The USEA Foundation is now accepting applications for the Essex Horse Trials Grant, the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider's Grant, and the Haller Scholarship for Eventing Officials.
The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a Developing Rider aged 25-and-under who is competing successfully at the CCI3* 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 at the NAYC 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 during the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention.
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 October 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.
With 2025 just days away, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the top moments for the USEA across the 2024 season. Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive these high-performing moments from our online news, the USEA Podcast, and our Instagram account!
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.