Vero Beach, Florida: The Professional Riders Organization, Triple Crown Nutrition and prize sponsor World Equestrian Brands are continuing to build upon the successful format of the Triple Crown JYR Scholarship Award Program by expanding the mentorship and educational components of the program in the 2015 season. Three online curriculum modules will be added with follow up quizzes. In addition, educational seminars covering equine nutrition, veterinary care, farrier care, grooming and horse management, equipment fitting and media skills will be held at designated events. All riders participating in the program will be expected to complete the curriculum modules and attend seminars as part of their eligibility for the scholarship award.

“It’s so gratifying for me to see the program evolving and growing in this way,” said Michelle Mulcahy of Triple Crown Nutrition. “Based on the feedback from past participants, the scholarship is providing a unique opportunity for young event riders to gain experience and challenge themselves. Supporting the PRO JYR Scholarship is just one more way Triple Crown Nutrition continues to honor its commitment to providing knowledge beyond nutrition.”

The Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program awards a one-week scholarship for a rider and their horse at the facility of an upper level event rider. The top two riders from both the east and west coasts, on the year-end Triple Crown JYR Leaderboard, each earn scholarship awards. In addition, the overall Triple Crown JYR Leaderboard Champion will also win the World Equestrian Brands Award, consisting of a full kit of tack, including: Amerigo Saddle, girth and leathers, Vespucci Bridle with reins and breastplate, an E.A. Mattes Sheepskin half pad, Equilibrium Airlite Cross-Country Boots and Stretch & Flex Wraps.

“PRO University is wonderful addition to the mentorship aspect of the program.  All components, including nutrition, tack, farrier and vet care are vital to sound, healthy horses which are fundamental to the sport,” Robin Moore, CEO of World Equestrian Brands commentated. “It’s a great way to help strengthen the sport with these talented young riders, and WEB is grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”

The Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program was established in 2011 by PRO board member and USEF Eventing High Performance Selector Marcia Kulak who wanted to offer a program at the training level that emphasized horsemanship and competency of technique. PRO professional members judge participants at each of the designated events. “This Scholarship has evolved far beyond my expectations!  I am deeply grateful for the tremendous support from my long time sponsors Triple Crown Nutrition and the addition of World Equestrian Brands.  Together they are helping to provide young riders with an unprecedented opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience at an early stage in their Eventing careers. PRO has created a vehicle for America’s top international riders to contribute to the education and development of our next generation of talent.”

Due to the growth of the program, Ashley Leith, PRO Founding Rider’s Advisory Board Member, will take on the role of Supervising Director of PRO Junior Programs.

“I have worked with the PRO Junior Program for several years now and I am very excited to see it move to the next level with the new educational curriculum component,” said Leith. “The program is unique in the industry and encourages a bridge between the junior level and the young professional level in the sport.  Everyone involved in this program has put a lot of thought into what it should look like, and with the help of our sponsors I think we are in a position to really educate and influence our up and coming juniors. ”   

The designated events for the 2015 Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program include:

EAST COAST:

Carolina International – Raeford, NC. March 19-22

Surefire Horse Trials – Purcellville, VA. June 20-21 

Millbrook Horse Trials – Millbrook, NY July 30-August 2

WEST COAST:

Galway Downs – Temecula, CA March 26-29

Rebecca Farm – Kalispell, MT July 22-26

Aspen Farms Horse Trials -Yelm, WA September 4-6

For more information about the Triple Crown JYR Scholarship Program including full program details and eligibility criteria, please visit: http://professionalriders.org/tlsa-scholarship-program  

To learn more about Triple Crown Nutrition, please visit: http://www.triplecrownfeed.com