Any new news about USHJA Emerging Athletes?

[heartinrye]

Has anyone heard? I was told we would know by yesterday, but I also heard that those not chosen wouldn't be notified. Anyone hear anything? TIA.

[Brydelle Farm]

Bumping this up...

I am sure this week will be the charm!! :)

[heartinrye]

Let's hope! I have to book a plane ticket if I get in!!

[maddyh]

If the USHJA is not going to contact everyone who applied, I hope that they will at least post an item on their website announcing that those accepted have been notified and thanking everyone for their interest. I don't think it's fair to leave applicants hanging, just hoping that their notification may have gotten lost in the mail or whatever.

[maddyh]

The UPS man just delivered an acceptance letter for my daughter! Go check your front porches and Good Luck!

[Ponymom4]

My daughter just received her Acceptance letter too!!! YAH!!!!!!!

www.chadalefarms.com

[Mistery72]

What zone are you getting response letters for we are in zone 1 and still waiting thanks

[Ponymom4]

We're in Zone 3 so we will be going to the Va. session.

[hideyourheart03]

I just heard from my mom that I got a UPS package too... she was too excited to wait for me, so she opened it and I got in too for the Zone 3 one! I'm so psyched! I was getting bummed since it's less than a month left and they said they would notify you a month in advance, but now I'm totally psyched. I only applied for the 3' section because my horse has been hurt so I didn't want to push him to be ready for the 3'6" section by then.

[Ponymom4]

hideyourheart, that's great! You and Dale will know each other there and be in the same section. She also just applied for the 3' since her horse has just completely recovered from a pull and her back-up horse and pony would do better at 3'. We were also thinking she had not made it because it was less than 30 days out and I had expected it by email.
Is Melissa going with you? Heather is going to go with Dale.

[bonstet]

I have confirmation that one of my students (out of two who applied) was accepted (3' section). I don't have any word from the other family yet.

[Jumper6252]

I got accepted for zone 1 3' section!!

[heartinrye]

Anyone get a rejection email/letter? No one's at my house so I don't know if I'm in or not!

[JumpRoo]

Those of you that got accepted, do you know what they were maybe looking for in your applications? did you send any photo/video even if they didnt ask for it? Was there anything you did to set yourself apart? Thanks!
Congrats and keep us posted on how it turns out!!

[hideyourheart03]

Well, I got in, now I have to find a horse.

After talking with my trainer & my vet, they both agree that I shouldn't try to get my horse (who is just trotting now, we start cantering again tomorrow) ready for the clinic in 3 weeks. I have a few things I'm pursuing, but if anyone knows of a 3' horse in Zone 3 that I could lease for a weekend, let me know. I can provide a resume, am willing to pay a lease fee, etc. I just really want to get to go!!

Ponymom, I don't know if Melissa's going to come. Probably not, but stranger things have happened!

[Ponymom4]

hideyourheart - I hope you can find one!!! What about Ironclad?
I spoke with Dale and we can easily trailer your horse down. We would be fine to take either trailer.

PLEASE FIND A HORSE, WE WANT YOU TO GO TOO!!


JUMPROO - I don't know of anything we really did to set it apart. Dale insisted on doing the application herself, so in some ways it sounded like a 16 yr. old. We did not include photos or video, but we did include one recommendation from someone who has known and followed daughter her entire riding career. The other thing is she wants to do this for a living and she has already done a couple of international competitions.

www.chadalefarms.com

[hideyourheart03]

For mine, I included a full resume (except for like the personal statement, etc.) and three letters of recommendations from trainers/bosses. I would have liked to get more. I also put a fairly detailed list of what I had done in the past year and what I was hoping to do in the horse world after school. I don't know exactly what set it apart...

Ponymom4 - Ironclad is back in GA. So I don't know if that's really a possibility. I'm exploring 2 other potential horses that belong to contacts that I know of in VA. One is a green eq horse prospect and one is a first year green/potential jumper... crossing my fingers that one of them might work.

If anyone knows of anything in SC, NC, VA, GA, MD, etc. that can jump around the 3' and has nice enough lead changes that someone might be willing to lend me, I would love to contact them. I am more than willing to pay lease fee, lesson fee for coming to try the horse, and shipping fees to/from the program....

[Brydelle Farm]

Congrats everyone!!!

I will be there to audit and support everyone! :) Still no news for my student but I haven't given up hope yet!

[TheOrangeOne]

hideyourheart, can you PM me with who you ride with, what the clinic entails for the horse, etc. ?

[Tackpud]

Hideyourheart - contact me at cstone@chathamhall.org I've got lots you can come try and lease for the weekend, hunters and jumpers. They all jump around and do changes, no prep, nice horses.

[M. O'Connor]

Good luck to all those accepted! I hope this program gets off the ground successfully--it's badly needed.

We wound up not going to FL, and it's been a pretty rough winter; my daughter is a bit young, hasn't got much mileage yet on horses, and is starting up a partnership with a horse that is still green. I decided they haven't been in work together for long enough to be ready for the Zone 3 session in early April, particularly as the closing date for applications was 2/23 and our horses were not even in work then.

We are very nearby, though, and will go to watch, to scope it out for next year, should it be repeated. I certainly hope it will be!

[MIKES MCS]

It would be really interesting to do a survey of who applied vs. who got in to this program.

