EquestriSol News: September 13, 2009

USHJA EAP Level II Session Summary

Previous to the start of this week’s Fall Tournament, the USHJA hosted the EAP Level II Sessions in the Blenheim covered arena. Bernie Traurig and Lisa Baldassari worked with a group of selected riders over two days. While Bernie instructed them in the arena, Lisa, who has worked with Hap Hansen for many years, was the expert back at the barn, overseeing all aspects of horse care. Unique to this session, on the second day riders all walked the course with Bernie in the morning and then individually rode at their chosen height as if competing in a class. Bernie then blew a whistle to indicate the start of the jump-off, and the participant rode the shortened course. Upon completion Bernie asked each rider to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of their ride. And then he would follow up with his comments.

An invaluable educational experience for all involved, the next step for EAP is to choose the riders for the National Training Session. The National Training Session will include a Nations Cup Format plus extensive instruction with riding sessions, nutritionists, veterinarians, blacksmiths and sports psychologists. The top two individuals selected from the National Training Session will each receive a grant for one month of advanced training.

PhelpsSports.com

We wrote a piece on this past weekend for PhelpsSports.com that includes some great photos from CapturedMomentPhoto.com and JulieBlairPhotography.com. Thank you to both photographers for staying up late and getting us photos in a timely manner!

In this Issue

Congratulations to the CPHA Foundation Medal Final Winners – Hannah Von Heidegger in the 14 & under, Sophie Verges in the 21 & under and Karrie Rufer in the 22 & over division. Read more about the experience of riding in the finals in our Amateur Spotlight. The West Coast has a solid group of up and coming riders – we spoke to one, Laura Teodori, after her trip to Europe this summer. Plus we have the details on the upcoming Del Mar International and Sacramento International horse shows.

Next newsletter is next week! See you at the LA Intentional Jumping Festival for the USEF Talent Search Finals and the $50,000 LA International World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix and much more.

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