Taylor Harris Insurance Services Joins MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program as Supporting Sponsor

Regional Training Sessions to Award THIS Athlete of the Session

Lexington, Ky.—May 14, 2024—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to welcome Taylor Harris Insurance Services as a supporting sponsor of the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program through 2025.

As part of the partnership, one athlete from each Emerging Athletes Program Regional Training Sessions will be selected as the THIS Athlete of the Session and awarded a $500 cash prize and certificate of recognition. Selected by the clinicians, this award will be awarded to a participant demonstrating the highest level of discipline, determination, and dedication.

"We're proud to announce the 'THIS Athlete Award for the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program Regional Training Session' award in partnership with Taylor Harris Insurance Services," said USHJA Executive Director Kevin Price. "This distinction not only honors the outstanding efforts of our Emerging Athletes Program participants but also reflects our commitment to the development and education of our athletes who are the future of the sport."

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. 

"Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) has always been and remains committed to supporting the education of equestrian athletes at all levels. We are excited to continue that legacy with the USHJA's Emerging Athlete Program. At each regional event the athlete who demonstrates the highest level of Discipline, Determination, and Dedication will be selected by the program's mentors to receive a grant from THIS. We believe these 3D's—Discipline, Determination, and Dedication—lead to success not only in the competition ring but in life. We are thrilled to celebrate and support these young athletes," said Michael Taylor, President and Director of Taylor Harris Insurance Services.

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