Did you get in or not
What circuits do show on
What divisions
Is your trainer BNT or unknown
Did you have recommendations from BNT or local trainers
Your age
Have you competed at an international level, Big Eq, GP
Have you had success in Rated Hunters / Jumpers / Eq?
What is the breed of the horses you ride in general
Are you a trainer yourself? or do you ride green horses

In other words who got in and why ??? Was it based on recommendations from well known trainers or success on the big circuits only .. or did someone get in who rides at a local level... ( with a lot of success) with an unknown trainer or on their own?

Not trying to start anything here , just really interested if anyone who is no one is going to get to take advantage of this program .. or if it would have gotten the same participants had a selection committee choosen the riders

[Jumper6252]

Did you get in or not: I got in
What circuits do show on: A in the New England area
What divisions: Junior eq and Hunter Horse's
Is your trainer BNT or unknown: kind of inbetween
Did you have recommendations from BNT or local trainers: They are well known in New England
Your age:15
Have you competed at an international level, Big Eq, GP: No
Have you had success in Rated Hunters / Jumpers / Eq?: Yes
What is the breed of the horses you ride in general: My horse is a thoroughbred
Are you a trainer yourself? or do you ride green horses: Not a trainer and I ride some green horse's at my barn but the horse I show isn't green

[hideyourheart03]

Did you get in or not: I got in to the Zone 3 Program at 3'

What circuits do show on: I mainly show on the A/AA circuit in the Southeast - NC, SC, VA. I have done the Florida circuit and done a little bit in Saugerties.

What divisions: As a Junior, I showed in the BigEq. Since aging out, I've been doing the USET & Adult Eq primarily with some AA/AO Hunters & AA Jumpers.

Is your trainer BNT or unknown: My trainer at home is a MNT. She has done the GPs though, so not totally unknown. I do work for a BNT though in a assistant manager type position during the summers (starting last year).

Did you have recommendations from BNT or local trainers: My recommendations were all from local trainers/former bosses. I had a total of 3 - one from my current trainer/former boss when I was a working student as a junior, one from the assistant at my current barn, and one from the BO at another farm where I have worked off and on.

Your age: I'm 19 but will be 20 when the program is held.

Have you competed at an international level, Big Eq, GP: I qualified for SE Maclay Regionals, but other than that, no.

Have you had success in Rated Hunters / Jumpers / Eq? Yes, somewhat. I haven't done anything particuarly big, but I've won classes from Ocala to Lexington to Saugerties and everywhere in between.

What is the breed of the horses you ride in general: Warmbloods, but really I ride anything I can get my hands on. My personal horse is an unimported Oldenburg.

Are you a trainer yourself? or do you ride green horses: I am not a trainer, but aspire to be one. I do ride green horses. My own personal horse I made up from a 2'6" horse to a 3'6" Eq horse. Most of my showing has been on him, so I guess I have shown a "green" horse when I was making him up. I help a former boss hack her baby and pre greenies (for free). Really I just ride anything that I can get my hands on.

[playinforkeeps8]

Did you get in or not? got in- 3'6 section
What circuits do show on? local some small "a" shows
What divisions? depends on the horse, pretty much everything
Is your trainer BNT or unknown? unknown
Did you have recommendations from BNT or local trainers? local and a fairly big name rider
Your age? 14
Have you competed at an international level, Big Eq, GP? no
Have you had success in Rated Hunters / Jumpers / Eq? not really
What is the breed of the horses you ride in general? doesn't matter. TBs some WBs, QH, anything
Are you a trainer yourself? or do you ride green horses? not a trainer. ride green or insane horses =)

[lauraware]

question: for those of you that got in, did you include actual letters of recommendation, or did you just list your trainers and their contact info on the reference section? I'm curious, because on the application it says that letters of recommendation or unnecessary.

[Ponymom4]

We included one letter of recommendation from someone in the industry who has known my daughter and followed her career from the time she got her first pony to now. He could speak to the way she has grown over the years, her attitude as she has helped him at shows, and he has seen her compete quite a bit. The reason we did this is when it talks about the attachements it says no more than 3 pages not including recommendations.

I have found out that the 2 others in our area that got in also included letters of recommendation.

[MIKES MCS]

So far the one reoccurring theme seems to be the Letter of recommendation from someone well known or well respected in the industry .. and this seems to hold more weight than the circuits ( IE: WEF) competed on . This is actually encouraging , as an example: an independent rider who say clinics often with a GM or FM type, but goes it on their own at local shows can possibly obtain a letter of recommendation from the clinician that would carry as much weight with those doing the selecting ..

[iridehorses]

so these riders are not exactly big name riders, top juniors? (or under 21-ers?) but have made have started making a name for themselves?
i will be including a letter of recomendation, but shes not exactly a BNT...

[maddyh]

My daughter is definitely not a big name rider. She does ride a LOT of different horse and ponies, though. Her letters of recommendation were from an A circuit hunter rider that she has taken lessons with and from a local trainer who also runs a show series. Her application included information about the different projects she has been working with. Those were her "accomplishments."

[FarnleyGarnet]

Well, I got in, now I have to find a horse.

After talking with my trainer & my vet, they both agree that I shouldn't try to get my horse (who is just trotting now, we start cantering again tomorrow) ready for the clinic in 3 weeks. I have a few things I'm pursuing, but if anyone knows of a 3' horse in Zone 3 that I could lease for a weekend, let me know. I can provide a resume, am willing to pay a lease fee, etc. I just really want to get to go!!

Ponymom, I don't know if Melissa's going to come. Probably not, but stranger things have happened!

Just PM'd you... did you find a horse yet??

[bonstet]

My student who was accepted submitted two letters of recommendation - one from me and the other from a well-known local judge (who does not have a card). She is 14 and does not own her own horse. Has been very successful locally and has competed at rated shows with some ribbons. She has a lot of employment and volunteer experience (with horses in each case) which I think helped.

