Pan Receives 2025 Alvin Topping Governance Grant

Lexington, Ky.—Nov. 20, 2025—The USHJA proudly recognizes Isabella Pan as the 2025 recipient of the Alvin Topping Governance Grant. This award grants $500 in funding to one USHJA member 25 years old or younger to assist them with attending the USHJA Annual Meeting or US Equestrian Annual Meeting. 

“Connecting with other equestrians enriches my life and provides me with a healthy balance," Pan, 20, of Advance, North Carolina, said. "My passion for dedicating my talent, knowledge, and compassion to improving equestrian sport and making a positive impact on animal welfare drives me.” 

Growing up the daughter of a local horse trainer, Pan's life has always revolved around horses. From volunteering at local horse shows and mentoring young riders at summer camps to engaging with USHJA’s educational webinars on diversity and inclusion, she has dedicated herself to improving equestrian sport and promoting animal welfare.

While still in high school, her passion for advocacy, inspired by USHJA webinars, led her to launch social media campaigns promoting mustang preservation, body positivity, and mental health awareness among equestrians. That same drive earned her the prestigious Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University, awarded for excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

At NCSU, Pan was an active member of the Interscholastic Horse Show Association Hunt Seat Team, volunteered with and mentored Interscholastic Equestrian Association youth riders, and conducted research at the Gilger Lab at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Her work focused on improving animal welfare through innovative research projects, including studies on gene therapy for ocular disease and stress-reduction technologies for horses.

After completing her undergraduate degree in just two years, Pan was accepted into North Carolina State’s College of Veterinary Medicine at the age of 19. Now pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, she hopes to make a global impact on animal health and the equestrian community.

Looking ahead, Pan plans to remain active in USHJA and USEF governance, with particular interest in developing animal welfare policies and educational programs. She hopes to help advance standards for horse show welfare, including the use of licensed veterinarians on show grounds and data-driven guidelines for equine workload and fitness. Pan plans to attend the 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, over December 8-11.

This grant is made possible by an anonymous donor who established the $500 grant to honor Topping’s work in equestrian sport governance, including his commitment to the establishment and success of USHJA. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be an active USHJA member in good standing, 25 years of age or under, and demonstrate financial need. 

For more information about the Alvin Topping Governance Grant, visit ushja.org/alvintoppinggrant. 

Photo: Provided by Isabella Pan