United States Eventing Association

Get to know the USEA Foundation Grants: The Le Samurai Fund

Did you know that the USEA Foundation currently administers 15 grants and scholarships designed to help event riders reach their goals? From funds used to assist juniors have access to additional training to aiding up-and-coming riders fund international competition to helping adult amateurs gain education, the current grant opportunities offered by the USEA Foundation has something for almost everyone.

The Le Samurai Grant was established in 2008 by Amy Tryon and Rebecca Broussard in honor of the great five-star horse Le Samurai. Each year the USEA Foundation manages the allocation of $10,000 annually to the Adult Rider Programs (ARP) around the nation to be utilized for educational programs, clinics, camps, and seminars.

The ARP involves more than 1,400 adults age 22 or over, including both amateurs and professionals throughout the country. The ARP also serves as the 'voice' of the nation's amateur eventers, via the newly formed Amateur Forum, a group of USEA committee members representing show organizers, area affairs, competitions, and other committees and reporting back to the adult riders. As one of the largest member groups within the USEA, Adult Riders are also represented on the Board of Governors and thus have an important influence on the direction of the sport. Over the years many areas have made good use of the funding available, increasing their Adult Rider Program activities and membership significantly since that time.

What You Need to Know

Each grant is distributed throughout the USEA’s fiscal year which ends on November 30. The Area Chair should fill out one application form per year and have the principal organizer sign it and send it to the USEA. Grants will be allocated on a “first come” basis. Upon approval, the funds will be forwarded to the Area Treasurer. The maximum grant request is $1,000 per annum. The final report for this education program must be forwarded to the USEA. Funds from one fiscal year cannot be rolled over to another year.

Access the application for the Le Samurai Fund here.

How Areas Have Recently Used Funding from the Le Samurai Fund

Area IV: “In 2021, Area IV used the Le Samurai grant to help offset the expenses of holding an adult rider clinic and camp on July 10-11,” said Area IV Adult Rider Coordinator Julie Sharits-Simmons. “The clinic was held at Longview Horse Park in Grandview, Missouri, and taught by USEA ICP Certified instructor Brad Hall. It was a great weekend! Day one of the clinic focused on show jumping and gymnastics in the arena. Day one was cross-country. The clinic had about 20 participants, mostly adult riders! We also plan to apply for the Le Samurai Grant for our 2022 clinic with Lillian Heard which will be held July 30-31 at Sundance Farm in Plymouth, Wisconsin. We are so grateful for the generosity of Amy Tryon and the Broussard family.”

Area VII: “The grant has been a huge benefit to the Area VII Adult Rider program,” said Area VIII Adult Rider Coordinator Maggie Rikard. “We use it every year to offset some of the expenses of educational activities, usually our annual camp. This enables us to keep the cost of entries very reasonable. We strive to break even at the most. The camps are educational and fun. Many new to the sport folks have made great connections, friendships as well as positive riding experiences.”