Dana Hall School sophomore and Wellesley resident Elizabeth Kenny was one of 12 equestrians age 21 and under selected to attend the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) Emerging Athletes National Training Session in Reno, Nevada January 8-10. The athletes spent three days devoted to their riding, horsemanship and stable management. Not only was Kenny selected out of the hundreds of riders who applied, at 16-years-old she also was one of the youngest.

Kenny began her equestrian career in first grade after the horses at a relative’s house sparked her interest. She began riding at the Dana Hall Riding Center in second grade and enrolled as a student at Dana in sixth grade. Last winter, Kenny sent a written application to the USHJA with the hope to be a part of the National Training Session. After making it through two preliminary rounds, she was on her way to Reno.

The Emerging Athletes Program aims to identify talented young riders and provide them with support and assistance so they may reach their full potential by creating a national program as a gateway to international competition.

Kenny described the three-day program as “tiring, long but fun. We attended a horsemanship seminar where we talked with a veterinarian about things that could injure our horse, worked with a member of the United States Olympic Equestrian team, competed in a Nations Cup competition and took a written exam.”

Kenny came in second in the Nations Cup by achieving a double clear, jumping flawlessly over fences in the time allotted. She also received the highest score on the written exam.

“The written test covered everything,” Kenny explained. “Basic facts about horses and their health, the history of riding, technical terms, walking courses and more.”

Kenny is a member of the Dana Hall Equestrian Team that has already earned a bid to the Regional Finals in March. Her riding does not end when school is out, however, as she participates in equestrian shows throughout the summer across New England and New York.

“I really love it,” said Kenny with a smile. “I encourage anyone who is interested in riding to attend as many shows as possible. It’s a great way to advance your skills.”