[bonstet]

Question re: Career Goals

What did other riders put in this section? I assume the selectors were hoping for riders that want to pursue riding (or some horse-related activity) as a career.

[BlueBobRadar]

Question re: Career Goals

What did other riders put in this section? I assume the selectors were hoping for riders that want to pursue riding (or some horse-related activity) as a career.


Yeah, I would like to know also!

[hideyourheart03]

Here is the copy and pasted Career Goals section from my application:

10. What are your career goals?
After spending much time as a working student, I have realized that my career goals are intimately tied to horses. With this good base of horsemanship, I desire to gain a position as a barn or road manager after graduation from college. Eventually, I hope that this experience will aid in my ultimate goal to become a professional in this industry and train both horses and riders. No matter what career path I choose to follow, I know that I will incorporate horses into my professional life.

[Jumper6252]

Question re: Career Goals

What did other riders put in this section? I assume the selectors were hoping for riders that want to pursue riding (or some horse-related activity) as a career.

I did not put that I wanted to pursue a career with horses and I got in, but I put that I would love to have a career that I would still give me the time to show and be around my horses.

[hideyourheart03]

I just wanted to thank everyone so very much for the outpouring of help and ideas to aid me in my search for a horse for this clinic. I was worried that I was going to have to pass up on this wonderful opportunity, since my horse was not going to be ready for that sort of intense session yet. But thanks to the generousity of everyone in the horse community, I HAVE found a horse that will be suitable and whose owners are gracious enough to let me borrow him for the weekend. It really is the best case scenario, as I am already familiar with the horse and have ridden him before, so that is probably better than hopping on one I've only ridden once!

The clinic might be interesting for me in the fact that I haven't jumped around since my horse got hurt 2 months ago (to the very day, in fact). Though I have been able to keep hacking a incredibly variety of horses, I haven't been able to school over fences (duh, that's what they pay the pros for!). I'm fortunate to have lessoned on this horse before, as he belongs to a close friend, but still it should be interesting. I will say that I will likely be memorable - the horse I'm riding is 18.2 and solid white!! Whether that's good or not is yet to be determined...

Thanks so much again to everyone who PM'ed me with suggestions or offered to let me borrow their personal horse. I can never thank any of you enough. To show such kindness in helping a complete stranger be able to have a great opportunity just baffles me (and it helps carve away at my cynical side!). This situation made me realize how great a community COTH really is!

[mbhorse]

the horse I'm riding is 18.2 and solid white!! Whether that's good or not is yet to be determined...

Wow, congrats for making it in and having the cojones to ride such a big, borrowed horse - and kudos to your friend for loaning the horse for such an important weekend. Good luck!

[grab_mane]

Thats really awesome that so many people on here got in!
I wanted to apply...but I don't own my own horse, and I was in the process of switching barns so I did not have any connections with anyone that would let me borrow a horse at the time. I still have time to apply...but I still don't have a horse...ha ha

But congrats to everyone!

[BlueBobRadar]

I did not put that I wanted to pursue a career with horses and I got in, but I put that I would love to have a career that I would still give me the time to show and be around my horses.

Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!! I've been so worried that they want someone who is deadset on becoming a professional! This makes me feel SO much better about applying! Congratulations on getting in! Everyone who made it for Zone 3 must tell us how it goes!(i think zone three goes first, right?) If I make it, I'll have to wait till the end of June...

[BAC]

In other words who got in and why ??? Was it based on recommendations from well known trainers or success on the big circuits only .. or did someone get in who rides at a local level... ( with a lot of success) with an unknown trainer or on their own?

Not trying to start anything here , just really interested if anyone who is no one is going to get to take advantage of this program .. or if it would have gotten the same participants had a selection committee choosen the riders

Have you read the article on this program in the most recent issue of COTH yet? According to the article the riders in the program are supposedly going to be chosen from competitors at unrecognized shows all the way up to the AA competitors. Whether they actually did that or not is another story but the article is worth reading. Its the March 13 Horse Show issue.

[hideyourheart03]

OOO BAC I would love to read that. I guess I'll be making a trip to the tack shop ASAP....

[BlueBobRadar]

hideyourheart03, it's really good!:)

[maddyh]

I would encourage everyone to support this new program. If you have the desire and determination, send in an application! I doubted that a rider without a good A level show record and top mount would be considered, but my daughter was accepted into the Middleburg session and I do think she personifies "grass roots."
She shares a large pony with her sisters (and mother). When we got our western trained paint, he had no left lead canter and had never jumped. With a lot of hard work, she showed him with great success in the local Children's classes and even got him to the Large Greens where he did alright against some very fancy ponies.
With two sister's coming up behind her, we can't (and won't ever) sell the pony. Unfortunately, we just can't afford to keep two horses. Since outgrowing the pony, she has spent alot of time riding other people's green and/or unruly horses. She rides and shows anything her trainer asks her to and willingly takes on projects that no one else will. Her trainer, whose encouragement has been unbelievable, found her a short term free lease TB. He's not an easy ride, but has allowed her to move up. She shows mostly at C Rated shows (though she has shown 5 or 6 times at the A level). I think they must have appreciated that her application stressed all the work she does with her projects at home and how she measures her success in their progress in their training...not in the ribbons at the shows.
Good Luck to all who apply!

[BAC]

Maddyh, congrats to your daughter, you must be so proud of her. And I'm happy to hear the selectors are living up to their promise to seek out riders at the grass roots level too.

