June 15, 2026

In this episode of The Plaidcast, Amy Center joins the conversation around two important pathways for developing riders within the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association: the Emerging Athletes Program and the Zone Jumper Championships.

Both programs reflect an idea that is central to the horse world and to the work we value at Cavallo Farms: progress is about more than what happens in the ring. Strong riders are also thoughtful horsemen and women who understand preparation, responsibility, partnership and the care that supports every performance.

The USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

The MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, commonly known as EAP, was created to help promising riders build both their riding ability and their horsemanship knowledge.

Riders accepted into the program begin with a five-day Regional Training Session, where mounted education is paired with a broader stable-management curriculum. Participants work with experienced clinicians and stable managers while also remaining responsible for the daily care of their own horses throughout the session.

From the regional sessions, 16 riders are selected to advance to the National Training Session. For 2026, the national session is scheduled at Midway University in Kentucky, with Joe Fargis serving as the riding clinician and Colleen Reed leading stable management.

Financial assistance is also part of the program. The USHJA Foundation provides up to $6,000 in total grants to help offset participant costs, with individual grants capped at $500.

EAP combines riding development with serious horsemanship education, reinforcing the idea that becoming a stronger equestrian means understanding the whole picture.

The USHJA Zone Jumper Championships

The Zone Jumper Championships offer Junior and Amateur riders another structured pathway for development, combining qualifying competition with both team and individual championship experiences.

The 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships give riders the opportunity to represent their Zone while competing for both team and individual honors. Riders qualify by submitting an application and accumulating the required points at USEF-licensed competitions during the qualifying period.

Additional championship levels include the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships for 1.10/1.15m and 1.20/1.25m riders, along with the related Platinum Jumper Championships.

For 2026, the championships are organized across four regions: Northeast, South, North Central and West. Riders from Zones 11 and 12 may choose the championship location they would like to attend.

Riders who distinguish themselves may also earn recognition as USHJA Emerging Jumper Riders or USHJA Gold Star Emerging Jumper Riders, creating additional opportunities for continued education and mentorship through Gold Star Clinics.

Building the Next Generation of Horsemen and Women

What connects these programs is the emphasis on development over time. Riding skill matters, but so do education, stable management, thoughtful competition, mentorship and the willingness to keep learning.

That wider view of horsemanship is part of what makes programs like EAP and the Zone Jumper Championships meaningful. They create opportunities for developing riders to test themselves, learn from experienced professionals and continue building the knowledge that supports a lifetime in the sport.

Keep learning. Keep riding. Keep building the partnership.

Keep learning. Keep riding. Keep building the partnership.