The USEF has announced grants totaling $11,700 for 19 licensed official applicants as part of a new program to support the development both of new licensed officials and of higher-level officials.

USEF launched the grant program in June to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Fédération Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements related to a new license application or a license promotion by offsetting travel and clinic or apprenticeship costs. Applicants were active USEF competing members who are currently licensed officials or who have an active licensed official application.

Individuals applied for grants in one of two categories: general grants were considered based on the competition environment need for more, or higher-level, officials and U35 grants will provide support for those under age 35 to become licensed officials or apply for license promotion.

“We are thrilled to have received an abundance of applications for this year’s licensed official grant offering,” said Alina Brazzil, USEF’s Director of Licensed Officials. “The response exceeded our expectations, which helps confirm that we are providing valuable support for the development of the licensed official pathway. We are looking forward to hearing how each applicant used their grant funding and what they have learned along the way.

“Offering a grant category dedicated to individuals under the age of 35 is an exciting way for USEF to focus on the future,” she added. “Talent identification and support are key in order to continue the strength of our officiating pool in the U.S. for both national and international officials.”

Those receiving grants are Mogie Bearden-Muller (applying for ‘S’ Eventing Course Designer ), Nicole Bhathal (‘r’ Dressage Judge), Jody Campbell (Level 2 FEI Vaulting Judge), Shannon Cole (‘r’ Jumper, Hunter, and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Leslie De Grandmaison (‘R’ Dressage Judge), Ashley Fant (‘R’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Rebecca Gibson (‘r’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Robert Jacobs (U35 - ‘R’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Tamara Jarosek (‘r’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Ashley Johnson (‘R’ Eventing Judge and Technical Delegate), Jennifer Koch (‘r’ Dressage Technical Delegate), Elizabeth Lacroix (‘r’ Hunter Course Designer and Jumper Course Designer), Andrea Lucianna Lindsay (‘R’ Dressage Judge), Emily Pethel (U35 - ‘r’ Western Dressage Judge), Nicole Rinker (‘R’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge), Katherine Rizzo (‘r’ Eventing Course Designer), Keara Sonntag (U35 - 'r’ Dressage Technical Delegate), Torrey Wilkinson (‘r’ Dressage Judge), and Teresa Wysong (‘r’ Western Dressage Judge).

Are you interested in becoming a licensed official? Review the Become Licensed webpage for information about the process as well as other grant opportunities offered by the FEI and USEF recognized affiliates and their foundations.