After three years of participation in the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, Reese Dorsey (Zone 3) earned the title of champion at this year’s National Training Session, held at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, Nov. 5-8.

A Midway University student and groom at Spy Coast Farm, Dorsey, of Parkton, Maryland, returned to the National Training Session for the second time, bringing with her the experience, determination and horsemanship she has continued to develop throughout her time in the program. Her performance throughout the week ultimately earned her the top honor among this year’s participants.

“Being in this program is such a privilege, and it feels amazing to finally win it,” Dorsey said. “Honestly, there’s so much to learn. Every time you attend a session, I learn something new from a different clinician. It’s just a great experience, whether you’re learning in the barn or in the saddle. That’s what keeps bringing me back.”

Dorsey’s journey through the Emerging Athletes Program reflects her commitment to becoming a more knowledgeable and well-rounded horsewoman. Following this year’s Regional Training Session, she focused on riding as many horses as possible, spending time in the saddle and in the barn, and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn.

Currently a member and team captain of Midway University’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Hunt Seat Team, Dorsey competes in the Open Over Fences and Open Flat divisions, while also working as a groom at Spy Coast Farm. Her experience in the program complements her continued involvement in the industry, where she hopes to pursue a professional career focused on developing and bringing along young horses.

One of Dorsey’s favorite parts of the National Training Session was getting to know her assigned horse, Boris, and taking on the challenge of riding a different horse, Dante, during the final test.

“I really enjoy just getting on a horse and figuring them out,” Dorsey said. “I think it was a fun challenge, and I enjoyed meeting all the new people and getting to ride with a bunch of amazing riders.”

The experience reinforced one of the most important lessons she has taken away from EAP: putting the horse first.

“Always support your horse. Regardless of the horse that you think you have or want, you always have to ride the horse that’s underneath of you,” Dorsey said. “And that goes for in the barn as well. You have to listen to your horse and go from there.”

The strength of this year’s group made the selection process particularly competitive, according to Amy Center, Chair of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Committee.

“It was a very strong group of riders and an amazing group of horses. I think it made our job much harder,” Center said. “We had several athletes we were discussing throughout the week, which is exactly what you want to see.”

Throughout the National Training Session, athletes were evaluated on more than their riding abilities, with the committee considering horsemanship, sportsmanship, stable management, professionalism, and their interactions with the horses.

“There were three or four athletes we were going back and forth on. They were all very good, very talented, very good to their horses, and adaptable, listening to what their horses needed and doing the right things,” Center said. “They did great work in the barn and did well on their test. It all pulled together.”

Dorsey’s performance during the final test helped distinguish her from the competitive group.

“The test, to me, made Reese rise to the top. She adapted to that horse quickly, efficiently, and with finesse. That was just perfect,” Center said.

Colleen Reed, the National Training Session’s Stable Manager, also noted Dorsey’s consistency and horsemanship throughout the week.

“All week long, she was consistent in the barn. Then, during the final test, she rode a very different horse than the one she had been riding all week. She adapted to him, and it just worked. She’s an outstanding horsewoman,” Reed said.

Reed also recognized the growth that comes with continued participation in the program, noting the difference that experience and continued learning can make.

“I think everybody gets better every time they do it. They learn more, go out throughout the year and practice what they’ve learned, and more opportunities come their way. Reese was very strong this year,” Reed said.

Lead clinician Joe Fargis also praised this year’s group, noting the participants’ riding abilities, horsemanship, and enthusiasm.

“The group this year was better than in previous years. I think the system is getting better at selecting participants,” Fargis said. “They all rode well, were good horsewomen, and were enthusiastic. That enthusiasm meant a lot. It was great being with all of them.”

Fargis also highlighted the program’s emphasis on developing knowledgeable horsemen and women, noting the importance of understanding the horse beyond the time spent in the saddle.

“I love the horsemanship part, especially the horsemanship quiz. That’s important and something that’s missing these days. People just go and get on a horse and ride it without really knowing what’s underneath them,” Fargis said. “This is a very good program, and I wish more people would take part because everybody enjoys it.”

Beyond the riding instruction, Dorsey credits the program’s emphasis on horsemanship, stable management, and professional connections as some of its greatest benefits.

“I think people should do this program because you not only get so much better at riding, but in the barn as well,” she said. “We do a lot of horsemanship learning activities, and honestly, the connections you make last a lifetime. I think it’s super beneficial to network while we’re younger, and for our professional careers, I think it’s so important.”

Dorsey’s accomplishments outside of the Emerging Athletes Program further reflect her dedication to the sport. In 2025, she earned the title of IHSA National Champion in Limit Flat while competing for Midway University. She has also maintained Honor Roll standing
throughout her college career and serves as an officer for the Midway Hunt Seat Association.

Looking ahead, Dorsey hopes to continue building her skills both in and out of the saddle as she works toward her future in the equestrian industry.

“I just want to keep learning and keep getting better and see where that takes me into my professional career in the future,” she said.

Dorsey was awarded a $3,000 grant toward advanced training, Parlanti paddock boots, a YETI Roadie Cooler, and a keeper tray.

Reserve champion Molly McKeon, of Laguna Niguel, California, in Zone 10, received a $1,500 grant toward advanced training, SmartEquine gift certificate, Parlanti mini chaps, and $500, generously provided by THIS.

In the modified Nations Cup competition, Team Ward, consisting of Cora Clary (Zone 5), Addison Lindsey (Zone 4), Leigh Goolsby (Zone 4), and McKeon, claimed the gold medal. 

Team Dinan, with Ellie Aitchison (Zone 9), Hannah Nus (Zone 8), Mars Kibbar (Zone 10) and Dorsey, earned a silver medal finish. 

Team Keenan earned bronze with Jocelynn Johnson (Zone 3), Finley Yaekel (Zone 2), Alyson Jones (Zone 4) and Peyton Cosentino (Zone 10). Team Kraut, consisting of Clara D’Amico (Zone 1), Ebba Stankus (Zone 8), Danielle Roberts (Zone 7) and Caroline Barclay (Zone 4), claimed fourth.

Read more about the special awards and presenters at the National Training Session here.

For more information about the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, visit ushja.org/EAP.