United States Eventing Association

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s grant funding for riders aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont CCI (Quebec, Canada) taking place June 4–7.

“The level of applications we received this year was exceptional,” said program director Peter Gray. “The depth of talent made the selection process incredibly challenging, and ultimately the committee felt it was important to extend support beyond the original 10 grants. We are thrilled to be able to provide additional travel funding to three more athletes and help them take part in what will be an outstanding week of sport and education.”

“What makes this program so special is the opportunity to combine competition with real learning,” said Bettina Hoy. “These athletes are not only talented riders, but they are eager to improve, and that is what makes working with them so rewarding.”

Entries are now open for the 2026 MARS Bromont CCI, which will offer a total of $50,000 in prize money across all FEI divisions, representing a significant increase for this year’s event.

In addition to world-class sport, members and horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be on site for special appearances, media, public meet and greets, and photo opportunities throughout the week, including at Thursday evening’s Red & White Eventing Team Canada fundraiser taking place at the Chalet du Sommet de Bromont.

The 2026 primary grant recipients are:

Jordan Riske, Manchester, MI

Laurel Curry, The Plains, VA

Léa Pelletier, Green Valley, ON

Paige Bradford, Mono, ON

Payton Myers, Berryville, VA

Carlin Keefe, Lexington, KY

Rebecca Roth, Ocala, FL

Sammie Thomas, Canton, MA

Lulu Malinoski, West Grove, PA

Sarah Newman, Groton, MA

Additional recipients of supplemental travel grants are:

Harrison Chang, Rome, GA

Elizabeth Meyers, Reigelsville, PA

Janelle Fleming, Berryville, VA

Previous MARS Bromont Rising grant recipients Emma McHugh (Beaconsfield, QC) and Mégane Sauvé (Saint Paul, QC) both participated in 2025 and were quick to highlight their appreciation not only of the financial component, but the importance of the education and community aspect of such an intensive program.

“My MARS Bromont Rising week was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” said McHugh, “And it made my first CCI2*-L feel so positive and supported. I learned so much in such a short time, and it’s something every young rider should get the chance to experience.

“The atmosphere, the people, and the level of learning at this amazing venue in Canada made it unforgettable. I made lifelong connections and friendships. The highlight was my lesson with the legendary Bettina Hoy! This program is something very special and I am so excited to watch this year’s group of participants learn and grow.”

Said Sauvé: “The MARS Bromont Rising program is a great way to support young riders without only giving them funds to attend the horse show. It also gives guidance and advice we can use for this competition and all the next ones.”

The $2,500 grants assist with travel and entry expenses, but the program also includes classroom sessions with respected industry leaders who give their time generously in support of the next generation of young riders. Returning presenters for 2026 include Bromont and CCI5* Burghley cross-country course designer Derek DiGrazia (USA); FEI 5* judge and FEI World Championships 2026 eventing Ground Jury member Peter Gray (CAN); and multiple Olympic, World Equestrian Games and European Championships competitor and medalist, Bettina Hoy (GER). 


New education features for 2026 include stable management with former U.S. Eventing Association president and Olympic groom Max Corcoran, talks on sponsor and owner relations as well as social license to operate, and a welcome BBQ for all Bromont Rising participants on Tuesday evening courtesy of the Wildasin family/Fox Nation.

Thursday night the event will host a Red & White fundraiser at the Chalet atop the Bromont Ski Hill in support of Equestrian Canada’s high performance eventing team to raise money toward sending Team Canada to this year’s FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The World Championships are first “major games” in the new quadrennial cycle followed by next year’s Pan American Games in Lima, Peru; and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. The event called "Red, White & Gold! Celebrating 50 Years of Bromont's Olympic Legacy in Support of the Canadian Eventing Team" will be held at the Chalet du sommet de Bromont. To donate or become involved as a sponsor of the evening, contact Sue Bundy at Equestrian Canada at [email protected].