September 3, 2008 — The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) will offer a USHJA Trainers’ Symposium October 24-26, 2008, at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va. Riders and trainers can watch, listen and ask questions from some of the top trainers in the country. The clinicians include Danny Robertshaw, Scott Hofstetter and Harold Chopping.
The symposiums offer attendees a rare opportunity to participate in practical training sessions and round table discussions with top professionals in the industry. The schedule 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 3-4 demonstration riders for the clinician to work and explain different techniques, exercises and tips for various levels of riders and horses. This is an opportunity for professionals and members to exchange thoughts and ideas on training exercises, training aids, and business practices.
The three-day event kicks off with a jumper session led by Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, N.C. Chopping has been a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team since 1988 and a member of the 1992 Canadian Olympic Team 1992 (Barcelona). In addition, he has represented Canada in 17 Nations’ Cups and competed at 3 World Cup Finals. His successful career includes winning the 1996 $100,000 American Invitational. Chopping operates Solo Show Stables, a jumper training and sales stable in Rougemont, N.C.
The second day the attendees will be treated to a session of equitation from one of the country’s top riders and trainers, Scott Hofstetter. Hofstetter currently resides at his farm, Copley Place in Ocala, Fla., where he owns and operates a full care hunter/jumper training facility. As a junior rider, he won the 1986 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Finals.
Hofstetter continues as a professional to be one of the country’s leading hunter riders and judges. Some of his accomplishments include the Leading Rider at such shows as Devon, Capital Challenge, Washington International, and the National Horse Show. When not competing and showing, he also enjoys judging and giving clinics throughout the country.
Wrapping up the symposium will be champion hunter trainer and rider Danny Robertshaw. He has been training top show hunters for over 30 years. He was the 2001 Equestrian of Honor, winning the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Emerson Burr Trophy. He is the only rider to have been champion in the Regular Working hunter at Devon, Harrisburg, Washington, Madison Square Garden and The Royal Winter Fair in the same year. He has trained over 30 champions at Devon and indoors.
The Sweet Briar College Symposium will also offer attendees an educational seminar each day in addition to the riding instruction. World Equestrian Brands will offer a seminar on “Is Your Tack Holding You Back?” presented by Rachel Hansen. Paul Cronin will offer an instructional seminar on proper lunging techniques.
Registration and host hotel information for the Sweet Briar College Symposium is available on the USHJA website.
