The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Prorgrm has proven to be a highlight for me this year. I cannot express how much I have learned about horsemanship, stable management, and riding techniques this year attending EAP. The added bonus was meeting new friends from all over the east coast that love horses as much as I do! The area program I attended was located at the Centenary University Equestrain Facilities. The staff and student riders at Centenary were so helpful and gracious for hosting all of us. I am sure it wasn't easy having so many riders take up space in the barn for the week.
The application process for The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program was quite vigorous with riding experience, a horsemanship quiz (2021), and a bit about me complete with three letters of recommendation. Once submitted, the wait seemed very long until the email appeared in my inbox from USHJA that I had been accepted!
In preparation for the week, a very detailed supply list was provided that each equestrian needed to pack. This in itself was a learning process, as the items are key to keeping the horse and rider well stocked for the daily ride as well as emergencies for the rider, horse, and down to trailering needs. These items have proven to be very helpful even now.
Each day at The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program presented a whole new learning experience on and off the horse. I loved meeting all the new riders as the age range was broad which was very advantageous to hear their experiences and to learn from them. Stable management was rigorous and detailed from 6:30 AM start to 8:30 PM night check. I am beyond thankful for the teachers I have had the past two years; Candice King, Nanci Snyder, Tracy Forman, as well as the special tour of The United States Equestrian Team Foundation, Gladstone by Sally Ike. I mean it cannot get any better than being in the company of these decorated teachers.
The best part of all was riding and learning from Candice King. I had the privilege of listening to her instructions two years in a row. Daily the time flew by! I have found that in lessening from different trainers, each one has its own teaching style. Sometimes a new perspective on the same problem suddenly seems to click. The instruction was all inclusive of safety, our tack, communication with our horse, flat work, cross rails, jumping, and helping us teach each other. There is so much to learn!
The opportunities that The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable FundUSHJA Emerging Athletes Program provides are immeasurable. Not only have I grown as a rider, but the friendships and memories will also stay with me for a lifetime!
https://www.ushja.org/education/emerging-athletes-program
https://www.uset.org/historical-hamilton-farm/
http://www.equestriancoach.com/content/candice-king
https://www.instagram.com/buckets_to_brushes/
https://tapstrainingandshowing.simdif.com/ushja-eap-representative-.html
https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/reflections-from-sally-ike-on-serving-as-a
https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/about-centenary/locations-maps-directions/equestrian-center/
https://www.instagram.com/candice_king50/
08/13/2022