The Professional Riders Organization has announced a new series designed to give junior and young riders the experience of competing on a team before attending the North American Junior and Young Riders Championship.
The Prelim to PRO Team Series was designed by PRO junior board members Karri Bellamy, Caroline Martin and Jorgen Olijslager. Youth competitors will have the opportunity to qualify at three preliminary level events: the Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International (N.C.), Surefire Farm Horse Trials (Va.) and Millbrook Horse Trials (N.Y.). The team championship will be held at the CIC* level at the Plantation Field International (Pa.) on Sept. 20-23.
Individuals wishing to participate must be PRO junior members and must submit an email letter of intent with a proposed schedule of qualifying events to info@professionalriders.org before their intended qualifier.
Rider briefings will be held at each qualifying event. Team coaches/mentors will be available for course walks. Warm-up help will be offered when time allows. Individuals will be stabled together at qualifying competitions. The series will include mandatory educational seminars on topics ranging from veterinary care to media skills, and all team members will also complete an online PRO University curriculum.
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“I am thrilled to be a part of the PRO Junior Rider Board, formulating the Prelim to PRO Team Series,” said Bellamy. “The knowledge and mentorship I have had access to is fantastic. I want to see other young riders have an equal opportunity to learn all that they can. This team series is a chance for junior riders to be guided through the prelim to one-star transition, and I’d love to see everyone challenge themselves and reach for it.”
Triple Crown Nutrition is the presenting sponsor, and World Equestrian Brands has also signed on to help sponsor this effort. Both team and individual winners in the series will receive brand ambassadorships; an Amerigo saddle, girth and leathers; and a Vespucci bridle.
More information about the series can be found at: http://professionalriders.org/prelim-to-pro.
