Applications Open for USHJA Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals and $25,000 USHJA Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education

Lexington, Ky.—Jan. 9, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to open applications for the 2023 Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals and $25,000 Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education. Both opportunities are currently accepting applications from active USHJA members. 

The Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals offers three young pony riders the opportunity to attend and compete at USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms, held August 8-13 in Lexington, Kentucky. Experiential in nature, each grant recipient is provided access to a qualified pony, if needed, and will train throughout the week with experienced professionals. Recipients will also be exposed to additional educational experiences, including clinics, during their time at the Kentucky Horse Park. The grant is made possible by the generosity of Becky and David Gochman and their family. 

The grant is open to active USHJA members that have not previously competed at Pony Finals and have jumping experience at a minimum fence height of 2’3”. In addition to financial need, applicants should exemplify the qualities most important in the sport: horsemanship, tenacity and good sportsmanship. Interested applicants can apply here, and applications close March 15.

The $25,000 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.

“The Hamel's generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community," said Erykah Glass, one of three 2022 Hamel Family Scholarship recipients. "Receiving this scholarship is an honor and a blessing as it allows me to focus on what is important to me: my education."

Interested applicants should have a two-year consecutive USHJA Membership at the Education/Non-Competing level or higher; be accepted to a college, university, trade or professional school for the current school year; and have a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. For those not recently in school, equivalent employment history will be considered. Applications are open here and close May 15.

For more information about the Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals, visit ushja.org/gochman. To learn more about the USHJA $25,000 Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education, visit ushja.org/hamel. Learn more about all of the grants and scholarships USHJA offers at ushja.org/grants.

Photo: Rachel Milewski/USHJA