MZ Farms Extends Title Sponsorship of USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

Lexington, Ky.—March 25, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that MZ Farms will continue as the title sponsor of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program through 2028, reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of equestrian athletes.

“We are grateful for MZ Farms’ continued partnership and their belief in the Emerging Athletes Program,” said USHJA Executive Director Whitney Allen. “Their support helps us create meaningful educational experiences that prepare riders to succeed at all levels of the sport.”

The Emerging Athletes Program has been a cornerstone of the USHJA’s educational offerings since 2009, providing opportunities for riders to advance their horsemanship knowledge and riding skills. Through the program, accepted riders and non-riders participate in a five-day Regional Training Session, working with leading clinicians and top stable managers. Based on their performance, 16 riders and a select number of stable managers are invited to attend the National Training Session. At its conclusion, one rider is named National Training Session Champion and receives a $3,000 training grant to support advanced instruction.

“Our family believes strongly in the mission of the Emerging Athletes Program,” said Cathy Muzzy, owner of MZ Farms. “It offers young riders an extraordinary opportunity to learn from world-class clinicians while enhancing the horsemanship, discipline, and community that define our sport. We experienced this first-hand as our daughter was fortunate to ride in four Regional Training Sessions and the National Training Session. The program helped shape her as a rider and horsewoman while connecting her to a much larger community of like-minded people and professionals.”

Program alumni have gone on to compete in top events and earn numerous championships in the Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation show rings, including the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Prix des States, and representing the U.S. Jumping Team in FEI Jumping Nations Cup competition.

Applications are currently open and close April 1. To learn more about the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program and find this year's calendar of sessions, visit ushja.org/EAP.