Hayley Barnhill In Stride At EAP Phase three was at Maplewood Stables in Reno, NV January 8-10, 2010 The opportunity of a lifetime came for hunter/jumper rider Hayley Barnhill of Collierville, TN when she was chosen (out of over 500 applicants) one of the top twelve finalists in the inaugural USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP). Hayley is always looking for opportunities to move outside her immediate area. When she read about the EAP, she knew it was something she needed to do. Then she met Melanie Smith Taylor, who encouraged her to apply. “The EAP was the perfect program for her,” said her mother Stacey. Hayley has been riding since age eight and coached by Dave Pellegrini since she was nine years old. She rides Toucan Tango, aka “Eddie,” a 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding and Common Sense, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, her equitation horse. There were three phases to the program. Haley was first selected to go to Regional competition, held in Nashville, Tennessee on July 9, 2009. Melanie Smith Taylor was the clinician for the session, which stressed riding over jumps. There were three groups: a 3’ group, a 3’6” group, and a 4’ group, with approximately 12 riders in each group. Hayley was in the 4’ group. Hayley’s mother recalled: “Melanie had not had much experience watching Hayley ride. But at this clinic she told Hayley, 'I knew you were a good rider, but not this good!’ That was a really great compliment to Hayley, and Hayley found it a real treat to work with Melanie.” The second phase in Naples, Florida in November 2009 emphasized horsemanship skills. The students worked with “wonderful groom” Jennifer Alfano, Hayley’s mother described. “She observed which kids knew their way around horses, how to groom properly and care for the horse before and after their rides. She impressed on the kids the importance of daily hands-on horse care. The kids spent a lot of the day on grooming aspects. They started the day with chores and ended the day with chores. Hayley learned a lot about how Jennifer runs her barn and cares for horses, and will emulate her as a role model.” Their clinician in Naples was Allison Firestone. The first days she schooled them on flatwork and gymnastics. The final day she set a jumper course in the Grand Prix field and had the students walk their own course, warm up their horses by themselves, and prepare for how best to ride the course on their horse. Afterwards, they critiqued themselves on their preparation and ride. Phase three was at Maplewood Stables in Reno, NV January 8-10, 2010. Again, the focus was on horsemanship, with a veterinarian seminar from Dr. Midge Leitch; Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde was the clinician; and Eliza Shuford was in charge of horsemanship and barn care. Host Julie Winkel provided 12 excellent horses for the students to ride. Mindy Bower showed the kids how to help their horses with any kinds of fears, problems, and to help “spooky” horses overcome their fears. “The kids also had fun learning from Mindy, who comes from the Western world. It was a very emotional experience for the kids. They put their hearts into it and took a lot away from it,” said Hayley’s mother. At this session, the kids had to take a written test. They were not quite sure how to study for it, but Hayley did well, in the top three on the final test. “That was quite different from what the kids learn in their daily routines,” said Hayley’s mother. For the finale, the kids were split into three teams of four riders, who then competed as teams in a Nation’s Cup-type formal ride. They rode two jumper courses and the team winners of the competition received gold, silver, and bronze medals. There were two overall individual winners chosen. Hayley’s team placed second, although Hayley had the fastest times with two clear rounds on both courses. Hayley’s mother termed the EAP “a great success. They may have a lot more applications this year. It was a great experience for the kids!”