What is the primary purpose of the USHJA Horsemanship program?

The primary purpose of the USHJA Horsemanship program is to promote education and understanding of horse care and riding among junior riders. This program emphasizes the importance of horsemanship skills beyond just riding. It encourages young riders to develop a holistic understanding of equestrian life, including aspects such as horse health, grooming, feeding, and the overall well-being of the horse. This foundation is essential for fostering responsible and informed horse owners and riders who will be able to participate in the equestrian community in a knowledgeable manner.

Other options, although they touch on elements of the equestrian world, do not encapsulate the main goal of the USHJA Horsemanship program. Training horses for competitive events focuses more on the animals themselves rather than the education of the riders. Preparing riders for professional competitions, while relevant, is more specialized and does not address the broader educational purpose aimed at junior riders. Increasing the sales of horse-related products is unrelated to the program's educational focus, as the primary goal is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of horsemanship rather than to drive sales in the equestrian market.