Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The Organizing Committee of the MARS EQUESTRIAN Bromont CCI Three-Day Event just announced the grant recipients for the inaugural Bromont Rising program. The following horse and rider combinations will receive a CA$3,000 grant to offset the cost of competing at the event:
- Ariel Aharoni and Dutch Times
- Woods Baughman and Contendro
- Bradley Champagne and Wallaroo W
- Gabby Dickerson and Governor SGS
- Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal or Qupid
- Ema Klugman and Bendigo or Joker’s Win
- Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium
- Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie
- Greta Schwickert and FE Charles Owen
Emily Lehman and Martial Arts. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The following horse and rider combinations have been selected as alternates and will receive a free entry in addition to participating in the full training program:
- Shelby Brost and Crimson
- Emily Lehman and Martial Arts
- Emma Lomangino and Riot Act
- Brooke Massie and Serendipity
- Maxine Preston and Shannondale Magnum
- April Simmonds and Blyth’s Centurion FE
“We had an unexpectedly large number of excellent candidates from both the U.S. and Canada,” said Kerry Millikin, one of the selectors for the program alongside Peter Gray. “Peter and I were very impressed with the quality of the applicants and their earnestness. Many of these riders could only make it to Bromont with the financial assistance that this program is providing. It’s a great idea. I hope that other venues will follow Bromont’s lead here.”
Peter Gray added: “The expense involved in getting to a world-class FEI event can be staggering. I applaud the Bromont Organizing Committee for hatching this program. There is a deep pool of unrecognized talent out there, and many of these riders just need some financial help to realize their potential.”
MARS EQUESTRIAN, title sponsor of the event, is also supporting the Bromont Rising program. “We are very pleased to be part of this new program,” Geoff Galant, Vice President of MARS Equestrian, said. “It is so important to help these younger riders achieve their potential. We are proud to help these riders who are the future of this sport and the next generation of high performance competitors.”
In addition to the grant, the riders will receive two days of mounted instruction prior to the start of the event from Kerry, Peter and Doug Payne, as well as coaching during the event. Boyd Martin and Jessica Phoenix will be the featured speakers for the program, which will also include unmounted educational sessions on conformation and soundness, as well as sponsorship of riders from the owners’ perspective.
“I hope that other event organizers see the importance of offering a program like this,” Sue Ockendon, head of the Bromont Organizing Committee, said. “The willingness of so many top international riders and clinicians to so generously give their time and effort to bring along these younger riders is inspiring.”
Click here to learn more about the Bromont Rising Program. Congratulations to the grant recipients! Go Eventing.
