Will we see you in the Professional divisions next year?

Hi, everyone.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Recently, someone asked about my riding plans for 2008, so I thought I would answer that question today.

The current USEF regulations allow equestrians eighteen and older only two status options after the completion of the junior ranks; amateur or professional. Since I do not own my own horse, I will be registering with the USEF as a professional for the coming year. Young professionals often struggle with gaining beneficial equestrian experiences, as well as, developing the necessary skills required for professional competency. If a new, building-block-type, formalized option, such as apprenticeship, was added to the rules and regulations with requirements that included, for example, completing a formalized and structured internship with a designated USEF mentor over several years, many of the educational concerns of young and aspiring professionals could be addressed .

Horsemastership, a program that began in January 2007, addresses some concerns of today's young professionals. I was honored to be selected and participate in 2007, and again, in 2008. In January 2008, I will be writing a series of blogs about my experiences during the extremely educational week long program.

My long term goal is to become an equestrian professional, riding and showing at the Grand Prix level in the United States and, ultimately, riding for the US at the international level, as well. Currently, my short term goal is riding and showing as much as I can, gaining the experience needed to become a better professional.

Thank you for your continued support!
Talk to you later.
Maria Schaub