In April 2004, Johnny Jones brought the idea of creating a Young Horseman’s Trainers Club to the UPHA Board. Having mentored many young people over the years, he recognized a common concern: young professionals in the industry lacked a representative voice. His goal was to encourage greater involvement in UPHA and the industry as a whole.
Together, with the support of many others, Johnny and Lindsay Lavery, a young professional at the time, formed an official group. Their efforts created a platform that gave young trainers and instructors a voice and encouraged broader participation.
In July of 2004, this group held its first meeting at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show. They originally named the group the 'UPHA Young Trainers Committee.' The committee, led by co-chairs Todd Graham and Lindsay Lavery, was established for UPHA professional members ages 18–35.
At the recommendation of the Young Professionals Committee, a bylaw change was approved in 2021 to establish an official Young Professional membership category for individuals ages 18-35, effective for the 2022 membership year. This change broadened eligibility to include not only trainers but also instructors.
In 2023, again at the recommendation of the Young Professionals Committee, the age limit for the Young Professional membership category was increased from 18-35 to its current range of 40 and under.
WHY JOIN?
- Become part of a network of young professional that give insight, encouragement and camaraderie for other young professionals in the industry
- Develop your leadership skills, with opportunity to sit on boards and committees as the voice for young professionals.
- Eligible for the UPHA Professional Development Grant: established to support UPHA members wanting to pursue continued education to further their equestrian business endeavors.
- Eligible for the Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund: established to provide emergency financial support to UPHA Professional members, their families or estates who require assistance due to certain occurrences including, but not limited to, death, disability or natural disasters such as fire, flood, storm or theft which leaves them unable to pay current expenses.
- Plan, execute and participate in AMAZING fundraising events and challenges!
- Eligible for the Tony C. Ray Young Professional of the Year
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEMBERSHIP: HOW TO JOIN
All professional members must be approved by the UPHA Board of Directors.
The following is required before your application can be considered by the UPHA Board of Directors:
- Must be a professional horseman or woman (Trainer/Riding Instructor) for at least one year prior to application, UPHA Bylaw Article III, Sections 1, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
- Applicant cannot hold amateur status with USEF. UPHA Bylaw Article III, Section 11.
- Membership application needs to be signed by your local chapter chairperson acknowledging you have been a professional horseman for at least one year prior applying. UPHA Bylaw Article III, Section 6.
- Please submit a brief bio of your equestrian background. In addition to your equestrian experience, this should include when you became a professional, when you last competed as an amateur and when or if you have declared professional status with USEF.
A hard copy application signed by their chapter chair along with a professional biography must be submitted to the UPHA office.
LEARN MORE HERE
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Upcoming Zoom Call - Ask the Experts: Trainer/Client Relationships: May 26th at 7 PM EST, open to Professional and Young Professional members only.
- For female members only: United Equine Professional Women's Retreat: December 9-11, 2026, at The Aldenberg Hotel in Versailles, KY.