United States Eventing Association

USEA Foundation to Administer the Mars Bromont Rising U25 Program

The new Mars Bromont Rising U25 Program will now be administered by the USEA Foundation. The program was first introduced at Bromont Three-day Event last June when nine riders under the age of 25 were awarded grants of $3,000 Canadian to assist with the expenses incurred in preparing for and competing in the Bromont CCI. A complete training program was devised to help the riders prepare themselves and their horses for the competition. An additional six riders were invited to participate in the training sessions and were given free entries to the event.

The program has now been extended to include the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-day Event which takes place November 14-17 in Reddick, Florida and the following riders have been awarded grants to assist with their preparation and competition expenses:

Nicole Aden
Arielle Aharoni
Charlotte Babbitt
Isabelle Bosley
Elizabeth Henry
Ema Klugman
Barrett Phillips
Kaelen Speck
Nicholas Staples
Samantha Tinney

Alternate:
Maxine Preston

Chair of the USEA Foundation, Diane Pitts, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the MARS Bromont Rising program into the USEA Foundation family. Assisting our developing riders through education and opportunity are important goals of the USEA and the USEA Foundation and this program furthers those goals. We look forward to working with the organizers of this program.”

The riders were invited to a two-day training session at Mardanza Farms in Ocala, Florida, with top coaches providing instruction. Sessions include a Centerline Workshop with a review of the FEI dressage tests and hints on how to improve their scores through ringmanship. Sara and Brian Murphy not only lent their expertise in the dressage and show jumping sessions but also generously provided a welcome dinner with special guest Leslie Law as a speaker.

The second day’s session included test rides judged by Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and an inside view of show jumping course design as presented by Chris Barnard. Max Corcoran followed this up with a detailed lesson on managing competition horses from the ground.

Of critical importance to the futures of these young riders is the ability to attract and retain owners and sponsors. Two of the sport’s most supportive owners, Steve Blauner and Jim Wildasin of the Event Owners Task Force, were on site to help explain this vital aspect of the sport.

The training sessions wrapped up with a welcome party hosted by Fredericks Equestrian. Cross-country schooling opportunities were made available by Jon Holling.

Mark Hart, trustee of the USEA Foundation recognized those who had made the Bromont Rising program possible when he said: “This program was established by Steve Blauner, an event horse owner who saw the need to develop and support the next generation of Team riders. He has enthusiastically shared his vision with other Team horse owners such as Jacqueline Mars who is currently cosponsoring the program with Steve to get it firmly established. For this vision the USEA Foundation and the sport thanks them.”

The lucky recipients of the Mars Bromont Rising U25 awards now head to the Ocala Jockey Club where they will be treated to a Celebrity Course Walk by none other than six-time Badminton winner and veteran of numerous Olympic and World Championships teams, Lucinda Green.

The USEA Foundation is delighted to be involved with such an admirable and worthwhile program and thanks all those who have made this venture possible.

Photos courtesy of Steve Blauner.