On October 17th through 18th, the Missouri State University Equine Science and Equestrian Team hosted a Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) show at Pinegar Arena. YEDA teams traveled from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa with competitors that ranged from grades four to seniors in high school.

Much like the Equestrian Team, the YEDA competition is a catch-ride style of competition. Riders are first tasked with randomly drawing for their horse to compete on, without prior experience on the animal. This tends to create a challenge for the rider and tests their horsemanship ability.

Throughout the competition, riders competed in both rail classes and pattern classes within divisions that are appropriate to their skill level. The divisions are decided based on the rider’s lessons and showing experience. There are divisions for riders who are just beginning to learn the process of riding, such as walking and jogging, through top-tier competition.

Jordan Pope is a junior within the Darr College of Agriculture, studying Animal and Equine Sciences. Pope is a competitor on the MSU Equestrian Team and assisted in the YEDA show. When asked about her perspective of the show, Pope responded, “The YEDA show allowed youth from surrounding states to come together and compete on some of our horses and get a glimpse at our facilities. The goal of this event was to build connections with youth riders who enjoy showing horsemanship”.

YEDA promotes both horsemanship and sportsmanship within each competitor. There is a focus not only on improving the riders’ riding abilities, but also in developing their leadership skills, teamwork, and positivity. YEDA also supports the horses and those that provide them for the competition with the Horse of the Day and Best-Groomed Horse awards. Dr. Natalie Mook is the head coach for the Equestrian Team and is the instructor for Equine Sciences. When asked about the importance of the YEDA show, Dr. Mook shared, “For Missouri State University, this is a great way to recruit future bears to MSU and the Equine program!”