[MIKES MCS]

I would encourage everyone to support this new program. If you have the desire and determination, send in an application! I doubted that a rider without a good A level show record and top mount would be considered, but my daughter was accepted into the Middleburg session and I do think she personifies "grass roots."
She shares a large pony with her sisters (and mother). When we got our western trained paint, he had no left lead canter and had never jumped. With a lot of hard work, she showed him with great success in the local Children's classes and even got him to the Large Greens where he did alright against some very fancy ponies.
With two sister's coming up behind her, we can't (and won't ever) sell the pony. Unfortunately, we just can't afford to keep two horses. Since outgrowing the pony, she has spent alot of time riding other people's green and/or unruly horses. She rides and shows anything her trainer asks her to and willingly takes on projects that no one else will. Her trainer, whose encouragement has been unbelievable, found her a short term free lease TB. He's not an easy ride, but has allowed her to move up. She shows mostly at C Rated shows (though she has shown 5 or 6 times at the A level). I think they must have appreciated that her application stressed all the work she does with her projects at home and how she measures her success in their progress in their training...not in the ribbons at the shows.
Good Luck to all who apply!

Please go HUG your trainer now, He/She is what still gives this sport hope .

[PonyPenny]

Just received the email that my daughter got in the 3'6" division for Zone 10. The clinician will be Melanie Smith Taylor. Anyone else from Zone 10 hear back yet?

[lauraware]

I will be doing the 3'6" section. SO EXCITED!!! :D:D:D

[khobstetter]

Hi Laura....glad you got your notification. There is a great group of riders in those sessions, VERY nice people. You should enjoy it A LOT!

Congratulations!

[khobstetter]

Hi PonyPenny.....notification went out a couple of days ago and just about everyone has been contacted. Hopefully all riders know and will get their acceptance reply in QUICK!!

The sessions are very well rounded as far as the riders go. Yes, Melanie is the clinician. For the sake of consistency in the program, she has GRACIOUSLY agreed to do all of them this first year.

I am really excited about being the north-south organizer and can hardly wait to meet all the riders (and their families). This is the first year, and everyone has worked REALLY hard to make this happen, I am looking forward to speaking to each and every rider!!

Is your daughter in the north or the south one? I will be here inthe south the first week then fly north to see all my friends and YOU GUYS!!!

What a great program, THANKS USHJA!!!

[M. O'Connor]

Zone 3 clinic is TOMORROW and SUNDAY!

I am looking forward to sitting in on it.

It's POURING rain here in Middleburg now, but the weather will be fine for the weekend.

Good luck to all!

[PonyPenny]

KHobstetter,

My daughter is Emily Hartley. You have been really supportive of her. She hopes to apply for the WCAR grant next year. She was going to apply this year, but the application said you have to be 15. She won't be 15 until the end of August.

Congrats for Laura Ware also. Anyone else from Zone 10 get notified?

[khobstetter]

Good for Emily. I was excited to see her name on the applicants list!! And THRILLED she got in. It will be a marvelous time.

All of the Zone 10 riders have been notified, we are just waiting to see who replys with the acceptance so we can finalize the list. All sessions, north and south, are full and that in itself is GREAT!!!!

[hideyourheart03]

Day 1 of the Zone 3 Clinic is over and I'm sitting here from my hotel in Middleburg (or rather Chantilly) writing this as we speak. Some modifications had to be made in expectation of bad weather, but overall, it has run smoothly. I'm reserving judgment for after tomorrow, so I will write back after then, but so well, it has seemingly gone well.

I will say, after riding today, I love Melanie and her teaching style. Really a great asset to the program. She made sure to ask all of us about our horses at the start of each session and seemed to take that into account - I told her that I was riding a horse I had only sat on 3 times before and she later remarked that I was doing a good job on a horse I didn't really know. She allowed riders the flexibility to make adjustments and extra circles, etc. on course in order for their horses to go better. She was big on thinking riders, rather than just doing the course like you would at a show.

Bill Moroney is also here and he is wonderful. So gracious, jumping in to course building and everything else with both hands. Really a nice guy and seemingly excited about the progam. Melanie Fransen, the director of this program is here too and is also very, very nice.

USHJA also did a GREAT job with the goodie bags for the riders - 2 SportTek polos with EAP on them, 2 USHJA T-shirts, 2 EAP saddle pads, EAP BackPack, EAP Boot Polishing Kit, and USHJA Notepad. Really, really nice stuff....

[BlueBobRadar]

hideyourheart03, thank you so much for posting after Day 1!!! I can't wait to hear more!:)

[Jumper6252]

This is making me so excited for zone 1's clinic next weekend!!

[iridehorses]

thanks for your input!!! the goodie bags sound nice :D
let us know how tomorrow goes, wish you the best of luck!!

[PonyPenny]

AdHock,

Thanks for the info about WCAR. Zazou and Winter Hoffman told my daughter about the grant. My daughter is riding Zazou's jumper while Zazou is back east and she is having a great time on this wonderful horse.

[Pickapace]

My daughter Viva made it into the 4' section of zone 10, norcal! She is very excited!!! Received an e-mail, but not the letter yet She is very appreciative that this program is in place, and is looking forward to the experience! Are people showing during the early days of the show, then moving over to the EAP program?

[Limerick]

Adhoc, LOVE hearing stories about kids like your daughter. Parental support can go a long way despite lack of funds.

Hideyourheart, would love to hear more. It sounds like a much needed program.

[Pickapace]

any more reports on the first clinic?

