United States Eventing Association

The Professional Riders Organization has launched the Prelim to PRO Team Series, presented by Triple Crown Nutrition. The new series introduces juniors and young riders to a team experience at the prelim and CIC1* level with an emphasis on education, horsemanship and a team format. The Prelim to PRO Team Series was conceived and designed by PRO Junior Board Members Karri Bellamy, Caroline Martin and Jorgen Olijslager.

"Karri, Caroline and Jorgen came to us at the Millbrook Horse Trials last year and expressed their wish for a series for juniors and young riders that would continue to build upon the training level scholarship," said Marcia Kulak, founder of PRO Junior Programs. "It was exciting to see how committed they are not only to expanding junior competitive formats, but also the seriousness with which they value the education and mentorship of all young riders. We challenged them to come up with a concept and business plan and they impressed everyone with the Prelim to PRO Team Series model."

Juniors and young riders can sign up to participate at the preliminary level at three qualifying events on the east coast: Carolina International, Surefire Farm Horse Trials and Millbrook Horse Trials. The Team Championship will be held at Plantation Field International at the CIC1* level in September.

"Being apart of the Prelim to PRO Team Series has given me an outlet to help unite young riders and provide them an opportunity for their first taste of team competition in a really positive environment. With the help of Samantha Lendl, Marcia Kulak, Buck Davidson, Ashley Leith and the PRO Junior Rider Board I believe we have created an educational, competitive format that will bring the best out of our young riders," said Caroline Martin. "I am thrilled to be a part of the PRO Junior Rider Board, formulating the Prelim to PRO Team Series, " added Karri Bellamy. "The knowledge and mentorship I have had access to is fantastic. I want to see other young riders have an equal opportunity to learn all that they can. This team series is a chance for junior riders to be guided through the Prelim to 1* transition, and I'd love to see everyone challenge themselves and reach for it."

Head Coach Buck Davidson will offer a clinic to all PRO Junior Members, and each Prelim to PRO Team will be paired with a team coach who is professional member of PRO. Attendance at short educational seminars covering a variety of topics, such as: equine nutrition, veterinary and farrier care, grooming equipment fitting and media skills will be required and modules held at each qualifying event and team championship. In addition participants will be required to complete an online PRO University curriculum in order to meet all qualifying criteria for the team championship.

Triple Crown Nutrition has expanded their support of PRO Junior programs by signing on as the presenting sponsor of the Prelim to PRO Team Series in addition to the Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program.

"We were impressed at the initiative taken by Caroline, Karri and Jorgen," said Michelle Mulcahy of Triple Crown Nutrition. "Ultimately, we decided to support the Prelim to PRO Team Series because we know the future of our industry depends on developing young riders. They put a lot of thought, time and energy in to creating the series and we want to encourage that type of involvement."

World Equestrian Brands, the prize sponsor of the Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program, has also signed on to become a Prelim to PRO team sponsor. Additional team sponsors will be announced as the season gets underway.

Individual and Team Prizes will be awarded to overall winners. Prizes include brand ambassadorships for selected sponsors, an Amerigo Saddle, girth and leathers and Vespucci Bridles provided by World Equestrian Brands, Triple Crown Nutrition Feed,

Ashley Leith, PRO Junior Programs Director and Kathleen Blauth, Team Manager will oversee the Prelim to PRO Team Series and coordinate the educational seminars and the junior clinic. The Prelim to PRO Team Series will start out on the east coast in its first year with the goal of expanding the program to the west coast in year two.

The 2015 Prelim to PRO Team Series schedule includes:

QUALIFIERS (preliminary level):
Carolina International - Raeford, NC. March 19-22
Surefire Horse Trials - Purcellville, VA. June 20-21
Millbrook Horse Trials - Millbrook, NY July 30-August 2

CIC1* TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
Plantation Field International - Unionville, PA. September 20-23

For more information about the Prelim to PRO Team Series including full program details and eligibility criteria, please visit: http://professionalriders.org/prelim-to-pro

To learn more about Triple Crown Nutrition, please visit: http://www.triplecrownfeed.com