United States Eventing Association

The Richard Picken Memorial Grant was established in memory of the late Richard Picken by his loved ones to support intensive training in the show jumping phase of eventing. The grant is aimed at riders age 25 and under who are competing at the FEI CCI2* level or higher. Since its inception, the grant has begun to demonstrate its impact on recipients, prompting the Rimora Foundation to honor Picken’s legacy by sustaining the program for several more years through a $20,000 matching challenge in 2026.

Picken firmly believed that specialized show jumping training was essential to success for event riders. His methodical approach, keen attention to detail, and ability to perform under immense pressure helped his students at all levels produce clear rounds when it mattered most.

“He taught young riders with the same commitment and interest that he coached high performance riders,” said Picken’s wife, Joanie Morris. “He believed in a systematic approach to developing horses and riders and was committed to the long game. There were no shortcuts—he would not rush—and most of the time that paid off when it mattered most. It’s been more than three years since he died, and people still come up to me and say they think of him in their training, in their warm-up, or when they jump a clear round. I believe this grant continues his legacy and helps build the future of our sport.”

Picken enjoyed the training at home as much as, if not more than, the atmosphere of major competitions. Competitive to his core, he understood that a clear round under pressure rarely happened by accident. He was deeply committed to instilling the skills, focus, and preparation needed to deliver consistent results. Picken frequently drove through the night to coach riders up and down the East Coast, particularly in the lead-up to major events and championships, and he approached the 20th lesson of the day with the same energy and dedication as the first. His courses and exercises remain set in arenas across the country, reflecting the breadth of his influence through regular clinics in Texas, California, Washington, Michigan, Kentucky, and the Mid-Atlantic.

Caitlin O’Roark, a 2023 recipient of the Richard Picken Memorial Grant, shared that the support significantly improved her show jumping performance while also strengthening her mental approach in competition. O’Roark primarily used the grant funds to train with Scott Keach.

“Overall, it has had a huge positive impact on my riding in all three phases,” she said. “It has affected my riding in the competition ring, but has also expanded my skill set and improved my patience in training the many horses I encounter.”

Another 2023 recipient, Olivia Dutton, used her award to train and compete in the jumper ring with Olympian Lauren Hough.

“My horse, Sea of Clouds, and I really benefitted from that work,” Dutton said. “I would not have been able to have such good results or get so much help without the Richard Picken grant.”

USEA RevitaVet Young Rider of the Year Meg Pellegrini is the recipient of the Richard Picken Memorial Grant for the 2026 competition season. The USEA Foundation looks forward to seeing how Pellegrini will utilize this support in the year ahead.

You can help ensure this grant continues to provide critical funding to future riders by donating at www.USEAFoundation.org. The Rimora Foundation will match all donations up to $20,000 during 2026. Double your impact on eventing’s future by donating today.

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.