The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association has announced the riders selected to participate in the 2015 Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, to be held Nov. 12-15, at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

Out of the more than 130 riders who participated in a 2015 EAP Regional Training Session, 16 riders and four stable managers have been invited to participate in the 2015 EAP National Training Session.

Riders: 

Abigail Brayman 

Abigail Lowin 

Adelaide Toensing 

Ashley Scott Armstrong 

Caroline Ann Johnson 

Cary Hundley 

Danielle Roskens 

Eliza Gretok 

Kendra Duggleby 

Mackenzie Haskell 

Margaret Abeles 

Megan Spitzer 

Michael Williamson

Quinn Larimer 

Ransom Rombauer 

Rosie Powers 

Stable managers: 

Darby Pease

Hannah Bentz

Katie Young

Rachel Long 

Alternates (in ranked order):

Riders:

Rachael Davis

Drew Arnold

Nicole Noland

Natalie Radosevich

Stable managers:

Lauren Malestic

Kelsey Slowey

Cecily Hayes 

Olivia Burkhart

This year’s EAP National Training Session will be led by Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde and expert stable manager Anne Thornbury. Finalists are closely observed and evaluated during all phases of the four-day training session, including flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, an intensive stable-management curriculum, and through a written test that gauges the horsemanship knowledge each finalist has gained throughout the year.

“The EAP National Training Session marries competition and education to create a dynamic opportunity for young, talented riders to learn and showcase their skills,” said Sally Ike, chair of the EAP Committee. “As we head into the 2015 National Training Session, I’m eager to see this group of riders get the most out of working with Peter and Anne and even more eager to see what they do after the session.”

The EAP National Training Session concludes with a two-round Nations Cup-style competition, where riders are placed on teams of four to compete head-to-head. This team format offers the riders an opportunity to showcase their riding skills as well as their ability to perform under pressure. One rider will be named the overall USHJA EAP national champion and will be awarded a $3,000 grant to be applied toward the cost of advanced training, a $1,500 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery, and a variety of additional products and gifts from USHJA sponsors.

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals will also be held in conjunction with the 2015 EAP National Training Session at Otterbein University. For more on the HCQ Nationals, visit the USHJA website.