[M. O'Connor]

I was able to sit in on two of the groups; the 3' group on day one, and the 4' group on day 2.

The 3' group was comprised of strong intermediate level riders; the 4' group was a very capable group of 4. Melanie created very fair yet challenging exercises, appropriate to each level of riding, that allowed horses and riders to improve with practice.

She seemed to be observing as much as instructing the first day in that group I watched. On both days, she was quietly insistent that each rider be keenly aware at all times of all aspects of their riding as she worked them over jumps. She was very articulate in her explanations about the hows and whys of each exercise she was having them work on.

There was a huge sense of teamwork at play--all the riders seemed to be observing the other groups, not just their own, helping with the jumps, and whatever else came up (or off, in the case of one horse that lost a tail piece). Everyone looked great in their USHJA /ERP logo shirts, and all the riders used the USHJA/ ERP logo pads. So the atmosphere was really nice, and quite a lot of 'buzz' in the seats--there's quite a lot of excitment about it all.

The people who worked to put this it all in place should be very happy about how well things went this first time out. If it lives up to the hopes of the participants, it will be very successful. I hope it becomes a fixture--something like this is badly needed. I've felt for awhile that the system we have is fine for those who can afford it, but that certainly leaves out no small number very deserving riders of lesser means.

[Pickapace]

Thanks so much for your imput! We also have high hopes for the program

[Ponymom4]

My daughter just returned from the 3' group in Middleburg. I went too and really enjoyed it. I can honestly say it was the best and most efficiently run clinic (or show for that matter) we have ever been to. Dale thoroughly enjoyed Melanie as a clinician and felt that everyone there benefited. For those of you who were there, daughter was on the little black stallion. It was his first show in a year since he came back from an injury so she kept him at the low level.

I second what has been said about comraderie and attitude. Everyone was there to learn and the girls (& 1 boy) got along great. I enjoyed talking with all the parents and trainers. Everyone was encouraging. The non-stop food was also a welcome surprise (although I think I will need to go on a diet due to too many doughnuts). The weather forced everyone inside so I really admire the girls on the large horses (especially hideyourheart on her borrowed gentle giant) and did a great job.

I really liked Melanie's positive attitude toward everyone. She took into account some were on young horses or horses they did not own etc. She was there to not only evaluate but help and teach. I don't think USHJA could have gotten a better clinician than Melanie.
Some of her favorite expressions were to use the least amount of pressure as possible but as much as you need. Less is more. I really liked that the riders were not held to a set number of strides and she allowed them to think about their horses and ways they could help the horses succeed. She said she loved going through the barn seeing the girls cleaning their own stalls and tack.

It will be interesting to see where all of this goes. My hope is that it continues to be successful and the clinics are packed. I am also curious to see how they will determine who moves to the next level and whether the height divisions remain. It would be a shame if they only allowed the 4' group to move up.

All in all it was a great weekend, except for a minor trailering incident with one of the horses on the way back.

The goody bags were also very welcome. My hats off to USHJA for this wonderful program and I encourage all to support it however they can. They certainly have a fan and loyal supporter with our family now!!!

www.chadalefarms.com

[LexInVA]

I think some blogging about the experiences is in order. If people start to see that it is a positive experience, then perhaps they would be more likely to send in small donations that could help improve/expand the program or even offer whatever else they can that could be of use to the program. At the very least, it would help get the word out that something is in place and starting to come together.

[JustJump]

Anyone else that was there have more to add?

[hideyourheart03]

Sorry it took me a few days to get back to this. Like PonyMom said, we had a trailering incident with my borrowed horse on the way home that was more frightening than actually bad, thank goodness. I've also had to catch up on my schoolwork, like normal...


I had an AMAZING time and would do it again in a heartbeat. Melanie, like I said before, is absolutely fabulous. I will say that groups of 8 made it hard to get a ton of time to do things or get a ton of personalized information - the 4' section that only had 4 in it got more attention and more individual time, but that is understandable.

Since I have been home, I have taken some of the excercises to work on my personal horse and can see them already producing results. Melanie's demand and expectation of precision from the horse and the rider really makes a difference. Getting after the horse when the results are not produced when asked was also something she really stressed. It does make a huge difference and I will definitely be incorporating all of the tecniques into my riding.

Her catch phrase for the weekend was, "Do as much as necessary but as little as possible." I think that is a phenomenal idea to stick with in the horse world. So often we give our horses an "out" for them being late to respond to our aids, but she stressed that this was crucial not only for results in the ring, but also for safety of the rider. The horses absolutely had to respond, no matter what you asked them to do. She was even okay with the wrong lead on some of her tough excercises as long as they responded to your legs. You can't have a horse respond late to your leg when approaching a triple bar, because, as I unforunately learned in the clinic!, it will have bad results. "Forward is cruical for safety" is one thing that I remember her specifically saying.

She really stressed thoughtful riding. Strides were not an issue and riders were encouraged to manipulate the striding to help their horses go as good as possible. Day One, there was a skinny-skinny line (with 6' wide skinnies!) that was set at a regular 5. We were asked to come straight back to the trot and trot 4 trot poles after the quick corner. Everyone who rode this line and had an effective downward transition rode a quiet 6. Even Day Two, there was a bending line that could be done in either a 5, 6, or 7 depending on how it was ridden and she had no problem with any of these options.

