Findlay to Host Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) Regional Training Session

Photo taken by Rachel Sowinski, USHJA

University of Findlay is hosting the 2019 United States Hunter-Jumper Association (USHJA) Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) regional training session with riding clinician Julie Winkel and stable manager clinician Colleen Reed. Held June 3 – 7, this session is comprised of both professionals and students and provides instruction in horsemanship and stable management. Two Findlay students and a Findlay alumna will be attending the camp along with area riders who have qualified for the session.

According to the USHJA website, riders accepted into the EAP work with top riding clinicians and stable managers. Instruction focuses on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, as well as an intensive stable-management curriculum that incorporates proper care and grooming, horsemanship skills, and barn management. Riders attending the regional session are eligible to be selected to participate in the EAP National Training Session. Athletes who showed exceptional knowledge in the stable management area of the sessions are invited to attend as stable managers for the National Training Session.

Stable manager clinician Colleen Reed has a storied history as a stable manager. She has worked in various positions for Beacon Hill Show Stables, private families, Fairfield County Hunt Club and Leslie Burr. Horses she has groomed have competed in Grand Prixs and have won World Cups and Pony Finals silver cups. One of three stable managers for the EAP, she works with attendees to focus on the basics and details. She strives to impart the importance of organization and time management when showing horses.

Winkel is involved in all levels of the equestrian field as a trainer, teacher, and judge. Having held her United States Equestrian Federation R-rated license in Hunter, Hunter Breeding and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation since 1984, she has presided over many of the country’s most prestigious horse shows, such as Devon, the Pennsylvania National, The Hampton Classic, Washington International, Upperville Horse Shows, the National, Capital Challenge, the US Pony Finals, and the USEF/Sallie B. Wheeler National Hunter Breeding Championships. Additionally, she has designed the courses and judged The New England Equitation Finals, the ASPCA Maclay Finals, and the USEF Medal Finals. Currently, Winkel owns and operates Maplewood Stables Inc., a 165-acre training, showing, sales and breeding facility in Reno, Nevada, and supports the sport by sitting on the Board Of Directors for USHJA, being the chair of the USHJA Judges Committee, serving as co-chair for Officials Committee for the USHJA, serving on the National Hunter committee, and being the co-chair of the Licensed Officials Committee for the USEF as well as chair of Continuing Education.

For more information about the session, contact Findlay English riding instructor Alex Kemp-Thompson at kemp-thompson@findlay.edu.