The equestrian studies program at William Woods University was chosen to host the MZ Farms/United States Hunter Jumper (USHJA) Emerging Athletes Program (EAP).
This program allows young riders to further their horsemanship education and riding skills, a WWU release states.
The EAP is taking place this week at WWU's equestrian complex. It lasts until June 9.
Spectators are invited to attend the riding sessions. Admission is $10.
This is the first time WWU has hosted the program. Eligibility to host the program is determined by evaluation applications, geographical balance, ability of the facility to meet USHJA/EAP requirements, variance of dates, constituency opportunity, and EAP committee recommendations, a release states.
The final decision is made by the USHJA executive director.
Jennifer Petterson, dean of equestrian studies at WWU, said hosting the program is an honor.
"We have had a number of William Woods students participate in the past and know the value of an immersive experience with top clinicians," Petterson said in a release.
The clinician for this year's week-long program is Cynthia Hankins. She is a former junior equitation star who won the American Horse Show Association Medal Finals in 1975.
Hankins has a USEF R-rated judge's license in both hunter and hunter seat equitation. She has also judged several shows in the U.S. and France, as well as equitation finals including the 2011 American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, a release states.