United States Eventing Association

We are pleased to feature a series of blog posts written by the four winners of grants that were awarded during the 2013 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention—the Beacon Charm Grant, the Essex Grant and the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant. The $5,000 Beacon Charm Grant was given to Emily Pestl-Dimmit; the $10,000 Essex Grant was awarded to Lizzie Snow; Ellen Doughty received the the $10,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant; and the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant was awarded to Katherine Groesbeck.

Lizzie Snow, who has moved up to the Advanced and CCI*** level with Coal Creek (formerly ridden by the late Amy Tryon), was awarded the $10,000 Essex Grant. The Essex Grant is intended to help riders develop the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks into the senior rider ranks. The funds may be used to offset expenses related to coaching fees, training fees, and competition fees.

From Lizzie: “Winning the Essex Grant was such an honor. It is amazing to be involved in a sport that recognizes the importance of providing assistance to the younger riders trying to move ahead. I have just aged out of Young Riders after competing at NAJYRC for the last 5 years, and I am now facing the world of grown-ups!

With the help of these funds, I will compete and maintain my two horses, Coal Creek (Devon) and Ringfort Tinkaturk (Jacob). With successful early runs at both Pine Tops and the new Carolina International CIC*** [and a fourth-placed finish in the Advanced divison at The Fork International Horse Trials], I will look ahead to Jersey Fresh in May.

If all is going well, I may head to my home turf, Area VII and run once again at Rebecca Farm. I have learned that my horses do better with one major competition a month. That keeps them fresh and keen and happy to do their job.

Having a veteran horse to ride (Coal Creek or “Devon”, trained by the late Amy Tryon) and a greener horse (Jacob) has been really fun. While Devon can be very quirky and difficult at times, he is such an honest horse and has taught me a great deal, allowing me to ride at the Advanced level, and at my first CIC*** and CCI***.

We bought Jacob two years ago as a 6-year-old and I have had a blast bringing him through the levels. If all goes well, he might try Advanced this fall. I also have a young OTTB now, who is breaking me in after whirling around and stepping directly on my chest – causing me a good deal of pain and now some physical therapy. So, I have the gamut of horses, so to speak!

For the second year, I am riding in the E-25 program with David O’Connor. That has been incredible! Last year I rode Devon and this year I am riding Jacob. I cannot say enough about how valuable that experience has been. I feel so very lucky.

I must thank Kathryn Rosson, co-owner of Coal Creek and all of my supporters, World Equestrian Brands, Gallops Saddlery, Grand Meadows, and Resvantage for Equines. And a big ‘Thank You!’ to the USEA Endowment Trust and The Essex Grant for this wonderful opportunity!”