USEF announces 2012 Spring Training Grants

By Visionaire on

USEF-Logo-links.jpg

 

Hot off the presses, the USEF has just released the list of riders receiving grants this spring, courtesy of Land Rover, $33,500 in total.  Congratulations to all.

 

Name (hometown) and Owner, Horse

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot
Jan Byyny (Purceville, VA) and her own and Richard and Jo Byyny’s Inmidair
Will Coleman (Charlottesville, VA) and Jim Wildasin’s Twizzel
Tiana Coudray (Ojai, CA) and Jaital Inc.’s Ringwood Magister
Buck Davidson (Ocala, FL) and Sharon Will’s Absolute Liberty, Carl and Cassandra Segal’s BallyNoe Castle RM and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) and Team Rebecca LLC’s Ben, Bruce Duchossios’ Mighty Nice, Nina and Tim Gardner’s William Penn
Will Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow
Sinead Halpin (Oldwick, NJ) and Carriag, LLC’s Manior De Carneville
Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) and Melissa and Phil Town and Tom Holder’s Can’t Fire Me
Shannon Lilley (Gilroy, CA) and The Lilley Group’s Ballingowan Pizazz
Marilyn Little-Meredith (Frederick, MD) and Raylyn Farm’s RF Rovano Rex
Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA) and The Neville Bardos Syndicate’s Neville Bardos, The Otis Barbotiere Syndocate’s Otis Barbotiere and his own and Faye Woolfe’s Ying Yang Yo
Clark Montgomery (Fairburn, GA) and Holly Becker, Kathryn Kraft and Jessica Montgomery’s Loughan Glen
Karen O’Connor (The Plains, VA) and the Mr Medicott Syndicate’s Mr Medicott
Julian Stiller (Thatcham, Berkshire) and her own and Jules Delvecchio’s Chapel Amble
Jolie Wentworth (Martinez, CA) and Tracy Bowman’s Good Knight

The list of training sessions and Selection Trials is available here:

http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/8002/2012/1/23/2012_land_rover_us_eventing_team.aspx

Categories:

Coaching Matters, Eventing Nation
  • crazy

    As Colleen Rutledge is doing fundraisers to get to Badminton. What a shame

  • AAA

    such bullshit! its so over the top its hard to believe that they are seriously screwing her over like that!

  • Katie

    I think she's getting used to it. As AAA so rightly said, this is over the top.

  • Anonymous

    WOW....so, doesn't USEF seem a bit ridiculous? I think we need to do this grant thing a bit more based on need. There are names on this list that probably have a net worth that would make USEF weep.....why are we giving them grant money? I don't know, I think this system is set up pretty damn badly myself! Sorry John if this isn't being Positive enough, but this is ridiculous!

  • ABC

    I agree with everyone as well. Most of these riders have already "made it". They are making the bucks and riding the horses of a lifetime. Why not use the grant money for some up-and-commers in need??

  • Murphy

    I think the grants should be based on performance not need. But this list isn't either. The USEF seems more and more like a clubhouse.

  • O’Leary

    Sad indeed! I agree with ABC and Murphy. There are a fair amount of up and coming stars turning in great performances when they can afford to compete
    It does seem that the USEF is requiring membership dues from everyone in order to fund their country club friends?
    Maybe the system needs to be more scholarship like, based on need along with hard work and performance?

  • Anonymous

    Does it frustrate anyone other then me, that no matter how much we all wish it would change, no matter how dumb it seems....really, when it is all said and done, we have no say, and it is going to just stay the same? I wish the new hoops to be part of this country club would come out in print.

  • LN

    I think one thing to consider is that it's the olympic year and priorities have shifted a bit from the up and comers to the ones they know have the best chances at the team....

  • EM

    Grant money should be for those who really need it. Those on the list who don't need the money should not accept it and shame on you if you do.
    Perhaps some sort of boycott...USEF, the greedy riders who took grant money who really did not need it. You don't have to buy from the sponsors of those riders or attend their clinics. Once again what a shame to see such greed.

  • JAS

    It looks like a mix of veterans and new names to me. Also, you can not base grant money on a progressive system..."well that rider has too much money so we'll give it to someone else". Although that is how Obama would have it. ;-)

    "Don't dream, don't you dare dream! Get out there, put in the hard work and make it happen!!" Vince Lombardi

  • Eric

    Many of the names on this list need grant money like Exxon Mobile needs a tax cut. Ridiculous, and not in the best interests of the sport.

  • nobody

    Wow, this list is a joke!

    Most of those on the list have more than enough money/sponsors that they DON'T need to take grants from the riders who really need them.

