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.”
Four years ago, Megan Weber was feeling discouraged about her event horse who didn’t seem to want to do the sport. She’d made the decision to find a new horse but found she was struggling to connect to the several she’d tried.
She reached out to a friend who had experience with adopting mustangs, and the idea of an untouched, green horse sounded like a fun idea.
The 2023 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is just a few months away, which means it is time to start planning a trip to Lexington, Kentucky! This year, the AEC will return to the iconic Kentucky Horse Park from Aug. 29 through Sept. 3, 2023. Coined as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington had countless attractions and activities to explore! The AEC will offer up to 23 divisions this year covering all levels from Beginner Novice to Advanced, including the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. The AEC will also host the 2023 USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary levels, as well as the new Modified Adult Team Championship.
Virginia Horse Center Eventing, presented by Capital Square, wrapped up on May 28 after a fun-filled weekend of top competition. The Virginia Horse Center welcomed riders of all levels from Olympic to beginner eventers.
The course updates and world class officials made the inaugural VHC Eventing memorable. The entire VHC Eventing management team and the Virginia Horse Center appreciate all who competed at this weekend's event, and we look forward to welcoming you back in November!
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.