Recipients for 2026 USHJA Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals Announced

Lexington, Ky.—May 29, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce Madeline Gross, Emily Bruss, and Sofia Richardella as the 2026 recipients of the USHJA Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals. Through the grant, these three young riders will have the opportunity to attend and compete at USEF Pony Finals, presented by Marshall+Sterling, at the Kentucky Horse Park on August 4-9. This unique grant is made possible by the generosity of Becky and David Gochman and their family. 

Gross, 13, of Palm Harbor, Florida, in Zone 4, has been riding for eight years and primarily competes in the Large Green Pony division aboard Cherrybrook Magic Trick. Among her accomplishments, she earned year-end champion honors in the 2025 Large Children’s Pony division with the Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association. Gross has also been recognized with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Sportsmanship Award four times, highlighting her dedication to teamwork and horsemanship both in and out of the ring. In addition to her competitive success, she serves as the IEA Zone 4 Youth Board Representative and captain of her IEA team. 

"Receiving the Gochman Grant means so much to me," Gross remarked. "Ever since I was a beginner rider, competing at the USEF Pony Finals has been one of my biggest dreams, and this grant brings me one step closer to it. It represents years of hard work, but also all the support I've received along the way." 

Bruss, 13, of Bradford, New Hampshire, in Zone 1, has been involved with horses her entire life and currently keeps two horses at home. She competes in the 12-14 and 2'6" Equitation divisions and earned division champion honors in 2025 with the New Hampshire Hunter Jumper Association. Bruss also competed at the IEA National Finals in 2024, where she was named Reserve Champion in the Novice Equitation on the Flat. Beyond the show ring, she participated in the 2023 and 2024 USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, presented by East West Equine Sports Medicine, receiving the Youngest Participant Award both years. 

"Receiving this grant is one of my biggest dreams come true," Bruss noted. "When my mom told me I was going to USEF Pony Finals, I was shocked. I'm so thankful to all the people who have believed in me and helped me achieve this dream: my trainers, friends, and family. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, creating lasting connections, and opening new doors for my future. I cannot wait!”

Richardella, 17, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, in Zone 7, began riding at age 5 and has remained dedicated to the sport ever since. She currently competes in the Large Children’s Pony Hunter division while also pursuing catch ride opportunities whenever possible. In 2025, Richardella was selected to participate in an MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Regional Training Session. She has also been active in IEA, qualifying for and attending the IEA National Finals three times. Outside of competition, she is developing her green pony while working as a working student, gaining hands-on experience in training, horsemanship, and barn management.

"Competing at USEF Pony Finals has always been a goal of mine, and having the opportunity to compete there before I age out is an incredible honor," Richardella said. "I can't thank the Gochman family enough for making this happen, and I have already started counting down the days!"

This marks the eleventh year the USHJA Foundation has provided grants to help riders attend USEF Pony Finals, thanks to the generous support of the Gochman Family. Not strictly monetary in nature, the USHJA Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals is experience-based, and each recipient gets the opportunity to compete at USEF Pony Finals, access to professionals for training, enter into available clinics, and be exposed to other educational experiences throughout the week. In addition to financial need, selected riders exemplify the qualities most important in our sport: horsemanship, tenacity, and good sportsmanship.

The Gochman Grant is open to current USHJA members under the age of 18 who have not previously participated in Pony Finals and who would not be able to attend without the assistance the grant provides. Individuals may only be awarded the grant once.

The USHJA extends a special thank-you to those who helped make this grant possible, including the Gochman Family, Robin Greenwood, and horse donors. All recipients will receive coolers and show shirts provided by The Clothes Horse and Essex Classics.

For more information about the USHJA Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals, visit ushja.org/gochman. Learn more about all of the grants and scholarships USHJA offers at ushja.org/grants.

Photos: Provided by Madeline Gross, Emily Bruss, and Sofia Richardella