Applications Open for USHJA Foundation J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant

Lexington, Ky.—April 1, 2019—Applications are now open for the USHJA Foundation J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant, which provides $1,000 to one junior rider who has qualified for a select national equitation championship at a fence height of 3’ or higher. Completed applications must be received by August 1, 2019.

“We are thrilled to once again offer this grant for USHJA members,” said Debbie Bass, chair of the USHJA Foundation. “Through this grant, we are able to honor the memory of the late J.T. Tallon and his passion for helping young equestrians succeed in the equitation ring, while supporting the USHJA membership in reaching their educational and competitive goals.”

The grant is open to USHJA Active/Competing members in good standing who have qualified for one of the following equitation championships with a fence height of 3' or higher: ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3'3" Equitation Championship, Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals, Marshall & Sterling Children's Medal Finals, Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Finals, National PHA Medal, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search - East and West, Taylor Harris National Children's Medal Finals, and the USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals - East and West. Riders must be juniors competing on a horse to be eligible.

“Just apply! Put time into your application and hope things go your way,” said Frances McGivern, last year’s inaugural grant recipient. “Even if they don’t, then you spent some time reflecting on your experiences and goals in this sport we all love. If things do go your way, you can have a once in a lifetime experience that would not otherwise have been possible.”

The J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant was developed by friends and family of the late, J.T. Tallon, a Lexington, Virginia, horseman and USHJA member who dedicated his career to equestrian sport for over 40 years. Tallon was dedicated to helping riders excel in the equitation arena. He was part of a group that founded the Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association; he led the Southern Seminary for Women to IHSA championship victory eight times; and the Randolph Macon Woman's College won three championships under his leadership as equestrian director.

Sue Tallon and Barbara Bays initiated the concept and spearheaded fundraising efforts to make this grant possible. Its purpose is to honor Tallon's commitment to encouraging excellence in the equitation arena by inspiring junior riders with a passion for equitation to pursue their goals. Through this grant, juniors with limited financial means who have qualified for one of the select national equitation finals are provided the support they need to attend.

For more information and to apply, visit ushja.org/foundation/tallon.