, canter quality, rideability, balance, and overall hunter potential.