United States Eventing Association

Ten $3,000 Grants Available for Under-25 Riders at Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event through Reprisal of MARS Bromont Rising Program

Following a hugely successful debut in June 2019 at the Bromont Three-Day Event, the MARS Bromont Rising Program will be offered at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event, November 14-17, 2019.

The Program offers grants of $3,000 each to 10, under-25 U.S. or Canadian riders, competing in any of the event’s divisions which include: CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and CCI2*-L. The recipients of the grant will participate in two days of mounted and unmounted instruction from leading coaches and clinicians at Mardanza Farms just prior to the competition dates. The grant money will be awarded in a lump sum to each recipient to offset the cost of transportation, entries, lodging, and meals during the November competition. Applications for the program can be accessed in the competitors’ section on the Ocala Jockey Club Event website, www.OJC3de.com. Selection criteria “will focus primarily on talent and determination.”

“With the support of MARS Equestrian, we were able to put together this new program for younger riders who are not part of any grant or training program," said Peter Gray, the well-known FEI dressage judge and trainer who runs the program. “It was always our vision to expand the program to venues beyond Bromont – provided it worked.”

“Our experience in June was overwhelmingly positive,” he continued. “The results and feedback from the participants in the first Bromont Rising Program speak for themselves. Most of the participants had their personal best dressage scores at Bromont, and one of the participants, Brooke Massie, went on to win the Bromont CCI4*-S in her first time at the level. All participants were extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by the training and grant program,” said Gray.

The Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event at the picturesque 950-acre OJC facility has established itself as a premier fall FEI event in the Southeast, with riders praising the venue’s footing, galloping tracks, viewing opportunities and rolling hills reminiscent of the English countryside. “The MARS Bromont Rising program is an exciting way to allow young riders an opportunity to ride at our event and develop their skills at an accelerated pace with excellent coaching with Peter Gray, Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Brian Murphy”, said Pavla Nygaard, Ocala Jockey Club’s President.

For more information on the 2019 Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event, visit www.ojc3de.com. Entries to the Event opened on September 17^th and remain open to October 29^th, at https://evententries.com/#ShowNDgx.