As we head ever closer to the start of the global eventing season, all eyes are on the forthcoming World Championships in Pratoni, Italy this fall – and to that end, we’re starting to see the pipeline for rider development make its early moves. Today, US Equestrian released the names of the horse-and-rider combinations who’ll take part in the assessment sessions that act as a feeder for the Eventing Development Program, which is helmed by Leslie Law and provides vital support and resources to up-and-coming team riders for the United States. Law will team up with fellow members of the Performance Advisory Program to evaluate and assess the combinations for their suitability for the 2022 USEF Development Program, after which they’ll continue to train under Law for a further six months.
The Development Program is designed to create a progression onward to the Pre Elite and Elite programs, and as such, athletes that have ridden on Olympic, World Championship, or Pan Am teams aren’t eligible to take part. But because of the program’s intention to create a pathway for both promising riders and developing horses, more experienced riders can take part with up-and-coming equine stars, as you’ll see in this exciting list.
The following athletes have been chosen to take part in the assessment stages of the program:
Woods Baughman (Lexington, Ky.) and C’est La Vie 135, a 2008 Hanoverian gelding owned by Woods Baughman, James Baughman, and Kim Baughman
Dan Clasing (Lovettsville, Va.) and Onley Uncle Sam, a 2007 Trakehner gelding owned by Jennifer Larkin
Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Forrest Gump 124, a 2011 Hanoverian gelding owned by Anne Eldridge; Diara, a 2014 Hanoverian mare owned by Anne Eldridge; and Isla de Coco, a 2014 Holsteiner mare owned by Anne Eldridge
Lillian Heard (Cochranville, Pa.) and her own Dassett Olympus, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Amber Levine (Petaluma, Calif.) and Cinzano, a 2011 Holsteiner gelding owned by Cellar Farm Corp.
Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Islandwood Captain Jack, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline & Sherrie Martin; Redfield Champion, a 2014 Hanoverian gelding owned by Caroline & Sherrie Martin; and HSH Vamonos, a 2015 Zangersheide gelding owned by Caroline & Sherrie Martin
Kurt Martin (Marshall, Va.) and D.A. Lifetime, a 2012 Holsteiner mare owned by Debbie Adams
Alexanda MacLeod (Marshall, Va.) and Newmarket Jack, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra & Carla MacLeod
Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Caroline Martin & Jeanne Shigo
Allison Springer (Upperville, Va.) and Crystal Crescent Moon, a 2013 Connemara cross gelding owned by Nancy Winter
Additional athletes invited to an assessment:
Maya Black (Clinton, Wash.) and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Laurie Cameron
Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) and Oskar, a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Alyssa & Julie Phillips
Caitlin Silliman (Kennett Square, Pa.) and Ally KGO, a 2011 Trakehner mare owned by Ally KGO Syndicate, LLC
To learn more about the Eventing Pathway Program, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Performance and Program Support, at [email protected].
The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOPC, and USEF sponsors and members.