July 2012 SouthWest Horse Trader

Training Feature

EAP Regional Clinics Off to Great Start

The 2012 Emerging Ath-

letes Program, presented by Dover Saddlery, kicked off in June with two of the ten Re- gional Clinics concluding with rave reviews from par- ticipants and clinicians. The Great Southwest Equestrian Center launched the new sea- son June 11-14 and wel- comed eager riders to an extensive four-day clinic with Olympic great Chris Kappler and stable management expert Val Huckstepp. Over in the south, the SCAD facility in Savannah, GA hosted students with clinician Cynthia Hankins and stable manage- ment pro Karen Golding. Riders and horses participating in the Re-

Chris Kappler (center) was the clinician for the EAP held at Great SouthWest Equestrian Center. Kap- pler poses with Buckley Wallace & Carley Barnett.

addition, I can’t say enough about the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, both as a venue and the support their staff provided to us.” Among the parents attending the Texas

gional Clinics are instructed on flatwork, gym- nastics, related distances and course work, as well as an intensive stable-management cur- riculum. “The Emerging Athlete Program is de- signed to help connect our vast country America so that the lower levels and upper levels don’t get so far apart. It is an educational program on all fronts, with the incorporation of stable man- agement and correct riding to see the possibili- ties of the future.” Chris Kappler said. Kappler’s classical style of teaching and

one on one attention with the riders made the clinic an instant success. Adding to that achieve- ment was the thorough teaching of proper stable management from Val Huckstepp. “To be a good rider, one must know the horse inside and out. I believe USHJA’s Emerging Athletes Pro- gram achieves this goal.” Huckstepp stated. Sally Ike of the Chair of the EAP Commit-

tee attended the Katy clinic and came away ex- uberant from the comments of riders and parents, who expressed their gratitude for op- portunity of working with such knowledgeable professionals. Ike shared, “The Katy, Texas Emerging Athlete Regional Clinic was a huge success both from a riding and stable manage- ment perspective. Chris and Val did a fabulous job teaching and the improvements made by each participant over the four days were dra- matic and inspiring. Everyone was particularly appreciative of the emphasis spent on stable management, a component unique to the EAP, which the Committee feels is very important. In

clinic was Laura Jorden of Scotsdale, AZ and she couldn’t wait to tell the EAP committee her thoughts, “My daughter, Cassidy Jorden had the

time of her life. She left Katy, TX a better horseman both on the ground and on the horse and with many new friends. Chris Kappler and Val Huckstepp were wonderful clinicians. What a great opportunity for our younger rid- ers to be exposed to the very best our sport has to offer. It was a special week for the riders. They

were surrounded by peers who share their pas- sion for horses and also their work ethic. Their camaraderie was evident as the days went on. They encouraged each other and became friends. We came from out of state, not know- ing anyone and this group of kids and parents welcomed us with open arms. It was refreshing as a parent to see the riders bond. This program emphasized the traits that will be the founda- tion of our children’s success as they mature, whether it is in the horse industry or not. Ded- ication, hard work, discipline and the quest for knowledge were stressed. Thank you for all of your hard work. Both

my daughter and I really enjoyed the experi- ence.” The kids all had a sense of pride in what

they accomplished in the ring, in the barn and with each other. We were all exhausted but none of us wanted to leave. It was a great ex- perience!" To learn more about the Emerging Ath-

letes Program, please visit ushja.org or contact Carrie Vaught at cvaught@ushja.org. w

July 2012 SouthWest Horse Trader 15

Sally Ike

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