Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is excited to announce the expansion of the Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program to include a component for junior high students in grades five through eight. Students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to participate in the USEF High School Equestrian Athlete Program and can also apply retroactively for the junior high program, providing that they have met the requirements for each year.

The USEF Junior High and High School Equestrian Athlete Programs require students to record 100 hours of riding time during the program year and verify participation in three competitions. Students who meet the requirements will receive a varsity letterman patch and pin to honor their achievement. These are designed to be worn on existing

school lettermen jackets, or any jacket of the athlete's choosing, as a rite of passage and symbol of achievement.

Both programs are open to equestrian athletes participating in all breeds or disciplines who are currently USEF members, or become USEF members. The upcoming 2015-2016 program year will kick off on June 1 and run through May 31, 2016. Students who wish to participate in the program may sign up retroactively for previous years of high school or junior high provided they are currently a student in grades five through 12. For more information, please visit www.usef.org/lettering or email .