Welcome to the 2012 Ontario Young Riders program. The committee (Caroline Morshead – Coordinator, Peter Gray – Coach, Brandon McMechan, Lisa Thompson, Stephanie St Pierre and Laura Richard) has finalized the program plans for the upcoming season.  Due to the tremendous success of the 2011 program, there will not be many changes. However, there will be with more emphasis on the developing riders and the training camp for the NAJYRC riders.

We are planning to field a team of CCI* and CCI**riders for the annual North American Young Rider Championships to be held in Lexington on July 18^th- 22^nd, 2012.  As in the past, we want to keep the rider’s coaches involved throughout the program.  The following is an outline of the program details.  These events may be subject to change pending participation, weather etc. We would like to thank the organizers for allowing us to utilize their facilities and supporting the Ontario Young Riders program.

Dates/locations available for clinics

First Clinic – May 19, 2012 at Wits End with Peter Gray

The first clinic of the season is very kindly being hosted by Jo Young and Bill McKeen at Wits End, Rosemont.  This clinic is open to all registered Young Riders. Any remaining spaces will be opened up to OHTA members and their families.  There will be groups from Pre-Training up to FEI level.

Lunch will be a fundraiser to raise money for the program, and during lunch we will have a meeting to discuss fundraising and sponsorship.

This clinic is mandatory for the YR declared riders and their horses.

Second Clinic – May 21, 2012 with Cara Whitham – location TBA

This clinic will be limited to declared riders for the NAJYRC only.  All Young Riders are encouraged to attend and audit the clinic.  Parents may video their child as they ride their Championship test, and Cara will critique and provide feedback for improving scores.

Third Clinic – June 24, 2012 at Dreamcrest with Peter Gray

 Jumping and Potluck dinner with guest speaker Robert Schinke

This clinic is kindly being hosted by Dreamcrest Farm in Port Perry, and is open to all registered Young Riders, however priority will be given to the declared riders.  There will be a pot luck supper with a video by Peter Gray, and also a talk by sports psychologist Rob Schinke.

Fourth Clinic – September 16 , 2012 at Lanes End Stables with Peter Gray

This clinic, hosted by Lanes End Stables in Bobcaygeon, is after the NAJYRC and leading up to Midsouth in October. It will consist of some show jumping followed by cross-country schooling.  Open to all registered Young Riders, and any remaining spaces will open up to OHTA members and their families.  Many thanks to Sue Laverty for donating her lovely facility.

Clinic Fees for registered Young Riders:

$25.00 is subsidized for each clinic that you attend with Peter – the remainder of his clinic fee is to be paid by the rider prior to the clinic. In order for each clinic to run, there must be a minimum of 15 riders.  The average cost to the riders will be $50.00-$75.00 each (this is after the $25.00 that has been subsidized).  If the clinic cannot be filled by Young Riders, it may be opened up to other OHTA members at full clinic fees.