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Aug 21, 2019
USET Foundation Announces Ariel Grald and Ellie MacPhail O'Neal for Jacqueline B. Mars International and National Competition Grants
The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is thrilled to announce Ariel Grald as the 2019 recipient of the Jacqueline B. Mars International Grant, and Ellie MacPhail O'Neal as the recipient of the Jacqueline B. Mars National Grant. These distinguished eventing athletes boast impressive records and demonstrate high-performance potential to represent the United States in future international competitions, making them the ideal recipients of the annual grants that provide training and competition resources for athletes and their horses.
Grald of Vass, North Carolina, has had a standout year with Anne Eldridge's 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Leamore Master Plan, proving herself as a consistent upper-level competitor. In Kentucky this spring at the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*-L, the pair competed in their first 5* event, earning 12th out of a competitive field. Her current participation in the Developmental Potential group sets her up for the FEI 2022 World Equestrian Games.
With the opportunity to travel overseas Grald is looking forward to maximizing her time in the United Kingdom. Her plans to compete in the Millstreet CCI4*-S this month are part of the goal of preparing for the prestigious Burghley CCI5* set to take place at Burghley House in September.
"It is an immense honor to receive the Jacqueline B. Mars International Grant," said Grald. "I've dreamed of competing in Europe and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity from the USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars to make this goal a reality. It means a lot to have their support and faith in me and my horse. This trip will help us gain valuable international experience as we build towards representing the USA in the future. Grants such as this are crucial for Americans to compete abroad and I'm very thankful for this exciting and educational opportunity."
Using the Jacqueline B. Mars National Grant, MacPhail O'Neal plans to compete at the Fair Hill International CCI4*-L with Zeta, a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Sally Cox. She has participated in both Futures Challenges in 2019 and her development thus far has sparked her determination to be an excellent team competitor. Last month, MacPhail O'Neal and Zeta made the trip to Canada for the 2019 Bromont Mars Equestrian CCI4* where they were able to gain more experience on a terrain made up of hills and mountains, an exciting opportunity for Reddick, a Florida native.
"Receiving the Jacqueline B. Mars National Grant is such an honor," MacPhail O'Neal said. "I am really excited to have the opportunity. It makes me so excited and appreciative that the USET Foundation provides funding for riders. I would also like to thank Sally Cox, who owns Zeta, and my mother for their support."
Dec 07, 2023
Convention
USEA Board of Governors Meet for the First Time During 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
This afternoon, USEA President Louise “Lou” Leslie welcomed U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors members, USEA staff, and USEA Annual Meeting & Convention attendees to the first of two Board meetings which will take place during this year’s Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, with the teaser that 2024 is going to be full of initiatives for more opportunities to access the eventing experience, some of which attendees might get first wind of during this year’s gathering. The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place Dec. 7-10 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel.
Dec 06, 2023
Convention
Fast Facts: 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
Welcome to the Show Me state and to Area IV USEA members! The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention kicks of tomorrow and features four full days of educational seminars, committee meetings, and social gatherings all with one aim—to bring the eventing community together to continue to improve upon and celebrate the sport that we all love. This year’s Convention takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand in downtown St. Louis from Dec. 7-10, and we have rounded up everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the heartland.
Dec 05, 2023
Education
Digital Resources to Maximize Education & Access for the Eventing Community
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.
Dec 05, 2023
Young Event Horse
Young Event Horse Arden Augustus Exceeds All Expectations for Antenucci and White
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.