Another thing she stressed was using every part of your ring and really making a plan before you go. Some bending lines required square turns while others worked better if you angled the fences. Everything was done deliberately. She was also really about learning from your mistakes. If you came back and corrected it, she was very pleased, even if the correction was over exaggerated or caused another problem. But if you allowed the same thing to happen again, she got very frustrated. After my mishap, I returned to the jump and my horse peeked pretty hard, when I corrected him with my stick to give him encouragement, she was very pleased with the on the ball thinking and avoidance of the same problem again. Crops, in her view, were aids of both encouragement and punishment to the horse, depending on the situation.

Connection was another part she really worked on. She believed that you should not start out with as much connection - that the horse must be gradually worked into in. She also said that your hands will tell you about potential problems before they become problems - an idea that had never really fully occurred to me before.

Another thing she stressed was that you need to "make the right choice easy and the wrong choice hard." Make it easy for your horse to do what you want and difficult for him to really rebel. You also need to make it his idea, because then you will produce better results.

Melanie made multiple walks through the barn - not really on purpose to check on us, but on her way to other things - and she always commented on how she loved to see us doing our own work, whether it was picking stalls, doing water, or cleaning tack. She also tried to speak to everyone off a horse after they had ridden on Sunday and give some sort of encouragement. She really is an incredibly nice, approachable, gracious person.


USHJA did an amazing job with this program. I really hope it continues to grow and develop, because I think it will be a really, really great program. I, along with one other girl from each section, got interviewed for the magazine, In Stride, so I will be interested to see what the write-up says. Overall though, the program was better than I expected. I think it will need some slight tweaking over the next few years, but really a good start.

As a young adult who hopes to make a career in the horse business when I graduate from college, I would have loved to see this program come into place during my junior years. But better late than never!

For those of you that were there, I would love to hear your comments on my riding... I'm always looking for constructive criticism!

[maddyh]

hideyourheart, I was at the training session with my daughter, Carly. We were stabled two stalls down from you (the grey TB). I think you rode beautifully. Carly, her trainer and I were especially impressed with your poise and maturity. Despite being on an unfamiliar horse, you handled every exercise so well. I'm sure it wasn't easy piloting that giant around the indoor, but you made it look pretty effortless. I enjoyed meeting you and your mom; sorry to hear you had trailering problems on the way home.
It really was a wonderful weekend. Melanie was a fabulous clinician. She offered each of the riders individual attention, but also had time to share her general philosophies about riding and horsemanship. The team from the USHJA had everything running smoothly...hard to believe we were the first session; it was as if they had been doing this for years! I hope that all the other groups go as well as Middleburg.

[hideyourheart03]

Thank you so much maddyh! I didn't realize you were fellow COTHers! I also didn't realize you guys were from Jersey until you were pulling out! If so I would have asked you where from - I move to Jersey in the summers to work in the Pottersville, Gladstone, Califon, Long Valley area.

Carly rode very well too and her horse looks like a wonderfully honest, good boy. :) I wish I had had more of a chance to come by and chat. My mom told me that she met you guys and thought you were all so sweet. I wish they had done more of a formal lunch or dinner situation for all the riders to get to meet and chat more...

[Baliggs95]

After reading all of the comments on this bulletin about the EAP clinic, I am all the more excited to go and audit it! Is there anyone here going to go and audit the training session at the Westbrook Hunt Club?

[maddyh]

We're from Colts Neck in central Jersey; let us know if you're ever down this way in the summer. Thanks for your nice comments about Carly. We really weren't sure how he would behave because he was a wild man all winter (we started leasing him in October). I guess he likes being on the road! I agree that a group dinner would have been a nice idea. Everyone was so nice, but we just didn't get much of a chance to interact.

[Eq&Mdl-Rider]

Has anyone from Zone 10 gotten their letters of acceptance?

[Pickapace]

Not yet, in Sonoma too, what section are you in?

[LookinSouth]

After reading all of the comments on this bulletin about the EAP clinic, I am all the more excited to go and audit it! Is there anyone here going to go and audit the training session at the Westbrook Hunt Club?


it does sound like it would be worthwhile, I might go, but it depends on the weather and how my other plans work out.

[4mycritters]

My daughter Ashlyn will be doing the clinic in April for zone 10 at Hansen Dam. We received the e-mail also and are waiting for the package to arrive in the mail. She is doing the 3' and is very excited!!!!! What an awesome opportunity for her as a young rider. We fully support her in every way we can to learn as much as she can from her sport. Hats off to USHJA for providing this program and encouraging young athletes!!!!!!

[hideyourheart03]

Bumping this up to the first page again for more acceptances & comments on the Zone 3 program....

Don't want this discussion about EAP to fade away! We want USHJA to know that we all think it's great!

[PonyPenny]

Some posters have already indicated that they received email letters of acceptance for zone 10. My daughter Emily and Laura Ware are in the 3'6" division. I would love to hear from more in Zone 10 South.

[Pickapace]

My daughter, Viva, just got her letter! 4', Zone 10 north! Looking forward to it!

[M. O'Connor]

I'm going to ask the mods to sticky this thread.

[maddyh]

I'll help to keep the thread going by commenting on the adorable little black stallion that did the 3 foot at Middleburg. They should seriously consider making a Breyer based on that beautiful little man!

[Ponymom4]

AWWWW, thank you Maddyh!!! Icarus is my daughter's sweetheart! This was his first public outing since recovering from an injury last year. That was why he was in the 3' rather than the 4'. He is a spitfire and definitely my daughter's soulmate. And I think Ike took a liking to your daughter's horse. He is very social. And he is so much stronger than he looks, like a freight train if he gets going too strong.

