Winner’s Circle


The stress and pressure of “the indoors” really shows a rider’s strengths and


weaknesses, and you don’t get away with much.


next competition, the USHJA Emerg- ing Athlete Program at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in Buffalo, NY. We would receive training from Olympians Peter Wylde as well as Melanie Smith Taylor who started the program, horsemanship lessons from Mindy Bower, and hear from veteri- narian Dr. Midge Leitch. The EAP, in its second year, emphasizes the impor- tance of complete horsemanship and


how it will make you a better rider. Each day we arrived at the riding cen-


ter by 6 am, cleaning stalls and caring for our borrowed horses. On Sunday, with great riding tips from Peter Wyl- de, I was ready for the final test and a Nations Cup format. The course was challenging, but I knew if I rode it like an equitation course, remember- ing what I had learned in Harrisburg and Syracuse, I’d be fine. Elmo, the


horse I had drawn from the pool of borrowed horses, and I had two clear rounds. I was extremely happy with my riding and the positive feedback that I received from two outstanding equestrians. Making the trip east, and then be-


ing a part of the EAP program, were a couple of the best experiences I’ve had and I couldn’t be happier with the out- come. Next year, I’ll do it again….


Top right & left: Morgan and Fabricio. Bottom: At the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Finals at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center: Mindy Bower (left), horsemanship clinician; Morgan; equestrian and lead person for the EAP, Melanie Smith Taylor.


36


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