Throughout the Emerging Athletes Program journey, the original group of 240 riders narrows to a select 16. Riders invited to participate in the USHJA EAP National Training Session are given the opportunity to train with several of the country’s top clinicians during this intensive three-and-a-half day training session. Throughout the three-and-a-half days, each finalist has the unique opportunity to ride and care for a horse provided by the host facility and assigned to them by the EAP representatives. Each rider starts on a fair and level playing field and must utilize all the skills they have honed throughout the entire EAP process to bond quickly with their equine partner.

The small group size allows the riders to work very closely with the clinicians during the riding and stable-management sessions throughout the several days. Finalists are again closely observed and evaluated during all phases of the National Training Session and are expected to be active participants in all activities. The riding sessions address flatwork and jumping, while stable-management sessions are hands-on, in-depth and extensive. Barn chores are monitored, and a written test gauges the knowledge each finalist has gained throughout the year. Additional clinics, such as veterinary seminars, trimming and shoeing, saddle fitting, and feeding regimens may be offered, as well.

Riders and guests spend one final fun-filled evening together, complete with dinner and a Calcutta for the next, and final day's, Nations Cup-style competition. A two-round Nations Cup-style competition involving four teams of four riders each will complete the competition. This team format offers the riders an opportunity to showcase their riding skills as well as their ability to perform under pressure. An awards ceremony follows the competition, where one rider is named the overall USHJA EAP National Champion and is awarded a $3,000 grant to be applied toward the cost of advanced training with an approved trainer. Closing remarks from the clinicians bring each EAP year to an end, but for many of the riders, their participation in the EAP has brought them to the start of a new level of understanding and commitment to the hunter/jumper sport.

The 2012 EAP National Training Session will be hosted by Carl and Rush Weeden and Brookwood Farms on November 15 to 18, 2012, at Fields and Fences, in Gurnee, IL. Olympic Gold Medalist, Peter Wylde, will serve as the lead clinician again in 2012.

Fields and Fences is a premiere equestrian facility which hosts various levels of clinics and competitions throughout the year. Located within a beautiful 600-acre horse community, Fields and Fences boasts two heated indoor arenas, heated viewing rooms and numerous amenities for both horse and rider, making it an ideal setting for the National Training Session. USHJA would like to thank Anita Schadeck and Jim Robers for generously donating the use of their facility for this exciting event.

Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Finals

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Finals are held in conjunction with the EAP National Training Session. The zone teams and individuals participating in the HQC Finals have passed the Level One quiz and achieved the highest national Level Two quiz scores. The finalists will take part in a written exam and hands-on practicum in addition to auditing the EAP sessions. The highest-scoring zone team and individual are chosen as the overall HQC winners and are awarded a Charles Owen helmet and a $1,000 grant for education and training.