USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

At the conclusion of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Level Clinic, two riders, Richard Neal and Carly Anthony, were named the winners after displaying exceptional leadership, horsemanship and natural talent over the weekend.

“Ricky and Carly are both very natural riders—very soft and fluid, and horses like them,” said Melanie Smith Taylor. “They’re fighters, but they’re quiet fighters. They handle the pressure with a cool head, and they ride beautifully and effectively.”

While riders who were invited to the USHJA Emerging Athletes National Level Clinic were treated to lessons with several top-of-the-line clinicians, including Mindy Bower and Dr. Midge Leitch, the highlight of the program, Jan. 8-10 in Reno, Nev., was the opportunity to ride with Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde.

The USHJA Emerging Athletes Program started with a vision. Melanie Smith Taylor and her husband, Lee Taylor, envisioned establishing a foundation to help fund young riders that wanted to become better horseman.

Horsemanship isn't just about riding, and the 12 riders who qualified for the 2010 USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Level Clinic in Reno, Nev., received the opportunity today, Jan. 8, to practice their skills out of the saddle.

Dr. Midge Leitch, who has traveled with the U.S. Equestrian Team all over the world, spent the morning instructing students on what to look for when seeing a horse for the first time.

Age: 16

Hometown: Collierville, Tenn.

School: Home schooled

2010 Goals: Compete in the junior jumpers at Devon, Prix De States, NAJYRC

Thoughts on EAP: “I really hope it gets my name out there so I can do bigger classes and ride with different people and get more experience.”

Biggest Riding Accomplishments: Winning Maclay Regionals and the $25,000 junior/amateur-owner jumper class at Capital Challenge.

Age: 17

Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.

School: PolyTechnic High School, senior

2010 Goals: To make the Zone 10 Young Rider jumper team, move up to grand prix.

Age: 19

Hometown: Redmond, Wash.

School: University of Georgia, freshman

2010 Goals: Help her NCAA riding team win a national championship, continue improving her riding.

Thoughts on EAP: “I hope to gain a better understanding on what it is to be a true horseman. There are a lot of definitions, but I feel the people who have started this have a true, deep understanding of the horse. I hope to get at least some of that understanding to continue my horse career.”

Age: 20

Hometown: Watertown, Minn.

School: Taking a break to pursue riding.

2010 Goals: Bigger jumps. Getting a young horse and learning about breaking and training.

Thoughts on EAP: “I just hope to get some knowledge that will help me later in life.”

Greatest Riding Accomplishment: Winning the Zander Powers Medal in Zone 6.

Horse He’d Like To Ride: Sapphire