Dale has been contacting some of the girls by facebook and would like to set up a facebook group for EAP.

www.chadalefarms.com

[LookinSouth]

Does anyone know what times the zone 1 clinic is running today and tommorrow?? I think with the predicted rain Sat. I may try to swing by for a bit. It doesn't matter what division I watch, I just don't want to show up during a break or something,..

thks!

[4mycritters]

we have been wondering how that is going to work with the show also.

[maddyh]

Ponymom, I will tell Carly to look for the EAP group on Facebook. What a great idea! I would love for these girls to develop a network. Whether they advance any further in the EAP or not, it would be wonderful for them to have a way to communicate with all the participants. They could share their experiences and offer support to each other in whatever adventures their futures hold.

[Ponymom4]

Maddyh, I think Dale just needs to figure out how to do it. I will let her know so she will go ahead and pursue it. It would be great for girls who have done it to be in touch as well as ones selected but haven't done it yet and ones thinking about it.

[lauraware]

I would love a facebook group!! Just go to the bottom left corner (applications), click groups, and then click the button "create a new group" in the top right corner of the page.

[hideyourheart03]

Okay, I just made one! Ponymom, tell D I said sorry that I beat her to it!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=64784573786

Here it is! I'm obviously not friends with everyone who's made it in, so add yourself to the group!

[Ponymom4]

Thanks hideyourheart03!!!

Dale has been so busy this spring break at the barn, working and riding, since alot of owners are gone and she and Heather are responsible for keeping all the horses exercised.
She hasn't had time to set anything up. Appreciate you taking care of it.

[hideyourheart03]

How did the Zone 1 section go this past weekend??

[Jumper6252]

How did the Zone 1 section go this past weekend??

I rode in it and I thought it was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. I went home with a lot of ideas and excersises to work on.

[SCMJ]

How do you find out who made it into session 2?

[hideyourheart03]

From what I read (somewhere, don't know where exactly), you'll be notified in August or September after all the Level 1 sessions are done.

[Moderator 1]

M. O'Connor contacted us re: making this thread a sticky. We're a little hesitant to do so, since we try to reserve them for very general interest threads or short-term stickies for special events--to keep the forums from being overloaded with stickies.

Those interested in this program/this thread can subscribe to the thread (under "thread tools") so you can receive updates and keep the link handy.

If participants are also members of www.chronicleofmyhorse.com (our version of Facebook), you can start a usergroup there too.

Thanks so much!
Mod 1

[maddyh]

More about Zone 1!!!

[justathought]

Bump for info on Zone 1

[iridehorses]

bump. was anyone there? just sent in my zone 2 application, hoping ill make it!

[justathought]

Seriously.... no more information from Zone 1

[bxjumper]

I was very happy to find all these threads on the EAP. My son Ariel was accepted in the Zone 10 south at Hansen Dam 4' division. He is very excited and looking forward to the clinic. I think this a great idea from the USHJA to find talent that isn't able to campaign all the shows with multiple horses. I'm sure that there will be great riders identified at the end of their journey. I am looking forward to watching them all ride.

[WeDoItAll]

My daughter was approached at a local show and it was suggested she apply. However, she's only 14 (showed at 3'9") ... is it really designed for kids that young or is it more for college age? Due to finances, we haven't been showing at rated shows ... is applying going to get as laughed off the table?

[joiedevie99]

Yes, it is designed for anyone with the talent- regardless of show experience. It can't hurt to apply, although I don't know what the deadline is for your area. I'm sure someone on here can help with that.

[Ponymom4]

Also remember you are not required to apply in your own home zone. So, if you did miss your own there may be another that's not too far away you could apply for.

Definitely try for it. My daughter had a wonderful experience at the Va. one! It was the first one so we didn't know what to expect. Feel free to pm or email me if you want more details.

[Release First]

Also remember you are not required to apply in your own home zone. ....

The rules that I have state:
Riders may only apply to participate in a Level 1 Training Session in their home zone.

[Ponymom4]

Go to: http://www.ushja.org/eap/09_how_to_apply.shtml

and scroll down to eligibility and how to apply. It says that "riders may apply to ride in any zone, you are not required to ride in your home zone."

Release First, what rules do you have that say differently?

[Jumper6252]

More about Zone 1!!!

I rode in the zone 1 clinic and I had a great time! The first day was beautiful out and we got to ride outside in the big jumper ring at Westbrook. We flatted for about an hour and worked on transitions and being more connected with our horses. We then did a circle of doom excercice that was challenging but it helped so much and Melanie incorporated the pole excercise into any jumping that we did. We also had to some trot poles which gave every height group quite a lot of trouble so we all knew those would be coming back the next day!
Day 2 we were not so lucky with the weather. We had to ride inside which was fine and Melanie said it wasn't so bad because she could see how we handled a smaller ring. We walked into the ring and she had set up poles everywhere! when we were warming up she said if there was a pole to walk over it. We then trotted the poles and she would shorten and lengthen the distance of the poles because she said it was important to get your horse responsive on the flat before you jumped. We did the same at the canter and she would make the distance in between the poles parking and where you needed a big canter step. she also had us practice dropping our stirrups and reins because she said if it happened at a show you need to know how to get them back quickly and to not get frazzled by it. When jumping she had us find the deep distance to a fence and then rollback to an oxer that we had to pretty much gallop and make our horse come forward. When it was my turn to jump and I was heading to my first fence she told me to drop my reins and pick them back up and throughout the course she asked for me to drop my stirrups and pick them and my reins. I was the first one she asked to do this and I think my jaw hit my saddle when she said this! :lol: But overall the clinic was a great experience!

