60 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Jan Westmark-Allan
Jacob Pope has come a long way since he bought
a pony for a dollar to keep at his family’s farm to ride
on the weekends. Now the 17 year old is competing in
the Big Equitation classes and has proven that he has
grown as a rider and horseman. Jacob competed in the
third annual USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National
Training Session where he not only won the competition
but also earned a coveted spot in the George H. Morris
Horsemastership Training Clinic in Wellington, Florida.
“It was thrilling to win, I simply couldn’t believe it!” Jacob
said. “I still can’t believe that I really won because I wasn’t
expecting to win in the least. I thought everyone there was
a great rider and had just as much chance of winning.”
Jacob, who lives in Columbia, Maryland, attends the
McDonogh School and trains with Streett Moore. “I have
been riding with the McDonogh School for eight years and
have trained with Mimi Brandau, Amy Moore and now
Streett Moore. I really like them because they always have
my best interest at heart.”
Sidelines:
What was it like competing in the different
levels of the USHJA Emerging Athletes program?
JP:
Riding in the Emerging Athlete’s Program was
awesome and I loved it. This was my frst time taking part
in the program and I didn’t know what to expect. In Level
I, the training from Melanie Smith Taylor was great and
everyone who was in the program was so nice and helpful.
At Level II, Callan Solem was the main clinician and she
was phenomenal. She was extremely helpful and brought
great insight to the clinic. Also at Level II, Mindy Bower
came to help us and she was one of the most interesting
horsewomen I have met. Her different techniques of how
to help connect with the horse really helped me get to know
the horse I brought.
Sidelines:
What was Level III of the Emerging Athlete’s
Program like?
JP:
It was the most fun of all the levels. I really enjoyed the
team aspect. Being on a jumper team in our mock Nations
Cup was thrilling and suspenseful and it was great getting
the chance to cheer on our teammates. Also, we had help
in the barn from Jennifer Alfano and Sally Ike who gave us
great tips on how to better care for our horses. At Level
III, Peter Wylde taught our clinic and he was an interesting
trainer and brought great knowledge to the clinic.
Sidelines:
Are you looking forward to the George Morris
clinic?
JP:
I haven’t been to one of his clinics before but I have
heard great things about them and I am extremely excited
to get to ride with such a great horseman. I am very
excited, but at the same time nervous. I haven’t really done
the jumpers before so I am eager to learn more about it. I
think his clinic will be a great way to meet new people and
to learn more aspects on being a great horseman.
Sidelines:
What divisions and horses are you competing
now?
JP:
I am riding in the equitation classes like the Maclay
On Course with Jacob Pope
and USEF Pessoa and I am hoping to ride in the junior hunters
this year. I own one horse but he is just a pleasure horse that I
keep at home. I will be riding whatever horses I can fnd for the
equitation classes and I have a lead about a horse I might get to
show in the junior hunters, which I am very excited about.
Sidelines:
What do you consider your career highlights?
JP:
Winning the Maryland Gitting’s Medal Finals was one of my
most memorable accomplishments. Also, placing in the Maclay
and USET at Devon and now of course winning the Emerging
Athlete’s Program fnals. Also, this year I won the USHJA
Sportsman’s Award!
Sidelines:
What are your riding goals?
JP:
I would love to qualify for the USEF and the Maclay again this
upcoming year and try to qualify for the USET. I would really like
to get to show in the junior jumpers if I fnd a horse. My long-term
goals are to become a professional and either ride for a trainer or
have my own barn.
Sidelines:
What is the best thing about being part of the horse
world?
JP:
Honestly, I would have to say the horses. I don’t think I have
ever really met a horse I haven’t liked. I like the partnership and
the bond that develops between the horse and rider. Constantly
learning from each horse’s quirks, as well as their different
personalities, is what makes the horse world different from
anything else.
Jacob shows off his trophy at the EAP Level III Training Session
Photo by Tricia Booker/USHJA Archives