Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is accepting applications for two exciting scholarship opportunities this month.
Ever So Sweet Scholarship
Scholarship recipients will receive funding to immerse themselves in a high-performance training program with Sara Kozumplik at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, VA for three months. The scholarship covers expenses for full board and training costs for the horse, several lessons per week, housing for the rider, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. Participants will learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn.
Applications are due May 7, 2023. Apply here.
Applicants must…
Leg Up Scholarship
Strides for Equality Equestrians continues to expand its partnership opportunities with coaches and programs around the country and is pleased to announce a new Leg Up Scholarship sponsored by the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation and Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland.
Applications are being accepted for these new Leg Up Scholarships which are geared towards young equestrians from diverse and underrepresented communities competing at the grassroots level. Recipients will receive a credit of $500.00 towards any equestrian activity held at Loch Moy Farm. This includes both recognized and unrecognized competitions, schoolings, and any fees that might affect participation during the activities and may be used at any date on the calendar for up to one year. Participation can be customized to fit the recipients needs.
Applications are open right now and until April 24th. Spread the word to any deserving young person who is interested in taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Applications and details may be found here.
If you are a trainer, coach or other professional in equestrian sports and would like to join our growing list of Leg Up Scholarship Sponsors please contact us. Your sponsorship can be customized to meet your wishes. Every scholarship opportunity encourages and enriches the lives of those who receive them.
SEE the Change, Be an Ally
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.
The USEA office will close at 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, and will reopen again on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. The USEA staff will return emails and phone calls when the office re-opens on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 or at their earliest convenience.