Funding Dreams

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 

 Learn More  |  Applications for 2025 have closed.

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.

Learn More  | Applications for 2025 have closed.

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.

Learn More  |  Applications for 2025 have closed.

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, Interscholastic Equestrian 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 $2,000 awarded to at least one member per year.

Learn More  | Applications for 2025 have closed.

MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Grant
The USHJA Emerging Athletes Program was created to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education in their pursuit to become knowledgeable horsemen within the Hunter/Jumper industry. During the five-day Regional Training Sessions, riders have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and some of the country’s leading stable managers, where instruction focuses on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances, and coursework, as well as an intensive stable management curriculum that incorporates proper care and grooming, horsemanship skills, and barn management.

Learn more about EAP 

USHJA Instructor Credential Grant
This program offers both a comprehensive online education as well as an in-person workshop and live testing component. Upon successful completion of all prerequisite online courses, the workshop, and live examination, candidates will be awarded the status of USHJA Credentialed Instructor.

Learn more about the Instructor Credential | Applications for 2025 have closed.

USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Grant
The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals is a multi-phase event that puts the top-scoring participants, who advanced through quiz Levels One and Two, to the ultimate test. Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals consists of a written exam, a horsemastership/identification exam, and a final practicum that requires participants to demonstrate their mastery of practical horsemanship knowledge. Twenty-four individuals will be invited to compete in person at the  Nationals.  

Applications open September 1st (four $250 grant opportunities available for application for all HQC National participants).

Learn more about HQC  | Applications for 2025 have closed.

$5,000 Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant
The $5,000 Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant was developed by Melanie and Orly Antevy and was inspired by Orly’s triple-gold performance at the 2025 Zone Jumper Championships in Traverse City, Michigan, she established the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Team Jumper Grant, ensuring other young riders have the same opportunity to pursue one of the highlights of her career. Each year, one recipient will be awarded the full $5,000 for expenses related to competing at the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championship.

Learn More  |  Applications open in 2026.

$25,000 HAMEL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FOR FURTHER EDUCATION
The Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education was designed to encourage further education among equestrians. Through a generous donation from the Kristen and James Hamel Family Foundation, the USHJA awarded one or more USHJA members funds to be used for college, graduate, trade or professional school, totaling $25,000 each year. Eligible candidates could apply for the Hamel Family Scholarship every year but may only be awarded the scholarship once. The USHJA Foundation has awarded the scholarship mid-summer each year. This scholarship was sunset in 2025.