Eventing Day: USEF Offers More Than $20,000 in Grants Through High School Equestrian Athlete Program

By the USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be offering more than $20,000 in grant money to qualified students, high schools and clubs across the nation through its High School Equestrian Athlete program in 2011. Students who are enrolled in the program, have successfully completed at least one full year, and are members of a USEF Recognized or International Affiliate Association will have a chance to win one of many $1,000 grants for educational or equestrian pursuits. On July 29, 2011, one student athlete from each Recognized or International Affiliate Association will be randomly selected to receive the grant. Students are not eligible to receive more than one grant. The USEF also plans to award eight $500 grants to high schools and clubs to help cover program costs. The schools and clubs (i.e. 4-H, club teams, riding clubs; horse show associations not included), with the most students enrolled in the High School Equestrian Athlete program will each receive a grant.

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The popularity of the High School Equestrian Athlete program has grown exponentially since it started in late 2009, with more than 2,800 students having participated. The program was created to recognize and reward the accomplishments of high school equestrian athletes and encourage their future involvement in equestrian sport. Students in the program are eligible to receive a varsity equestrian patch, yearly pins and certificates of completion, as well as access to a line of quality and custom merchandise such as letterman jackets, soft-shell riding jackets and hats.

Enrollment for the current school year is still open. For more information or to apply online, visit: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/highschool/highschool.aspx

Still have questions? Feel free to contact Terra Schroeder at tschroeder@usef.org or Mary Vance at mvance@usef.org.