United States Eventing Association

Don't Forget! USEA Foundation Grant Applications Closing Soon

The USEA Foundation encourages USEA members to consider applying for one of the many grant options available for the 2025 season. The application for many of these grants close in early to mid October, so it is important to apply soon for consideration. Outlined below are all of the grants which are open at this time:

Wilton Fair Fund | Applications Due Date October 1 | Apply Here

In 2017 David and Cheryl Lenaburg made a very generous donation of $1,000,000 in memory of their great event horse Wilton Fair. The Wilton Fair Fund will allow up to $100,000 in grants to be given each year for a variety of educational opportunities for riders ages 29 and under who have not yet ridden for a senior team. Ultimately, these grants are intended to provide the support and encouragement for talented riders to step away from their home base to gain more international experience and education.

Learn more about the Wilton Fair Fund here.

Essex Horse Trials Grant | Applications Due October 15 | Apply Here

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider age 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Learn more about the Essex Horse Trials Grant here.

Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant | Applications Due October 15 | Apply Here

The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant of $5,000 annually is available to a Junior rider age 18 and under. The rider should be competing successfully at the Preliminary/CCI2* level and working towards representing his or her Area in CCI3* team competition in the following year.

The grant is intended to assist the recipient to develop the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Junior rider ranks to the Young Rider CCI3* level. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Learn more about the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant here.

Haller Educational Scholarship | Applications Due October 15 | Apply Here

The Haller Scholarship for the Education of Eventing Officials was established in memory of the late Roger Haller and his wife, the late Ann Haller. This educational scholarship provides $5,000 in financial assistance to those licensed officials who are working towards promotion to the “R” license, the “S” license, or FEI licenses. The Haller Scholarship may be used to offset the costs involved in attending the necessary seminars and obtaining the practical experience required to attain promotion to the next level of licensing.

Learn more about the Haller Educational Scholarship here.

Richard Picken Memorial Grant | Applications Due October 15 | Apply Here

Established in memory of the late Richard Picken by his loved ones, the Richard Picken Memorial Grants from the Fund of the same name are established to fund the intensive training of riders aged 25 years and younger competing at the FEI CCI2* level or higher. Grants from the Richard Picken Memorial Fund will be awarded annually to one rider competing at the FEI CCI2* level or higher. The fund is intended to grant $5,000 each year.

Learn more about the Richard Picken Memorial Grant here.

Kim Meier “Kick On” Memorial Grant | Applications Due October 15 | Apply Here

In honor of the late Kim Meier, a top level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horse(s) at the Intermediate level and above who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. Preference will also be given to riders that are competing on horses that they bred. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends.

Learn more about the Kim Meier "Kick On" Memorial Grant here.

About the USEA Foundation

The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals. Learn more about the USEA Foundation at www.useafoundation.org.