As the second day of the 2014 USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session comes to a close, there’s an air of confidence in the James L. Child Equestrian Center in Findlay, Ohio, as the 16 young finalists prepare to compete in a Nations Cup-format competition for the title of EAP champion.

Read about the first day of this year’s EAP Nationals here.

The Chronicle caught up with five the riders between their busy schedules riding with clinician Peter Wylde, learning stable management and sports psychology and serving as jump crew for their peers—to ask them some questions about what they’ve learned so far.

Nina Vogel

Nina Vogel and Neo

Age: 16

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Did You Know?: Vogel is an artist and the senior editor of her school newspaper.

Nina Vogel trains with the Karazissis family out of Far West Farm in Calabasas, Calif. She was selected to participate in EAP Nationals by riding in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center clinic. Her assigned horse is Testimonial, or “Neo,” a 13-year-old Thoroughbred-Hanoverian gelding owned by Knightsbridge Farm.

What do you think of Neo?

We call him “Landshark” because he tries to eat me alive when I try to groom him! He has a little bit of that snarkiness when you’re riding him as well, but he’s very adjustable and he seems very capable. I’m definitely lucky to have him.

How’re you feeling going into the “Nations Cup” competition?

I’m excited! I’ve been getting to know him a lot better and our progress together will continue tomorrow and it’ll be a lot of fun.

What do you think is your biggest strength is as a rider?

I think I’m very persistent and determined as a person and I think that helps me in my riding because I’m very goal-oriented and willing to work hard to get to where I want to go.

Halie Robinson

Halie Robinson and Skylar. Tricia Booker/USHJA  Photo.

Age: 18

Hometown: Santa Barbara, Calif.

Did You Know?: Robinson plans to attend Auburn University (Ala.), next spring to ride on their NCAA Division 1 equestrian team.

Halie Robinson also rode in the L.A. Equestrian Center clinic to earn her spot at EAP Nationals. She trains with Jim Hagman out of Elvenstar Riding Academy in Moorpark, Calif., and hopes to work there as a trainer after earning her bachelors degree. Her horse this weekend is For Those Who Think Young, or “Skylar,” a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Stonegate Farm.

What is your favorite thing about riding in clinics like this one?

I think this clinic is great because everyone gets to learn about their horses together and even though all the horses are different, everyone’s in the same position. It’s nice because you get to bond with the horse and that’s probably the most important thing in riding correctly—having trust between you and your partner.

How have your horsemanship skills improved so far this weekend?

I think everyone is learning how to prevent or deter whatever quirks their horses might have at this point, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do, smoothing out any roughness that might linger.

How’re you feeling going into the “Nations Cup” competition?

I’m so excited to compete tomorrow, and hopefully it’s end on a good note. But it doesn’t matter if I win or lose, it’s still so exciting that I get to be here and to walk away with so much knowledge.

Carly Williams

Carly Williams and Pete

Age: 19

Hometown: Lexington, Va.

Did You Know?: Williams plans to become not only a professional rider and trainer, but also an “R” rated hunter/jumper and equitation judge and a certified course designer.

Carly Williams is catch rider who works with many professionals including Terry Rudd, Brooke Kemper, Tommy Serio, Elizabeth Solter and Carolyn Williams. She was selected to attend EAP Nationals at the Sweet Briar College clinic in Virginia. Her horse is Flo Rida, or “Pete,” whom Peter Wylde deemed “the most difficult and opinionated of the group.” Pete is an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Julia Hogan.

What do you think of Pete?

I think he’s a little bit tough, but I’m growing to like him! I’m having more fun today for sure. Yesterday I needed to break the ice with him a little bit, but he was much better and actually quite good today. It’s better for him to start a little slower, and then his energy starts to build throughout the course. But if I can keep him slower in the beginning, he’s a little quieter and more rideable for longer.

How have your horsemanship skills improved so far this weekend?

On this horse because he’s strong I want to put my hands further up, so I’ve been working on that trying to keep them down!

What do you think is your biggest strength is as a rider?

I think I’m very gritty. I don’t get scared easily; you can put me on a big one, a small one, hot one, cold one—they would have to work hard to scare me!

Abigail Grace Kelley

Abigail Grace Kelley and Stella

Age: 13

Hometown: Denver, Colo.

Did You Know?: Kelley is deeply involved  with a group at her school called Teens 4 Oceans, which helps educate the public about ocean conservancy.

At 13 years old, Kelley is the youngest finalist to be selected for EAP Nationals this year. She works with Cindy Cruciotti out of Serenity Farm in Elizabeth, Colo., and was selected for finals after participating in the clinic at Colorado Horse Park. Her assigned horse is Show Me The Stars, or “Stella,” a Thoroughbred mare on unrecorded age owned by Stonegate Farm.

What is your favorite thing about riding in clinics like this one?

I love getting information from other trainers to really help put everything together with what my trainer tells me to make my rounds more effective.

What do you think of Stella?

I really like her!  She has some problems with her legs, so she gets Theraplate and laser therapy and ice boots, all of which we’ve been learning about in the clinic. It’s nice to learn about how to care for her like we’re doing.

How have your horsemanship skills improved so far this weekend?

Well I know one of my biggest problems is that I tend to lean to the side over jumps, and I think I stopped doing that here. My arms were a lot more relaxed today also!

Phillip Williamson

Phillip Williamson and Wendell. Tricia Booker/USHJA  Photo.

Age: 19

Hometown: Dever, Colo.

Did You Know?: Williamson is a member of his Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team at Centenary College in New Jersey.

Phillip Williamson has worked for the likes of Karen Banister, Robin Fairclough and Amanda Steege. He trains with Heather Clark and Michael Dowling at Centenary College and rode in the Gardnertown Farm clinic in Newburgh, Colo. to earn his place at EAP Nationals. His horse this weekend is Parlé, or “Wendell,” a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Allie Krendler.

 What is your favorite thing about riding in clinics like this one?

I really like riding with a bunch of different people so that you can learn a lot of ways to do one thing and you can figure out which way is best for you and your horse.

How have your horsemanship skills improved so far this weekend?

I think a lot of it has to do with getting to know the horses, so as I go on I’m melding with him and it’s going a lot smoother.

How’re you feeling going into the “Nations Cup” competition tomorrow?

I’m confident. I think my horse is a really good horse. He’s really honest and he’s going to try his heart out for me.

For more photos from Day 2 of EAP Nationals, click here.

Follow along with the Chronicle’s online coverage at chronofhorse.com.

 Get more information about the Emerging Athletes Program.

 Get more information about the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge.