Free Clinic Makes 4 Riding With A Star Affordable For All
Trainer Julie Winkel with participants in the USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic.
USHJA
ZONE
Story and Photos by Ann Glavan
While there have always been ample opportunities for the deep-pocketed equestrian enthusiast in Wellington, affordable riding events are much less commonplace. The United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone 4 Free Clinic is looking to change that.
Christina Schlusemeyer, Sue Ashe, Julie Winkel, Charles Moorcroft and Ann Pennington at the third annual USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic.
Sue Ashe, a United States Equestrian Federation R-rated judge and vice chair of the Zone 4 USHJA Hunter Committee, started the clinic three years ago with the goal of providing riders in Zone 4 — which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and South Carolina — access to a free riding clinic with a nationally acclaimed professional. That’s exactly what Ashe did on Feb. 17, when 36 horses and riders gathered at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center for an opportunity to ride with professional rider and trainer Julie Winkel, at no charge whatsoever. Along with her many wins in both the Grand Prix and hunter rings, Winkel is an Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) talent scout and an “R” rated USEF judge. She has judged at Devon, Harrisburg, the National Horse Show, the Hampton Classic and the Winter Equestrian Festival. Winkel has also designed courses and judged at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, and judged the 2010 USEF Medal Finals with the legendary horseman George Morris. Winkel taught the 36 Zone 4 riders and their horses in four separate groups throughout the day, and the results were astounding. She ensured that every horse and rider received personal attention and instructions on 10th Anniversary |wellington the magazine| June 2014
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