Last weekend on April 5, the Area 1 Young Rider Program kicked off the 2025 season at UNH Equine in Durham, NH. For a second year, YRP hosted the Spring Starbox Symposium with morning and afternoon educational sessions. Spearheaded by YR organiser, Chelsea Sprague, the morning sessions consisted of two separate panels geared towards different paths in the equine industry. The first panel titled, “Horses After High School” had five panelists all varying backgrounds and the second consisting of professionals in both the world of Eventing and the equine industry as a whole. Thanks to the fantastic facilities at UNH, the panels took place in Khol Lecture Hall which provided the perfect set-up for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Following the lunch break the afternoon sessions began. Starting out in Khol Lecture Hall, Stephie Baer kicked off the afternoon with a discussion on Spring Fitness which offered a great segway into the veterinary discussion with Dr. Prusak of Great Bay Equine. Closing out the afternoon sessions, Sue Berrill led a saddle fitting demo with the help of UNH’s star professor, welsh cross mare, Brenna.
It was a weekend of great panelists, workshop leaders, and weather. We are so grateful for UNH and their generosity in hosting. UNH is nearing the end of their annual signature fundraiser, “The (603) Challenge” More information about the challenge can be found here and donations can be made here.
A special thank you to our sponsors: Fieldstone Equine Clinic, Great Bay Equine, Poulin Grain, North Bridge Equine, Tack Attic, and Sweetheart’s Horse Treats.
We can’t wait to see what the rest of this year has in store!