Some links to some videos I have
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz1xjYZ09qU&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isUYxPLJmws&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xff4IGJ9ono&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fFWYyYH54&feature=channel

[WeDoItAll]

The closest one to us is in Oregon (we're in Washington) so we've applied to that session. The deadline hadn't passed yet, and we sent it in electronically today. We'll see ... I guess we won't know for quite awhile, so now we'll just kind of forget about it so the waiting doesn't drive us crazy!

DD is quite excited; she'll also be competing at USPC championships in show jumping (and first level dressage, actually ... she's the only one from our region who qualified for the first team in both disciplines). Preparing for that will keep her focused! And of course this clinic is right before champs so if she's accepted it will probably be great to have that calibur of a clinic fresh on her mind!

[KBG Eventer]

I'm an eventer and did not hear about this program until recently, but it sounds like a great idea.

Melanie lives a maximum of 10 minutes from my house. In fact, I drive by her farm on a fairly regular basis, but she doesn't teach here. Bummer. My event trainer joked I should paint a GPA stripe on my jockey helmet and sit outside her house every day until she will teach me :lol:.

[PonyPenny]

The list of selected riders is up for Zone 10 North and South on the USHJA website. It looks like the riders are from different backgrounds and ages. Some have more showing experience than others. I commend the USHJA for offering this program. My daughter can't wait for the clinic.

[BlueBobRadar]

I've been following this thread for a while, and have to give a HUGE thank you to all who told about their experiences so far. Oh, and BIG thank you to Jumper6252 for posting those videos! I'm waiting to hear for the Zone 2 Session.:) Is anyone else?

[Caroline33]

i am also waiting to here back from zone 2. im so nervous.


thanks everyone who posted. it is awesome to hear about how everything went.

[tksummerland]

My daughter will be attending the EAP program (3') at Hansen Dam this weekend 5/10-11. We are coming from Santa Barbara and are wondering what hotel participants are staying at if they are not from the LA area. It would be fun to have the girls stay at the same hotel, if possible.

[WeDoItAll]

I haven't checked the calendar ... was there a session this last weekend? OK ... really I'm just trying to keep this alive.

[Ponymom4]

One of the California Zone 10 sessions is this coming weekend, but I didn't see anything listed for this past weekend. Hopefully we will hear some more information next week.

My daughter enjoyed the Zone 3 session in Virginia so much. I was a little nervous since it was the first one and didn't know what to expect, but daughter just had the attitude she wanted to have fun and learn all she could. It was a GREAT experience.

Keep the stories coming about subsequent clinics. I'm curious to know if they change things and if they give more information about how the participants for the next level will be chosen.

Good Luck Everyone!!!

www.chadalefarms.com

[BlueBobRadar]

I GOT IN!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!!!! Today I got the email saying I was accepted for the 3' Section in Buffalo, New York.:):D:):D:)But I'm not excited at all.... Can't you tell?! :lol::lol::lol: So... anyone else?:)

[Caroline33]

i got in for the 3ft section zone 2!!! so excitedd:D

[livinthedream]

This has probably already been discussed a million times, but. . .is this program specifically for jumpers or is there some benefit for the hunter riders?

[4mycritters]

My daughter attended the first level clinic. She competes in the hunters and the eq. classes. I think this clinic was benificial for both disciplines, but she has done some jumper classes and is very comfortable either way. I guess it just depends on if you and your horse are comfortable doing pole gymnastics, flat work and galloping jumps and what not. I don't know how the second level will be, but I am sure that you will learn something and not be dissapointed, because it is all about the basic foundations of learning about your horse and the connection you have with him. Good Luck!!!!:winkgrin:

[Ponymom4]

livinthedream - My daughter did the 3' at Zone 3 and I went also. Although she had primarily competed in jumpers, she has also done hunters and equitation. The girls had a very varied background, and there were probably as many hunters as jumpers, at least in the lower heights.

Melanie Smith Taylor is an excellent clinician and her advice would certainly be helpful no matter whether you do jumpers or another discipline.

[livinthedream]

Thanks for the input on jumpers vs hunters. It seems like there has been alot of confusion about who can or should attend. It really helped me to look at it from what skills they will use; i.e. pole work, galloping to jumps, etc. It sounds like a terrific project!

[PonyPenny]

My 14 year old daughter rode in the 3'6" division for the Zone 10 South session. Her mare was not good and would not settle in the flat portion. She got real riled up and would not focus. There was a show going on at the facility along with people enjoying the adjacent park for Mothers's Day. My daughter has only had the horse two months, so she is learning her quirks. Melanie was great about it. Did not humiliate my daughter at all. My daughter kept her composure eventhough she said later she wanted to cry. Horse was great in the jumping part. Very calm and focused. Melanie had some challenging components to make the riders think ahead. Horse and daughter did fine at the exercises. My daughter got a little depressed about some of the comments made by some spectators that the mare may not change how she is on the flat as she is an older mare. Melanie told the groups to not give up and to take the time to make it right. She does not believe in gimmicks and believes horses should be exposed to all kinds of distractions. That inspired my daughter to focus only on flatwork for awhile and work on the exercises Melanie gave them. The horse will be going to many schooling shows to work on her flatwork, especially with groups.

It was too bad that there were not many auditors there. Not many trainers came, except for a few dedicated souls. Many in the audience were the parents, especially the moms. It was a great clinic and so informative. I hope that more clinics like this are available in the future.

[DG1214]

i got in for the 3ft section zone 2!!! so excitedd:D

3'6 section for zone 2 as well!!! i can't wait!!!