The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has renewed their partnership as “Educational Partner,” and “Bronze Level Sponsor of the American Eventing Championships (AEC).” They will also sponsor the welcome party at the AEC which takes place Aug. 27- Sept. 1, 2024 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
In 1939, a plan was formulated whereby the American Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ATBA) would launch a campaign to raise $100,000 and once that money was pledged, the first grant was made as a $1,000 donation to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. Hence, the original “Grayson Foundation,” was founded in 1940 in honor of Admiral Cary Grayson, President Wilson’s personal doctor who happened to be a horse racing fanatic.
Since its inception, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has been dedicated to supporting equine research that enhances the health and safety of horses of all breeds. The foundation has provided nearly $39 million to underwrite more than 426 projects at 45 universities. The Grayson Foundation and the Jockey Club merged in 1989 t create what is known today as the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.”
“We are excited to again be partners with U.S. Eventing in 2024” said Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation President Jamie Haydon. Without supporters like US Eventing funding equine research, we could not have made the advancements in veterinarian care throughout the history of our foundation. If we as horse owners are not committed to funding equine research, then it simply will not get done. Thank you for your continued support.”
“The USEA is very proud to once again partner with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The research supported by the Foundation has dramatically improved the health and welfare of horses. It is the continued hope of the USEA that other equestrian sports organization will follow our path towards properly funding and supporting this research to help these animals that give so much to us” said USEA CEO Rob Burk.
To learn more about the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, visit their website http://grayson-jockeyclub.org.
About the United States Eventing Association
The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.
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.