Kolar Earns Inaugural Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant

Lexington, Ky.—July 24, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce Hayley Kolar of Kenosha, Wisconsin, in Zone 6, as the inaugural recipient of the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant. Made possible through the generosity of the Antevy family, the $5,000 grant reimburses one athlete each year for expenses related to attending the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships.

Kolar was selected based on her application, which highlighted her commitment to the sport and perseverance through significant challenges. In 2025, she competed at the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships for Zones 5 and 6, where she helped her team earn a Bronze medal and finished eighth individually in the Amateur section. She also earned Zone 6 reserve champion Horse of the Year honors in the 1.00/1.05m and Below Amateur Jumper division with her horse, Given To Fly.

Those accomplishments came while Kolar was undergoing treatment and recovery following a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy. Earlier in her career, she also returned to the sport after suffering a severe spinal injury in 2010 that required emergency surgery.

"There are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I feel for being awarded this grant," said Kolar. "It's a reminder to keep going, keep pushing, and to do all the things, no matter what life throws at you. It has taken me 40 years to accomplish my greatest riding goals despite breaking my back and beating cancer."

Kolar said competing at the 2025 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships was a defining experience that strengthened both her confidence and her partnership with Given To Fly, affectionately known as "Buddy." With the support of the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant, she plans to pursue her goal of competing in the North Central Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships in the 1.10/1.15m division at the Split Rock Kentucky National in Lexington, Kentucky, September 16-20.

"The memories, friendships, and lessons that come from competing as part of the Zone Team are truly special, and we hope this grant helps make that experience possible for her," said Orly Antevy, who was inspired to create the grant following her experience at the 2025 Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships. "We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the USHJA for selecting such a deserving recipient. It means so much to our family to see the program helping other riders pursue this incredible opportunity."

Applications for the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant open annually on January 1 and close on May 15. The grant is available to U.S. citizens who are current USHJA Active Competing members in good standing, have been accepted to compete in a USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championship during the award year, and demonstrate financial need.

Learn more about the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant at ushja.org/antevygrant.

Photos: Forever Photo, courtesy of Hayley Kolar