Jun 23, 2024

How the Wilton Fair Grant and Essex Horse Trial Grants are Helping Cosby Green's Eventing Dreams Come True

Cosby Green and Copper Beach at the 2023 Pau CCI5*-L. Peter Nixon photo

I was lucky enough to receive the Wilton Fair Grant and the Essex Horse Trials Grant at the tail end of 2023 to put towards my 2024 adventures with my horses. I moved over to England with three horses in March 2023 and towards the end of the year, I had decided I wasn’t quite ready to travel back home to America just yet. Receiving these grants has made staying over an additional year possible, and I couldn’t be more thankful!

The first thing I was able to utilize the grant money towards was attending the Andalucía Sunshine Tour in Spain, which is a show jumping circuit. I thought it would be a great way to prep the horses for the season and would be something slightly different from anything I’ve done before. It was such a cool experience to be able to watch top show jumpers from all over the world every week, and the horses I brought had very clear progressions through their month there. Once we arrived back in England in March, the country was essentially under water due to all the rain. Event after event was canceled, but we finally were able to make a proper outing in the CCI4*-S at Thoresby Park in Nottingham, England. My horses were certainly unpolished due to the time of year and lack of prep runs, but it served its purpose nonetheless.

After Thoresby, it was time for Badminton. I had an extremely unconventional lead-up to Badminton, and I was really uncertain that we were going to make it! When Jonelle Price mentioned I should do it once I completed the CCI5*-L at Pau (France) last fall on Bel Mar Farm's Copper Beach (Radolin x Cloverballen), I thought there would be no way it would become a reality. However, "Sean" just had to prove me wrong. He put in a phenomenal performance at Badminton, most impressively going clear across the country. Show jumping was the opposite of the result I was hoping for, but I’m still grateful for the experience regardless.

Right after Badminton, we had all eyes set on the Millstreet International in Ireland. I was so proud of the horses as Highly Suspicious (by Russel) finished second in the CCI4*L division there and Cooley Seeing Magic (Metall x Ferro), owned by Jo Pidduck, put in another solid performance at the CCI3*-L level at just 8 years old. I currently just have some BE100s and Novice’s in my future for the next couple of months with younger horses, while the top horses enjoy the quiet months before things get very intense and exciting in the fall.

Being able to be in England has been such a life-changing experience, and I am so privileged to be able to have help from these grants and the USEA Foundation to help make all of my wild dreams possible. The experience of being over here has pushed me out of my comfort zone, filled me with confidence and perspective, and has been an overall game-changer in my career. A year ago I would have never been able to dream of all the things I’ve been able to do, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

To learn more about 2024 available grants through the USEA Foundation, please visit https://useafoundation.org/

About the USEA Foundation

The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals. Learn more about the USEA Foundation at www.useafoundation.org.

May 09, 2025 Convention

Experience the Spirit of New Orleans at this Year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”

May 08, 2025 Competitions

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are Stars of the Show at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials

The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.

May 08, 2025 Education

Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Reframing Isn't About Hanging Pictures

At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.

May 07, 2025 Interscholastic

Through the Lens: 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA