MARCH 11, 2012 – WELLINGTON, FL – This past weekend, New Albany, Ohio’s Andre Mershad scored a big win at the NAL Young Children’s Jumper Classic during week 9 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, one of the world’s largest equestrian tournaments. Mershad was riding a mare named “Opera” that the family had acquired in New York during the summer of 2011.

The horse and rider combination have been having great success since then and the young rider has aspirations of moving on to the low juniors level this spring with the ultimate goal of competing in his first Grand Prix before he goes off to college.

Mershad’s long term objectives are being guided by industry professionals, Ken and Emily Smith, who operate Ashland Farms, a farm located just minutes away from tournament venue. Both Mershad and his older siblings have grown up riding with the Smiths and have progressed along very quickly, particularly in the last couple of years.

For 12 year old equestrian show jumper Andre Mershad, balancing a busy sports schedule while keeping up with his studies can be no easy task. Spending up to 30 weeks per year on the road competing can take its toll, but luckily for Mershad, there are on site-tutoring services available that he takes advantage of, while attending the winter show season in Wellington, Florida.

Mershad added, “Having tutors available (for the young riders who are away from home) is a huge help to me. They communicate with my school back at home and make sure that I’m on track with the rest of my classmates – they are a big help!”

The added pressures of competing away from home nearly every weekend, never really get to the cheerful rider, who tries to unwind after his training and schoolwork with a quick trip to the beach whenever he gets the chance.

Mershad is setting his sights on competing this summer at major competitions in both Lexington and Lake Placid.