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YEH / NEH / OEH
September 5, 2026
The USEA Young Event Horse Program (YEH) is best described as an eventing talent search. YEH's first season as an official program of the USEA was in 2005. The program's goal is to identify young horses that possesses the talent and disposition that, with proper training, can excel in the uppermost levels of eventing. While the ultimate aim is to identify the future five-star horses, many fine event horses who will excel at the lower levels will also be showcased.
The USEA New Event Horse Program (NEH) was created to be an introduction to the sport of eventing for both horse and rider no matter the horse’s age. NEH classes evaluate a horse’s potential for eventing while serving as a bridge to recognized competition. These classes emphasize education and proper preparation for a correct and progressive introduction to sport. The ultimate goal of the NEH is to choose the horse that possesses the talent and mindset and who, with proper training, would be the horse most likely to become a competent, safe, and fun adult amateur, junior, or young rider horse at the Preliminary levels and below.
The goal of the Opportunity Event Horse Program (OEH) is to offer an introductory competition option for horse and rider combinations that may not be ready to step up to a full recognized event, or the Young Event Horse Program yet. Scores earned in OEH classes will not be eligible towards qualification for the USEA YEH Championships and will not count towards any year-end leaderboards but should instead be viewed as an educational opportunity and introduction to the sport. Classes are open to all horses 4 years of age or older.
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