February 16-18 marks the first opportunity of 2010 to participate in the SmartPak/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Trainers Symposiums. The symposiums offer practical training sessions and round table discussions with top industry professionals. This first event kicks off with John French as the hunter clinician and George Morri, as the equitation and jumper clinician at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA.

The Symposiums are offered to everyone—not just trainers. Trainers Symposiums count toward the professional requirements for the USHJA Trainer Certification Program.

The next scheduled Symposium is April 19-20 at Evergreen Equestrian Park in Monroe, WA, with hunter clinician Jenny Karazissis and equitation and jumper clinician Julie Winkel. On April 19-21, Westbrook Hunt Club in Westbrook, CT, is also hosting a symposium with Morgan Thomas, hunter clinician, Valerie Renihan, equitation clinician, and Linda Allen, jumper clinician. Two additional symposium locations will be announced in March.

The schedule for each symposium offers three days of hunters, equitation, and jumpers. Each of the disciplines is broken into sections: i.e. junior hunters, intermediate equitation, and junior/amateur owner jumpers. The sections will have three to four demonstration riders for the clinician to work and explain different techniques, exercises, and tips for various levels of riders and horses.

This is a great opportunity for professionals and members to exchange thoughts and ideas on training exercises, training aids, and business practices. Symposium registration is currently open. For more information, please visit the USHJA Trainers Symposium webpage at www.ushja.org/content/programs/symposium.aspx.