USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant Applications Now Open

Lexington, Ky.—April 1, 2020—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is happy to announce that applications are now open for the USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant. Now in its third year, the grant provides $1,000 to one junior rider who has qualified for a select national equitation championship at a fence height of 3’ or higher. Completed applications must be received by August 1, 2020 to be considered.

The grant is open to USHJA Active/Competing Junior members in good standing who have qualified for one of the following equitation championships with a fence height of 3' or higher on a horse: ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3'3" Equitation Championship, Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals, Marshall & Sterling Children's Medal Finals, Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Finals, National PHA Medal, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search - East and West, Taylor Harris National Children's Medal Finals, and the USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals - East and West.

Last year's winner, Morgan Rosia, used the grant to attend the 2019 3'3" EMO Insurance/USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Final - East during the Capital Challenge Horse Show, where she took home first place. “I am honored to be chosen as the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant recipient and am grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level among the top riders in the country,” Rosia said, emphasizing the value the grant provided beyond just her success in the equitation ring.

The J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant debuted in 2018 and was developed by friends and family of the late J.T. Tallon, a Lexington, Virginia, horseman and USHJA member who dedicated his career to equestrian sport for over 40 years. Tallon was committed to helping riders excel in the equitation arena. He was part of a group that founded the Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association, led the Southern Seminary for Women to IHSA Championship victory eight times, and the Randolph Macon Woman's College won three championships under his leadership as equestrian director.

Sue Tallon and Barbara Bays initiated the concept and spearheaded fundraising efforts to make this grant possible. Its purpose is to honor Tallon's commitment to encouraging excellence in equitation by inspiring junior riders with a passion for equitation to pursue their goals. Through this grant, juniors with limited financial means who have qualified for one of the select national equitation finals are provided the support they need to attend.

For more information and to apply, visit ushja.org/foundation/tallon.

Photo provided by Morgan Rosia.