Lexington, Ky. – Participants selected for the 2015 Eventing 25 and Eventing 18 Programs prepared for the competition season by beginning the year with training sessions with USEF Eventing Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law. Making his debut in his new position, Law taught his first sessions at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, Calif., on January 11-15 for riders from the West Coast in both programs. Next heading to Meredyth South in Ocala, Fla., Law worked with the riders from the East Coast, beginning with the Eventing 18 riders on January 19-22 and followed by the Eventing 25 riders on January 26-29.

“I am ecstatic with how my first few weeks on the job went,” said Law. “I was very impressed with each and every rider that came before me and I would like to think we created a good first impression on one another and a good basis to build from. I was very impressed, as well, with the infrastructure provided by USEF namely the work of Joanie and Bryn, and I am very excited to go forward with the program this year and perhaps grow it in the future!" 

Eventing 18 rider Mia Farley (San Clemente, Calif.) had nothing but great things to say about her time at the West Coast training sessions.

“I am so thankful to be a part of this USEF program. My five days working with Leslie Law was an educational experience,” Farley said. “Leslie passed on tools I can use in future competitions with all the horses I ride. Not only did we ride in lessons, but we also watched each other's lessons to learn from the ground. You can learn a lot just by watching and listening. Being surrounded by other passionate, goal-orientated riders was fantastic!”

To view a list of the riders named to the 2015 Eventing 18 Program, click here. 

Eventing 25 rider Lizzie Snow (Southern Pines, N.C.) echoed Farley’s positive sentiments about the East Coast training sessions for the Eventing 25 Program riders.

“It was cool this year to see a different take that Leslie had, though it was very similar to David’s coaching,” Snow explained. “It built on the same foundation but it was great to get a different opinion. I enjoyed his teaching very much and he had great tips for each phase. He’s a great resource and is open to us calling and asking questions and getting advice if we need it. It is great that he is willing to help out and to be there as another mentor for us.”

To view a list of the riders named to the 2015 Eventing 25 Program, click here. 

In addition to the mounted sessions, participants on both coasts heard lectures on horse management. Dr. Susan Johns discussed veterinary care with the West Coast riders, while Dr. Julie Copenhagen, Max Corcoran, and Todd Meister spoke with the East Coast riders on the topics of veterinary care, stable management, and farrier work, respectively. 

The training sessions provided wonderful learning opportunities to the nation's up-and-coming riders. The USEF would also like to thank the guest lecturers and facility owners, Jacqueline Mars of Meredyth South and Alan and Kay Needle of Tucalota Creek Ranch, as well as Tamie Smith and Suzanne Doolittle, for providing use of their wonderful facilities.The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors.