Arriaga Awarded USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant

Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 26, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that Casey Arriaga, 17, of Bahama, North Carolina, is the 2025 recipient of the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant. Each year, the USHJA Foundation awards $1,000 to one Junior rider who has qualified for a national Equitation championship at a fence height of 3' or higher to assist in attending the event.

"To me, receiving this grant provides a sense of relief and gratitude," remarked Arriaga. "Finals season can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and quite expensive. Knowing that my family and I have this extra financial help is definitely a relief."

Arriaga has been riding for over ten years and currently competes in the Equitation, including the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal and the IHSA/USHJA 3'3" Hunter Seat Medal, and 1.10m to 1.20m Jumpers. He rides with Cammie Fielding and Meaghan Kearns at Pleasant Hill Farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Laura Gaither at Fox View Farm in Bahama, North Carolina, and he has experience as a working student and groom. 

One of Arriaga's greatest riding accomplishments was winning the Flat Phase in the 2024 Marshall+Sterling/USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Finals - East aboard Rosemont Farm, Inc.'s Castello van de Fruitkorf Z at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He finished the Gymnastics Phase in sixth place. A short-term goal of Arriaga's is to compete and be successful in the 3'6" Equitation classes as a Junior before eventually becoming a Professional.

"I’m extremely thankful to the USHJA for this opportunity. I've always enjoyed doing the Equitation, as I think it teaches many valuable skills in and out of the saddle," Arriaga added. "I believe that accessibility in our sport is key and should be a main focus. This is definitely a step in the right direction, and I’m very grateful."

The J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant was created to honor the late J.T. Tallon's commitment to encouraging excellence in the equitation arena by inspiring junior riders with a passion for equitation to pursue their goals. The grant was developed by friends and family of the Lexington, Virginia, horseman and USHJA member who was dedicated to helping riders excel in the equitation arena.

Learn more about the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant at ushja.org/jttallon.

Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography/Courtesy of Casey Arriaga and Shawn McMillen Photography