United States Eventing Association

October 15 USEA Foundation Grant Deadline Quickly Approaching

The USEA Foundation is reminding USEA members that applications for several grants are due on Oct. 15. Grants will serve to support young rider and adult members, as well as those focusing on being licensed eventing officials.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a Developing Rider aged 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The $10,000 grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider's Grant of $5,000 annually is available to a Junior Rider aged 18 and under. The rider should be competing successfully at the Preliminary and CCI2* level and working towards representing his or her Area in CCI3* team competition in the following year. The grant is intended to assist the recipient to develop the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Junior Rider ranks to the Young Rider CCI3* level. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

The Haller Scholarship for Eventing Officials was established in memory of the late Roger Haller and his wife Ann Haller. Designed to provide financial assistance to those licensed officials who are working towards promotion to the “R” license, the “S” license, or FEI licenses. The Haller Scholarship may be used to offset the costs involved in attending the necessary seminars and obtaining the practical experience required to attain promotion to the next level of licensing. The USEA will award a scholarship of $5,000 to a deserving individual at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in December.

A grant from the Richard Picken Memorial Fund is to be awarded for the first time in 2023. Established in memory of the late Richard Picken by his loved ones, the Richard Picken Memorial Grants were established to fund the intensive training of riders aged 25 years and younger competing at the CCI2* level or higher. A particular focus will be on training show jumping skills. Grants from the Richard Picken Memorial Fund will be awarded annually to one rider competing at the CCI2* level or higher. The fund is intended to grant $5,000 each year.

A Kim Meier “Kick On” Memorial Grant will also be awarded for the first time in history. These grants were established in honor of the late Kim Meier, a top-level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete on their own horse(s) at the upper levels and who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends. Grant applicants must be 26 years of age or older, current members of the USEA, wholly own their own horse(s) without partnerships or syndicates, and be currently competing at the Preliminary Level, FEI equivalent level, or above (preference given to Intermediate or Advanced level riders).

Check out which grants you qualify for by clicking here and apply now. Scroll to the grant you want to apply for and click on the live "click here to apply" link. The deadline for applications for these grants is Oct. 15.

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.