Alvin Topping Governance Grant

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. 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.

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.

Topping was awarded the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award, the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor and was named the first USHJA Director Emeritus. He has trained multiple riders, horses and ponies in the jumper and hunter disciplines that achieved national, zone and state recognition and competed successfully throughout the United States including Devon, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, The National, Hampton Classic, Lake Placid and the Winter Equestrian Festival, as well as Federation National Championships such as the USEF Medal Finals, USEF Pony Medal Finals, and the USEF Pony Hunter Finals.

Champions trained or owned by Topping include Robin Hood, Nimble Light, Zelda, Fan Mail, Nyatross, Practical Magic, Union Jack, Celebration, Spring Fling, For Kid's Sake, Secret and Aeropark.

Applications are closed for 2023. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active USHJA Membership
  • US Citizen or Legal Resident
  • Age 25 or Under
  • Demonstrates Financial Need
  • Has not previously received the Alvin Topping Governance Grant

Each application MUST include the following to be considered:

  • Applicant's most recent tax return and/or any tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation from USHJA Members

Deadline and Award Notification

Grant applications close October 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications must be complete and submitted on time to be considered. The decision for this scholarship award will be made by November 1.  All applicants will be notified of the decision via email. Incomplete applications and applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered for this grant. Previous recipients of this grant may not apply; this grant may only be received by any individual once.