She and her horse, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding named “Dutch”.

The Rise of the USHJA Gold Star Clinic

The USHJA Gold Star Clinic is an elite competition that brings together the best young riders and horses in the country. The clinic is designed to provide a platform for riders to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the industry.

The Qualification Process

To qualify for the USHJA Gold Star Clinic, riders must meet specific requirements. These requirements include:

For example, Amaya Bellfield, 18, of Longmont, Colorado, earned a spot in this week’s 2025 USHJA Gold Star Clinic by meeting these requirements. She had previously earned reserve champion honors at the 2024 MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session.

The Benefits of the USHJA Gold Star Clinic

The USHJA Gold Star Clinic offers several benefits to riders and horses.

John Sweeney and nutritionist Dr. Lisa Stouffer.

Riding Clinics and Sessions

Gold Star Clinic riders will have the opportunity to learn from experienced riding clinicians, including Nicki Shahinian-Simpson and Colleen Reed.

She began competing at the national level in 2007, and by 2010, she had won several national titles.

The Early Years of Equestrian Excellence

Bellfield’s journey to becoming a renowned equestrian began at a young age, with her first experiences in the equestrian world taking place at local schooling shows in Colorado. At the age of 8, she started competing in these events, showcasing her natural talent and dedication to the sport. Her early exposure to the world of equestrian sports was largely influenced by her family, who encouraged her to pursue her passion.

A Shift in Focus

As Bellfield grew older, she had the opportunity to visit her aunt in Maryland, where she was introduced to the English style of jumping.

She was a member of the team for three years, competing in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 seasons. During her time on the team, she won the 2008 Interscholastic Equestrian Association Championship, and was named the 2008 Interscholastic Equestrian Association Most Valuable Player.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

At 12 Belfield was born in the United States. She grew up in a family of horse enthusiasts. Her parents were both involved in the equestrian world, and she was exposed to horses from a young age.

She also participated in the 2021 US Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Junior Equitation Championship (Pennsylvania).

Early Life and Training

Bellfield was born in 2005 in the United Kingdom. She began her equestrian journey at a young age, training with renowned trainers and competing in local and national competitions. Her dedication and natural talent quickly earned her recognition within the equestrian community. She was a member of the British Junior Equestrian Association (BJEA) and competed in various national and international competitions. Her training and competition experience helped her develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the equitation ring.*

Career Highlights

Bellfield’s junior career was marked by several notable achievements.

The Rise of a New Star

Bellfield’s impressive performance in the junior division has caught the attention of many, and she is now making a name for herself in the amateur division. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and she is quickly rising through the ranks. Key statistics: + Age: 17 + Height: 5’8″ (173 cm) + Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg) + Riding experience: 5 years + Current division: 1.20-meter amateur jumper

The Journey to Success

Bellfield’s journey to success in show jumping has been a long and challenging one. She began riding at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with the sport. Her parents, who are also horse enthusiasts, encouraged her to pursue her passion and provided her with the necessary support and resources.

A New Chapter in Bellfield’s Life

Bellfield’s commitment to the Lynchburg University National Collegiate Equestrian Association team marks a significant milestone in her equestrian journey. This commitment signifies her dedication to the sport and her desire to continue growing and developing as an equestrian.

The Road to This Commitment

Bellfield’s path to this commitment was not an easy one. She faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.