ROAD TO THE TOP

Show jumping is one of the most prestigious and elegant sports, showcasing the remarkable harmony between a horse and its rider. Yet, its formidable barriers to entry—steep costs and exclusive access to elite coaching—have long made it challenging for even the most talented riders to rise through the ranks. Founded as a public charity in 1924 by Olympic rider and elite coach Katie Prudent and four-time Olympian Laura Kraut, Road to the Top offers promising young American athletes the mentorship and resources needed to become international-level competitors in the show jumping world.



"Every person involved with Road to the Top believes in our mission to mentor and support the next level of show jumping talent," Executive Director Sissy Wickes says. "The time and energy that our leaders put into Road to the Top is emblematic of their commitment to building future equestrian leaders. Both Laura and Katie have very busy schedules and careers, but they donate their time and expertise to the program as a way of giving back to the sport to which they have dedicated their lives. Our Board of Directors, our donors, and our committee members care passionately about show jumping and want to ensure that we continue the legacy of American excellence on the international stage." This commitment to excellence is woven into every aspect of the program, ensuring each unique trainee is provided the tools to ascend to an international level.

Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process led by the charity’s Athlete Advisory Committee, which includes Prudent, Kraut, and esteemed riders Margie Engle—a ten-time American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year, former Olympian, and multiple Grand Prix winner—and Schuyler Riley, a U.S. Show Jumping Team rider with top finishes at FEI Jumping World Cup Finals, Spruce Meadows, Hampton Classic, and Upperville.

Those accepted receive full mentorship and access to an average of three horses at varying ages and training levels to provide a well-rounded riding experience. Wickes emphasizes that success in this sport extends far beyond talent in the saddle, also requiring mastery in horse care and management, client relationships, competition strategies and preparation, and personal comportment.

“A typical day involves barn chores in the morning (yes, they muck stalls), riding the horses assigned to them by their mentor for that day, participating in lessons or assisting as ring crew for others who are lessoning, and caring for their horses before and after riding or competition,” Wickes says. “On competition days, they will walk the course with their mentor or an assistant trainer, form a course strategy, and receive feedback after the round.”

The program’s inaugural athletes include two highly accomplished junior riders: 19-year-old Texas native Carlee McCutcheon and 22-year-old West Coast rider Trent McGee. Reflecting on her Road to the Top experience, McCutcheon shares, “I have been around horses all my life, yet I learned things this year that I never imagined. It has been an incredible education.”

McGee, who grew up in a non-equestrian family, discovered his passion for riding and pursued mentorship to fuel his advancement. “This is a sport you can’t do alone,” McGee says. “You see the top level and the legends, but it feels out of reach. This experience has been amazing—a lot of hard work and a lot of reward. I am so lucky to be here.”

Wickes highlights the invaluable mentorship offered at Road to the Top, which has propelled both riders to Grand Prix competition and provided them with international exposure to the European show jumping circuit. Looking ahead, the executive director shares a deep excitement for the future of the organization, which has already made impressive strides in under a year.

“Road to the Top endeavors to expand to include more top trainers as mentors and more talented young American professionals as athletes in our program,” Wickes says. “Through fundraising and support from our equestrian community, we would like to pave the road to the top.”