ABOUT THE USEA FOUNDATION
The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals.
Formerly named the USEA Endowment Trust, the USEA Foundation was adopted as the new name in 2015. The Endowment Trust was created in 1991 to raise funds to build the USCTA (now USEA) headquarters in Leesburg, Virginia. Thanks to the members of our Association who donated to the Endowment Trust, that goal was achieved, and the Neil R. Ayer Memorial Building was completed and dedicated in 1996.
Subsequent years saw the Trust transition into an organization focused on building reserves for the long-term security of the USEA and the sport in the event of financial or other crises. Also, interest from the investment of those funds provided a measure of financial support for the USEA’s many educational programs.
Over the past several years, the role of the USEA Endowment Trust continued to evolve and expand. The Trust became a significant force in the development and administration of important rider grants and the funding of critical safety and equine medical studies and other strategic initiatives that are essential to the future of our sport. This evolution led the trustees of the Endowment Trust to undertake a thorough reevaluation of its purpose and structure.
In the months following the 2014 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, the trustees worked closely with the members of the USEA Development Committee to examine, analyze, and brainstorm ways to make the Endowment Trust relevant to the 21st century sport of eventing, as well as more accessible to our members and eventing enthusiasts worldwide. The name change to USEA Foundation, while the most immediately visible of the changes implemented was just the tip of the iceberg.
The USEA Foundation, in close collaboration with the USEA Board of Governors, played a central role in the funding and management of educational grants benefiting riders at every level of the sport – Juniors, Young Riders, Adult Amateurs, as well as international level riders. Additionally, the attention of the trustees expanded to include safety and horse welfare initiatives. The USEA Foundation collaborates with the USEA on fundraising campaigns targeting these worthy goals and strategies.
In pursuing these objectives, the USEA Foundation is committed to its core purpose of preserving and protecting the future of eventing in the United States and working to enrich the sport for everyone for generations to come.
The USEA Foundation supports programs that benefit all riders from all ages and walks of life riding at every level of competition. The USEA can count among its members riders from 8 years old to 80 years old, from Starter horse trials to the highest level of international competitions and the Olympic Games. The USEA Foundation works hand-in-hand with the USEA to provide funding for educational programs specifically designed to help each of these riders reach their individual goals and ultimately fulfill their dreams.