United States Eventing Association

Jimmy Wofford Legacy Scholarship Makes Dreams Come True for Keira McKeon

The following submission was provided by Keira McKeon, a Young Rider from Area VI and a 2023 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) West I Regional Clinic Athlete. McKeon recently competed at The Event at Rebecca Farm in the Training Three-Day division, thanks in part to the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Scholarship offered by the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation. Learn more about McKeon's experience below.

I had an amazing experience competing in the Training Three-Day at Rebecca Farm this past July. It had been a goal of mine for several years, but due to lack of finances or horse injuries, I had not been able to achieve this goal. However, this year I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship provided me with the financial resources to participate in this very special event. I can’t thank the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation enough for this special opportunity.

It is hard to pick just one favorite memory as I have so many to share. I loved doing the formal vet inspections and grooming my mare to perfection. I learned so much at all of the seminars and course walks and gained invaluable knowledge from upper-level veteran riders and judges. Just being able to hack the roads and tracks around the most scenic venue in the United States was a memory I will never forget.

I also participated in a Training Three-Day team, which finished in second place. Being a part of a team and working together was so fun. Everything on endurance day went smoothly because we had the best support team and were prepared for anything! My cross-country and showing jumping rounds were absolutely perfect, not adding a single penalty to my dressage score. I surpassed my goals and expectations, finishing in sixth place overall behind three professionals and was the third-placed junior rider. Riding alongside Olympic and five-star riders in the victory gallop is a memory that always puts a smile on my face.

One specific memory from participating in the Rebecca Farms Classic Series does hold a special place in my heart. This past spring, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was not able to spectate this year due to her treatments, but I was able to support her through the Halt Cancer at X Competitor Pledge. I was very proud to compete with the Twinkle Breast Cancer Ribbon and in as much pink as possible to honor my aunt. With the support of my family and friends, I was able to fundraise over $1,500 that went towards breast cancer patients and research.

The Classic Three-Day was a lot of work and took months of preparation but it was worth every minute. Everything I gained from this experience will help me further my riding career and help to prepare for development programs, like Emerging Athletes and large events like the Young Riders Championships. I want to thank Rebecca Farm, Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation, all the trainers who volunteered their time, my team at Excell Equestrian and my family for helping me create memories that will last a lifetime.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day Event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors and earn leaderboard points. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, and SmartPak Equine as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.