In July, the USEA Foundation announced a new set of educational grants spearheaded by the Broussard Family and the Broussard Charitable Foundation Trust that would be awarded to deserving candidates 18 years old and above who are passionate about moving their commitment to the sport forward. These grants cover three areas: Horsemanship Immersion Program, Instructors' Certification Program, and Eventing Officials “r” Training Program.
The response to these "Going Forward" grants was overwhelming, and the caliber and quality of each applicant were impressive. This made decision-making nearly impossible. The review panel reviewed every single application and letter of recommendation submitted and then decided on a list of finalists to be interviewed via Zoom.
Following further deliberations, the panel is delighted to announce the name of the successful applicants by category:
Horse Immersion Program
Instructors' Certification Program
Eventing Officials "r" Training Program
The total amount of grants awarded was $32,000.
The review panel and the USEA Foundation would like to thank Jerome Broussard for his generosity in supporting these grants and his willingness to increase the total amount available when it was clear there were so many deserving candidates. This allowed grants to be awarded to seven individuals instead of four or five as was initially planned.
More information about the Going Forward Grants is available on the USEA Foundation website.
Since the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program was founded in 2014, it has grown in popularity and participation each year. The USEA is excited to have 23 intercollegiate team challenges on the calendar in 2021 in addition to the 2021 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships, which will be held at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia on May 27-30.
In 2000 and with the support of Joan Iversen Goswell, the Worth the Trust Educational Scholarships were established to provide financial assistance to amateurs to pursue their education in eventing. The funds from the Worth the Trust Educational Scholarships may be used for training opportunities such as clinics, working student positions, and private or group instruction, or to learn from an official, course designer, technical delegate, judge, veterinarian, or organizer.
The Linda Moore Trophy was introduced in 1979 and awarded to the leading Young Rider in the country. After a strong showing during the 2020 season, 16-year-old Benjamin Noonan of Ballwin, Missouri was named the 2020 RevitaVet Young Rider of the Year.
The USEA is sorry to announce that there will be no USEA Educational Symposium held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The USEA Educational Symposium is hosted annually each February as a week of learning for participants and auditors.