United States Eventing Association

Eventing Riders Association of North America to Continue Prelim to Pro Team Championship

The ERA of NA is also looking to expand the Prelim to PRO program this year and in 2019. Further announcements will be made as they become available.

In the past years, top professionals such as Buck Davidson, Sharon White, and Boyd Martin have volunteered as team coaches.

“Prelim to Pro was an amazing experience filled with seminars, course walks with Olympians, and wonderful teammates. I had the opportunity to course walk with Boyd Martin (one of my biggest role models) who really helped my confidence around a huge one-star track,” reflected Keely Cooley. “My teammates were awesome, always helping each other from lending hole punches to going through courses many times. The seminars were a great way for all of the teams to communicate and learn about careers with horses and behind the scenes of veterinary practices.”

Young riders are grouped into teams of four to five and may use a single nominated horse within the division for a score to count in the championships. Daily seminars are held throughout the weekend and individual media highlights are shared across all platforms. Past educational seminars have broadened participants’ knowledge on nutrition, saddle/pad/girth fit, media etiquette, and generic and non-generic pharmaceuticals.

“The Prelim to Pro series was a very educational experience for all of us. It showed us different opportunities in the horse world and how to compete together as a team,” stated Joe Bowersox.

Arielle Aharoni also took away some career path ideas, “Plantation was a huge learning experience for me. At the Triple Crown seminar we learned how to work with sponsors. In the future, I have to be prepared to sit down with sponsors, build my resume, prove how I’m different, and show them that they will be the ones benefiting if they sponsor me. Furlong Healthy Horse’s seminar taught me that in the long run it’s more economical to use brand name medications (which are more expensive) rather than experimenting with compounded medications that may or may not be effective.”

The top three teams will be rewarded with ribbons and prizes, while the top eight individuals also receive awards. Last year’s winner, Ryan Keefe, was awarded an Amerigo saddle from World Equestrian Brands, as well as a custom saddle fitting session by Robin Moore.

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to participate in Prelim to Pro. My favorite part was having the support from fellow teammates and especially having a team coach for help and to answer any questions we had,” reflected previous participant Shelby Brost. “I got to meet some great people and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to compete on a team. I feel strongly as though this program opens doors for us with the extra tools we need to become the best riders we can be.”

Learn more about the Triple Crown Nutrition Prelim to Pro Program here.