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.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.
Bringing along a young horse is such a special process for everyone involved. The USEA is excited to dedicate an episode to celebrating some of the special young horses in the United States that have risen to the occasion. Joining USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown in this episode are Tommy Greengard, the rider and co-owner of this year's Holekamp/Turner Grant Recipient That's Me Z who represented the U.S. at Le Lion this year, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook, who piloted Bonner Carpenter's Only-Else to the highest national score in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old Championships.