SACRAMENTO, Calif. - St. Francis Freshman Claire Salter recently completed the US Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program.

This program was developed to provide recognition for the accomplishments of young equestrians and encourage their future involvement in equestrian sport. US Equestrian recognizes the dedication of equestrians preparing for competition through practice and training sessions as similar to other students in athletic programs and developed this program to honor individual achievements with a varsity letter in the student's chosen sport, regardless of the availability of an equestrian team or club through their school.

Participants in the program must be students in grades 5-12 who document at least 100 hours of training or provide verification of participation in three equestrian competitions during the year. After completing these requirements and verification, the student will receive a certificate commemorating their achievements, a varsity letterman patch and/or lapel pin for each year of participation.

US Equestrian is the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sports in the United States, sanctioned by the United States Olympic Committee pursuant to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. As such, US Equestrian acts as the regulatory body for the International and Olympic disciplines as well as for 26 breeds and disciplines. US Equestrian is further responsible for sanctioning approximately 2,600 equestrian competitions annually; and educating and licensing judges, technical delegates, and stewards who officiate at such competitions. The US Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program encompasses young equestrians involved in all breeds and disciplines from the grassroots to international competitions.