In order to ensure that U.S. show jumpers can clear financial barriers that would prevent them from representing their country in international competition, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation is launching the Performance Pathway Grant Program.
The program is designed to provide critical financial support to jumping athletes who have earned the opportunity to compete as part of U.S. teams or participate in specific high performance programs.
As the USET Foundation announcement pointed out, “From elite international championships to key developmental opportunities, the costs associated with representing the U.S. — including athlete travel, horse transport, coaching, and training — can be significant. This program helps bridge that gap by offsetting the cost of participation, ultimately ensuring that deserving athletes can focus on their performance rather than expenses.”
“The program will have a meaningful impact on the next generation of U.S. jumping athletes,” said USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins.
“The Performance Pathway Grant Program will enable riders to focus on their training and competition without the added burden of financial constraints. We are excited to support many more high-achieving and talented young athletes as they strive to successfully represent the U.S. on the greatest world stages.”
USET Foundation President and CEO Kristi Mitchem explained, “The goal of this new program is to pave the way for up-and-coming, talented athletes to pursue their dreams by minimizing financial barriers that too often stand in the way. It is our hope that this program will assist in fostering excellence and access in high performance jumping, ultimately bolstering the future of U.S. equestrian sport.”
This need-based grant program has been made possible thanks to Jennifer Gates Nassar, Nayel Nassar, and their team at Evergate Stables.
To qualify for the USET Foundation Performance Pathway Grant Program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a U.S. Equestrian Federation member in good standing, have been invited to or named to participate in a select USEF High Performance Jumping program or team, demonstrate financial need, and compete in one of the following FEI categories: Children (Ages 12-14), Juniors ( Ages 14-16), Young Riders (Ages 16-21) or Under 25, (Ages 16-25).
The USET Foundation is the fund-raising partner of USEF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the USET Foundation Performance Pathway Grant Committee, consisting of USET Foundation trustees and National Advisory Committee members knowledgeable about high performance sports and the associated costs of competing, individuals well-versed in financial aid and USEF sport leaders serving as advisors. For more information about the USET Foundation Performance Pathway Grant Program or to apply, click this link
Questions can be answered at this link.