The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for 2023 licensed official development grants.
USEF members who meet the eligibility requirements and have an active licensed official application may apply, whether they are interested in obtaining their first USEF license or seeking a promotion in their respective breed or discipline. Grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Féderation Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements, such as traveling to apprentice at a competition or attend a licensed official clinic. In 2022, 19 individuals were approved to receive a USEF Licensed Official Grant amounting to a total of $11,700.
The 2023 grants will be offered in two categories—general and U35. General grants will be considered based on the competition environment’s need for more officials or higher-level officials. The U35 grants provide an opportunity to support individuals under the age of 35 to become a licensed official or apply for a promotion.
“Encouraging and mentoring the next generation of individuals to become licensed officials is key for the vitality of our sport. You can’t have a competition without officials,” said Alina Brazzil, Director of Licensed Officials.
"Development of the official’s pathway is an important facet of the competition environment,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer. “This program was quite successful in its inaugural year. The Federation plans to again support individuals who have the drive to develop their education and become leaders in the officiating field in 2023. We encourage you to apply.”
Applicants are encouraged to think creatively and apply for competition and clinic experiences that would not normally be available to them due to financial barriers.
How to Apply
The complete list of grant requirements and application is available through the new LO Grant Application tile on the LO Dashboard here. All 2023 applicants must apply online through the LO Grant Application tile on or before March 1, 2023; emailed and mailed hard copy applications will not be accepted this year.
All portions of the online application must be completed for the application to be processed and reviewed. The 2023 applications may be considered on a rolling basis after the initial deadline if grant funds are still available, but all funds awarded must be claimed and utilized within the 2023 competition year, which ends November 30, 2023.
Questions may be directed to the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected].
To accompany the 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, USEA Educational Partner STRIDER has prepared Digital Resources to Maximize Education & Access for the Eventing Community. In keeping with the USEA’s mission to expand the sport of eventing, this webinar outlines ways in which digital tools can be leveraged to increase access and education across equestrian opportunities. As part of STRIDER’s popular Professional Development Webinar Series, this presentation aims to provide a quick overview of best practices and digital tools used across the equestrian industry to boost growth.
Every horse who participated this year in the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) program has a story—a background that involves a breeder who labored over bloodlines, veterinary care, initial training, and so much more. This year’s highest-placing U.S.-bred horse in the 5-year-old division at the Dutta Corp./USEA Young Event Horse Championships, Arden Augustus, is no exception. His breeder and owner, Anita Antenucci of Arden Farms in Upperville, Virginia, started her program nine years ago and said that the Warmblood gelding was a more emotionally driven breeding for her than others due to his connections with Antenucci’s long-time friend Sharon White.
Have you ever wondered why professional riders love bringing their horses through the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) program? USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown chats with two of this year's YEH Champions, Caroline Pamukcu who won the USEA YEH 4-year-old East Coast Championship aboard HSH Afterglow, and Andrea Baxter who won the USEA YEH 5-year-old Championship with Camelot PJ, to discuss this year's Championships and all of the great things that the program has to offer.
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