Are you between 15-18 years old as of July 1st and have an interest in steeplechase racing?  If yes, then check out what the NSF has to offer you in the way of their Young Rider Domestic Steeplechase Trip!  This years trip will be held from Sunday, July 23 through Friday, July 28th.

The NSF Domestic Young Rider Trip is structured towards providing the participant with an in-depth experience of what steeplechase racing in the USA is all about. It is for teenagers who are familiar with jump racing and who have a demonstrated interest in learning more about the sport. The ideal candidate will have expressed interest in being involved with steeplechase racing in the future. Activities include a hands-on visit to trainers’ barns in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, attending lectures and discussion sessions with trainers, jockeys, owners and stewards, and attending races at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, NY.

New for this year, Hall of Fame trainer Janet Elliot will be leading the Saratoga Springs portion of the trip!  This is an excellent opportunity for young riders to learn the ropes from the best in the business!  US Pony Racing director/NSA trainer, Regina Welsh, will be leading the beginning portion of the trip.  Ms. Welsh has led this trip since it’s inception, some 13 years ago!  Several jockeys attended this experience in the past including Gus Dahl, Eric Poretz, Mary Motion, McLane Hendriks, Fritz Boniface, and many more.  Attendees will be working with top jump race trainers like Jack Fisher, Jonathan Shepard, Doug Fout, and many more.

The application deadline has been pushed back to July 6th, so don’t hesitate to get your application in ASAP.  If you plan on applying, please let Regina Welsh at regina@usponyracing.com know as soon as you can to

For the current application click HERE.  For sample itinerary, click HERE.

Top jockey Jeff Murphy gives some pointers on proper position and technique on the Equicizer to the NSF young rider group.