Darmstadter Announced as Recipient of the 2026 USHJA Scholarship for Further Education

Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 24, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce this year’s recipient of the USHJA Scholarship for Further Education as Ellen Darmstadter. Designed to encourage further education among equestrians, this year's scholarship will help Darmstadter pursue her higher education goals. 

Darmstadter, 22, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in Zone 6, is a graduate of Northwestern University with a triple major in Human Communication Sciences, Psychology, and Global Health. She will begin pursuing a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Washington this fall. She aspires to become a speech-language pathologist working with adults in rehabilitative settings, helping individuals navigate challenging diagnoses and regain communication and cognitive skills.

Her interest in the field began while volunteering at Three Gaits, a therapeutic riding center for individuals with disabilities in Stoughton, Wisconsin. There, she worked alongside occupational therapists whose innovative communication strategies inspired her to explore speech-language pathology as a career.

"I am incredibly honored to be chosen for the USHJA Scholarship for Further Education," remarked Darmstadter. "Horses have taught me empathy, flexibility, and non-verbal communication skills, helping me improve not only as a rider but also as a future clinician. This scholarship is invaluable for equestrians like me as it highlights how lessons learned in the barn can be applied to a wide range of academic pursuits."

 As an active member of the Northwestern University community, Darmstadter rode on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team, helped grow its membership, and served as treasurer. She was also involved with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, an organization that promotes learning, community, and preprofessional growth in the field of communication sciences and disorders, where she served as the Mentorship and Outreach Chair.

The USHJA Scholarship for Further Education is designed to encourage further education among equestrians. The USHJA awards one or more members funds to be used for community college, college, graduate school, trade school, or professional school, totaling up to $10,000 each year. 

To learn more about the USHJA Scholarship for Further Education, visit ushja.org/scholarship-further-education. 

Photos: Courtesy of Ellen Darmstadter