SEEMA SONNAD JUNIOR RIDER GRANT
The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant of $5,000 annually is available to a Junior rider age 18 and under. The rider should be competing successfully at the Preliminary/CCI2* level and working towards representing his or her Area in CCI3* team competition in the following year.
The grant is intended to assist the recipient to develop the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Junior rider ranks to the Young Rider CCI3* level. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.
The USEA Foundation will administer the processes of the grant’s intent on behalf of the family of Seema Sonnad. Eligible riders will be in good standing with the USEA and will have successfully completed a CCI2* during the current year with a view to competing in a CCI3* the following year. An independent panel will review the competition results of all eligible riders and will select the recipient following the final CCI2* competition of the year. The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant will be awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December each year.
The panel of judges will review the applications and monitor performances in USEA competitions for the rest of the season before selecting the recipient.
Riders receiving grants must keep complete accounting records and receipts for all funds used. Funds must be used within two calendar years following the awarding of the grant and receipts must be submitted to the USEA Foundation by November 30. Any funds used for inappropriate activities must be repaid to the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant, care of the USEA Foundation.
The successful recipient will be expected to write a report detailing the educational experiences and benefits made possible by the grant for inclusion in the USEA’s Eventing USA magazine and/or for posting on the website. This report may also be given in person at the USEA Foundation meeting held during the Annual Meeting.
No grant may be conferred upon or inure to the benefit of a member or relative of:
The USEA staff, Board of Governors, Foundation Trustees, or Committee Chairs; or
A member of any Area Council of the USEA (their relatives are eligible if the member in question is completely removed from the process of identifying the grant recipient(s).)
Applications for the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant are due October 15th for the current year. The application form is available here.
Previous Recipients of the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant
2023 Carlin Keefe
2022 Julia Crandon
2021 Rebecca Roth
2019 Elizabeth Henry
2018 McKinsey Wickman
2017 Ryan Keefe
2016 Mia Farley
2015 Alexandra Tett