MZ Farms Joins as Title Sponsor of USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Through 2025

Lexington, Ky.—Jan. 30, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to welcome MZ Farms to the family of USHJA sponsors as the title sponsor of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program. The new partnership extends through 2025. 

"We are thrilled to have MZ Farms join as the new title sponsor of the Emerging Athletes Program," said USHJA Executive Director Kevin Price. "Their support allows us to continue to provide valuable educational opportunities to our members and help develop the next generation of top equestrians."

Since 2009, the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program has been providing opportunities for young riders to advance their horsemanship education and riding skills. The program's alumni have gone on to compete in top events and earn numerous championships in the Hunter, Jumper and Equitation show rings, including the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Prix des States and representing the U.S. Jumping Team in FEI Jumping Nations Cup competition.

Riders accepted into the Emerging Athletes Program begin by participating in a Regional Training Session. During the extensive five-day sessions, riders have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and some of the country's leading stable managers. Once the Regional Training Sessions conclude, 16 riders and a select number of stable managers will be invited to attend the National Training Session based on their riding and stable management skills and potential shown during their Regional Training Session. At the conclusion, one rider is named the overall USHJA EAP National Training Session Champion and awarded a $3,000 training grant for advanced instruction. 

“The Emerging Athletes Program was highly recommended to us by our trainer, Shayne Wireman, and her daughter Skylar," said owner Cathy Muzzy. "Over time we have heard numerous references to EAP Stable Manager Anne Thornbury and how she helped shape their own approach and techniques to horsemanship. Our unofficial barn motto is ‘Always Learning’ and EAP beautifully complements that approach."

MZ Farms and the Muzzy Family wholeheartedly believe that horses can change the world for the better. By providing riders with access to exercise, companionship, responsibility and comradery, horses help to support both physical and mental wellness. They are committed to the education and development of young riders. This multi-year partnership with the USHJA perfectly blends their passions for education, horsemanship and riding.  

To learn more about the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, visit ushja.org/EAP.  

Photo: Mosaic Photography