United States Eventing Association

Inaugural Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship Awarded to Baltodano and Aubel

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF) is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship. Congratulations to Ateasha Baltodano of Bordentown, New Jersey, and to junior rider Vivian Aubel of Linthicum, Maryland!

Baltodano’s love for horses started at age 9 through 4H programs with her Quarter Horse in tow. Years later, she returned to horses as her children began to explore riding, and horses are once again a family affair. Baltodano has rediscovered a love for competing, eventing, and the vibrant and supportive community around it riding her 5-year-old Standardbred mare Hold My Tiara (Andover Hall x Muscle My Way) at the Beginner Novice level.

Aubel will be starting at Randolph Macon College in the fall and compete on their eventing team with her 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding KeyWest (Parading x Tropical Way). "Reef" came off the track three years ago, and has partnered with Aubel for two years as they both learn eventing and deepen their connection to the sport and its community. Aubel is especially looking forward to growing and making new connections in the upcoming expert clinics as she and Reef progress at the Novice level.

Baltodano and Aubel both share an impressive dedication to eventing, personal growth in the face of challenges and obstacles, focus on progressing their own competitiveness, and deep commitment to the sport through volunteerism and working with other riders. WEEF looks forward to everything they will accomplish in the months and years to come.

This inaugural Wofford Legacy Fund year has been heartening to all involved. There were numerous applications from across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New England, and the South of the United States. Every applicant shared compelling goals and dedication to our sport—and WEEF encourages each and every one to continue working toward their eventing goals.

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charity to support eventing education at Waredaca Farm in Laytonsville, Maryland. The Foundation’s first project has been creation of The Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund to promote eventing education, honor Jimmy, and keep alive the spirit of the Three-Day long format. Jimmy was a strong supporter of the long format in general, and our Waredaca Classic Three Day in particular, and a regular presence at our monthly Expert Days.

WEEF welcomes your support in helping continue the dedication to eventing education that Jimmy brought to us all. Information about how to support amateur eventers and other efforts that will expand and energize eventing education is available here.