COLORADO HUNTER JUMPER FOUNDATIONS AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

Category A & B Scholarships Awarded

Abigail Berglund, who rides with Rebecca Johnson and Devon Nutt at In Stride, Inc., received one of seven scholarships awarded this year by the Colorado Hunter Jumper Foundation. Abby began riding competitively not long ago at the age of 12. Her interest in horses was sparked by the experience of her older cousin, who also rides.

She currently competes in the junior equitation and low jumper divisions. And at the 2019 IEA Region 3 show, she received the Sportsmanship Award and was named the IEA High Score Rider in the Varsity Open Over Fences Division.

In a nomination letter written by one of the amateurs from her barn, Abby is described as being an integral member of the In Stride family. "(Abby) arrived at our barn as a shy teenager and through the years she has blossomed into a confident horsewoman who also serves as co-captain of our IEA team."

Abby will enter Colorado State University in the fall where she intends on majoring in business administration and equine science.

Ellie Schell, who like Abby recently graduated from Arapahoe High School in Centennial and rides at In Stride, will be attending West Texas A&M University with the hope of majoring in equine industry and business. She began riding when she was six through a monthly summer camp put on by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. She first took regular lessons at Plum Creek Stables focusing on riding western and competing in barrel racing. It was after watching the Rolex Three-Day Event that she determined she wanted to learn to jump.

Her chemistry teacher noted how determined Ellie was in his class and on the cross-country team, where she capably assumed the role of team leader among the younger runners. "Underclassmen knew they could go to Ellie with any questions they had about navigating the cross-country season or high school," he added.

One of her employers further emphasized that Ellie was a gracious and appreciative athlete who worked hard to become better. "Cross country is a tough sport ... At the end of each race, not matter how Ellie performed, she smiled and said, 'thank you' when she was congratulated."

Madelynn McAllister received a $1,000 Category A scholarship plus a $500 Spirit of Excellence scholarship. Madelynn, who rides with Sarah Watson and recently graduated from Thunder Ridge High School, will attend the University of Colorado in Boulder this fall to study early childhood education. In a nomination letter, amateur Kristina McCombie stated that, "Maddie is the perfect  example of a junior rider who brings horsemanship, sportsmanship and competition to any CHJA show, and no matter the ribbons, always leaves with a smile and appreciation for her horse."

Tori Weed, a graduate of Arvada West High School who will attend the University of Colorado Denver to study psychology and criminal justice, has never had the opportunity to have her own show horse but rather has created success by riding those she has leased either show-by-show or for part of a season. According to Karen Banister, her trainer, Tori has achieved much from what many young people would consider very little. "As a traveling assistant, groom and junior mentor for our younger students, she has been exceptional," Karen said. "Her horsemanship knowledge and desire to continually improve her skills and abilities have been both an inspiration to the younger students and a breath of fresh air for the older clients who have lost a bit of hope that the young are willing work hard for their goals."

Haley Graham, a recent graduate from Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, will attend Regis University where she intends to study marketing. She is receiving the Jim Calareso Scholarship, established and awarded for the first time last year. While Haley doesn't have her own horse, she manages to stay busy riding. She not only leases a horse but also frequently asks for other rides as well when she is at the barn so that she is "always riding whither it is my horse or someone else's." Trainer Jill Pelzel commented that, "Even though Haley deals with personal challenges, she is an important team player for our IEA ream. She is a team leader, friendly to everyone, and always helping with the extra details that make a show run smoothly for me. She is kind to the horses, and never has a negative comment for any of her mounts, even it is was not her type of ride."

Claire Aden will receive a Category B scholarship as she continues her education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she is pursuing a double major in elementary and special education.  Her academic advisor at Nebraska uses the word "genuine" to describe Claire. "She has a way about herself that makes others feel appreciated, listened to and (provides) a sense of calmness when around her. Claire is a delightful student who has a bright future ahead of her."

Caroline Molther, who attends the University of Kentucky where she studies equine science, also will receive a Category B scholarship. Trainer Joanne Waring notes Caroline's determination, attention to detail and quiet resolve as she continues to make progress toward achieving her goals.  "Working behind the scenes as show barn manager, Caroline has organizes and prepares all aspects of the barn equipment and horses shipping from home to the show.It is an unassuming job that she gives attention to each detail and seeks no praise," Joanne added.

Limited Spots Remaining in Rita Timpanaro Clinic

Member Benefit Clinic Monday, July 22nd at the Estes Park Events Complex

About Clinician: Rita Timpanaro began riding as a child under the guidance of Frank and Wayne Carroll and Bernie Traurig. As a junior rider, she was a member of the Pony Club and qualified for level I and Level II Dressage. Beginning at 12 years of age, she qualified for the National ASPCA and AHSA (presently USEF) Medal Equitation Championship Finals. She was a ribbon winner in each of the Finals for five consecutive years and placed in the AHSA Junior Jumper year-end award. She competed in the Madison Square Garden National Horse Show, and at age 12, rode her horse to a win in a Junior Hunter Class. At age 13, she was awarded the ASPCA National Equitation Reserve Championship. At 16, she went on to win the AHSA (presently USEF) Hunter Seat Medal Finals. Rita incorporates into her clinics the system she has developed during her extensive career as a rider, trainer and USEF judge. She loves teaching riders of all ages and levels of riding! From a judge's perspective, each clinic is based on the American Hunter Jumper Forward System of riding and training horses. In 2011-2016, Rita served as a USHJA Certified Trainer and was honored to be a USHJA Certified Clinician.