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."
The USEA Classic Series is going strong thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of event organizers who are committed to the thrill of long-format eventing. Dr. Christel Carlson, M.D. is one of the biggest champions of the program. A former competitor, she continues to contribute countless hours to the USEA as an organizer, judge (R), volunteer, and member of multiple committees. She is the owner of Spokane Sport Horse Farm in Spokane, Washington, which hosts two USEA recognized events each year. The facility’s fall event, which closes out the season in Area VII, includes Classic Three-Day divisions at the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training levels.
It was a weekend to remember for eventers from 13 colleges as they convened at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, from May 26-28 for the 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Championship. The 23 teams gave their all and had tons of fun!
The 2023 Woodside Spring H.T. served as a celebration of the successes of the West Coast eventers that competed in the Kentucky Three-Day Event, as well as what’s in store for the future of the sport in California. On the eve of competition on Thursday, organizers at the Woodside Horse Trials held a party in honor of both Tamie Smith’s historic win in the Kentucky five-star and the team of cross country builders led by Bert Wood that unveiled new courses at The Horse Park. Derek di Grazia designed the new Advanced and Intermediate tracks, with Wood designing the new tracks for Preliminary through Starter.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to offer the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the upcoming USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds. The Adult Team Championships will be offered once again at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary levels for members of the USEA Adult Rider Program, and newly added this year, the Modified level will be included in the ATC as well.