Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.
It was a year to remember for the talented young riders who were selected to participate in the 2015 Prelim to PRO Program. Presented by Triple Crown Nutrition, these riders had the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and experience a team environment culminating in the CIC1* at Plantation Field.
Participants Jordan Olijslager, Lee Lee Jones, Grace Fulton, Mikaela Kantorowski and Caroline Martin took a few minutes to share a blog about their experiences this year, and it’s an exciting look into the future of the sport.
“The biggest thing I took away from being apart of Prelim to PRO is how to be a team member,” Caroline Martin blogged. “The series really brought the participants together in a friendly and educational atmosphere. Prelim to PRO is the only series I have participated in that tries to shape the next generation of young riders. It has so many aspects to the program that in future years I believe it will be the destination series for all young riders in North America.”
“One of my many favorite seminars PRO provided was the media seminar, which was given by Ann Haller,” Grace Fulton added. “I am 20 years old and in college and not only did the media seminar provide tips for navigating the horse world media but overall knowledge in general. There are certain things I would not have thought about such as the “3 Sentence Answer” and how not to give an interview. As she talked to us I could definitely count the times I have said my rides were “amazing” or just gushed like a young teenager when I am in fact 20 and want people to take professional notice of how I hold myself.”
Looking ahead to the coming seasons, these riders now have many more tools in their arsenal with which to prepare for future upper level careers. We’re excited that PRO and Triple Crown Nutrition have partnered on such a great opportunity for the next generation and we look forward to seeing many more successes coming from the Prelim to PRO program in the future.
