Grants & Scholarships

Through grants, scholarships, and program funding, the USHJA Foundation is strengthening our hunter/jumper community.

Experiential 

GOCHMAN GRANT FOR USEF PONY FINALS
Pony Finals is not just another competition, it offers educational opportunities and chances for young riders to develop friendships and connections that will follow them throughout their equestrian careers and beyond.  Each year, the USHJA Foundation offers three young riders the opportunity to attend and compete at USEF Pony Finals. The Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals is made possible by the generosity of Becky and David Gochman and their family

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Education

$25,000 HAMEL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FOR FURTHER EDUCATION
The Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education is designed to encourage further education among equestrians. Through a generous donation from the Kristen and James Hamel Family Foundation, the USHJA awards one or more USHJA members funds to be used for college, graduate, trade or professional school, totaling $25,000 each year.

Eligible candidates may apply for the Hamel Family Scholarship every year but may only be awarded the scholarship once. The USHJA Foundation will award the scholarship mid-summer each year.

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ALVIN TOPPING GOVERNANCE GRANT
Alvin Topping has spent over 50 years in the sport of hunters and jumpers as an owner, trainer, rider and governance volunteer. He has over 40 years of experience in the governance of equestrian sport, serving as a member or chair of several USEF committees and as the founding treasurer of the USHJA, the largest Affiliate of the USEF. The Alvin Topping Governance Grant was established to honor Topping's work in equestrian sport governance, including his commitment to the establishment and success of the USHJA. One $500 grant is awarded annually to assist one USHJA member, 25 years of age or under) with funding to support their attendance at the USHJA or USEF annual meeting.

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NAOMI BLUMENTHAL MEMORIAL TRAINING GRANT
The Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant provides financial support for equestrians that are members of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, Professional Horseman’s Association or United States Hunter Jumper Association and wish to continue their equestrian education. Created in honor of Naomi Blumenthal, the grant is intended to support the furtherance of equestrian education in any of the following areas: Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education as a judge, course designer or steward; USHJA Instructor Credential; or individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian related business and horsemanship knowledge. A total of $1,500 awarded to at least one member per year.

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USHJA PROGRAM SUPPORT
The USHJA Foundation contributes funds annually to supplement select USHJA programs as well as educational grants and scholarships awarded by the USHJA zones. With the Foundation and zones working together, zones are able to award more substantial grants to their members for programs such as Emerging Athletes Program, Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, Emerging Jumper/Rider Program & Gold Star Clinics, and other zone-specific grants, scholarships and programs offered.

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Competition

J.T. TALLON MEMORIAL EQUITATION GRANT
The J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant was developed by friends and family to honor the late, J.T. Tallon, a Lexington, Virginia horseman and USHJA member who dedicated his career to equestrian sport for over 40 years.  Each year, one junior rider with limited financial resources who has qualified for a national equitation championship at a fence height of 3' or higher will be awarded $1,000 to assist with the expense of attending the competition.

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General 

HORSEMANS ASSISTANCE FUND
The USHJA Foundation Horsemans Assistance Fund protects the welfare of our hunter/jumper community by providing emergency financial assistance to USHJA members after a life-changing illness, injury, catastrophic accident, or natural disaster. The majority of the gifts distributed from the fund are between $1,000 and $10,000 and intended to assist with medical expenses and basic living expenses. If you need assistance, please complete an application using the link below or call (859) 225-6736.

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