Edited Press Release
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.
About MZ Farms, LLC
MZ Farms is dedicated to the thoughtful development and training of sport horses through the collaboration of its training partners, Lund Equestrian and Stonewall Ponies. Located in Vista, California, MZ Farms provides high-quality lease horses and ponies for riders progressing from walk–trot through the junior divisions. The program is designed to cultivate confident riders while developing well-rounded horses through consistent, professional training.
Beyond the barn, MZ Farms is deeply committed to expanding access to equestrian sport. The farm proudly supports education-driven programs such as the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, which creates equitable opportunities for young riders to participate in the sport regardless of financial barriers. By providing access to horses, tack, and competition opportunities, programs like IEA help ensure that talented riders can develop their skills and passion for horses even if owning or leasing a horse is not possible. At its core, MZ Farms believes horses should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone.
About the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association
The United States Hunter Jumper Association, as the official Hunter/Jumper affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, is a competition-based sport organization that serves our members through educational programs, awards and recognition, communication, and rules. We provide a wide array of programs for all Hunter/Jumper levels, and we are mindful of the well-being of our equine partners. Additionally, we are committed to preserving the history of our sport, and through our Foundation, we support charitable and benevolent services. Learn more at ushja.org.