    This has to stop!

  • nobody2

    Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Jacqueline Mars' Harbour Pilot - Jaci Mars? Does she need the grant money?

    Jan Byyny (Purceville, VA) - I don't she needs it. I don't she should be competing at the upper levels anyway.

    Will Coleman (Charlottesville, VA) - Will Coleman? Really?

    Tiana Coudray (Ojai, CA) - ??

    Buck Davidson (Ocala, FL) - doesn't he have sponsors?

    Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) - sponsors?

    Will Faudree (Hoffman, NC) - Really?

    Sinead Halpin (Oldwick, NJ) - doesn't her family own the Fork?

    Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) - ok this is a maybe.

    Shannon Lilley (Gilroy, CA)

    Marilyn Little-Meredith (Frederick, MD) - sponsor's? and she just went to Europe to buy proven event horses?

    Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA) sponsors?

    Clark Montgomery (Fairburn, GA) - maybe?

    Karen O'Connor (The Plains, VA) - karen- give it up. let someone else enjoy. how many teams have you been on? Plus, she has Mars money.

    Julian Stiller (Thatcham, Berkshire) - seriously? doesn't she hire Mark Todd?? and she's living in the UK.

    Jolie Wentworth (Martinez, CA)

    Where are the up and coming riders (based in the US) who own their own (american)horses on this list?? Most of the horses are owned by someone else, a sponsor or syndicate. Where are the horses that have been started from scratch and have made it to the top. Or does everyone need to go to Europe to buy their already proven team horse for the US?

    this is crap

  • John

    Part of the problem is that the USEF doesn't explain the parameters used to determine the grants. That's partly because a ton of considerations, some better than others, go into figuring the grants out. True, most of the people who received grants have at least some funding behind them, but it's incredibly hard to get up to that level without any funding. The fact that Colleen wasn't given anything is beyond absurd and the USEF deserves the criticism they are getting for that alone. The sentiment seems to be that $2,000 given to an up and coming rider would do a lot more than $2,000 given to someone with a major sponsor. I get that, but it's also worth pointing out that anyone on the road to the Olympics is going to give up a ton of potential income and spend a ton of money to get there, most of which won't be compensated.

  • Keepin’ Perspective

    Congratulations to Shannon Lilley, Tiana Coudray and Jolie Wentworth!!! She 'em what the west coast can do!

  • Elaine

    It bothers me less when it's a pair I felt deserved to on the training list regardless of how much other support they have, particularly if its outside sponsor support. What really gets me is when these funds are going to individuals who basically bought their way onto the lists, have done nothing to show that they can contribute to either a team or individual medal at the Olympics, have buckets of cash and still get a training grant. with someone like Boyd or PD, I'm sure their sponsors appreciate the slight reduction in costs and they've earned their way on this lists so I understand the reasoning there.

  • che guevara

    I don't see anybody holding a gun to these professionals and making them give up lesson and clinic income to vie for the gold medal. The "PROs" make their living BY CHOICE on the backs (and purses) of the amateurs and at the whimsical nature of benefactors. I am weary of reading about the poor, pitiful professional who has to work so hard to make ends meet in THEIR CHOSEN OCCUPATION!!!

    Vamos a la revuelta y la creación de una organización amateur dirigido por Jimmy Wofford!

  • Ashley

    I am sorry but me as a struggling horse trainer who spends every day working very hard to make ends meet, who hopes that someday my hard work will make me a part of a list like this, and who makes a lot less money than most of the people on this list personally would like to see people on this list who have a shot at getting a medal this year. And low and behold I do! I also do not see a lot of people who I think are serious medal contenders left off of this list. If the nation can get medals then hopefully the funding will expand and it can be used for other people. I learned a long time ago that if I spend all my time whining about how everybody else has it better than me, how they have more expensive horses, and how much easier it is for them than for me that I will never get anywhere. Instead I use it as a force to drive me.
    As far as nobody holding a gun to professionals head to leave their work to compete. I am thinking you do not understand the way our profession works. In order to get better horses, more clinics, sponsorship, etc profesionals have to produce results. Even if they already have those things they have to continue to get results at the highest level they are capable of and yes that means leaving other opportunities behind. Which means a cut in pay for the time being which will hopefully pay out in the long run. However sometimes things do not go as planned.
    As for nobody2 putting down so many of the excellent riders on this list shame on you!

  • McKenna

    I do agree it is a bit of a shame that some riders like colleen rutledge got left off the list among a few others. And I do think it would be awesome if more money had been given to amateur riders it would be awesome, but it is an Olympic year. Just because riders have lots of sponsors doesn't mean that they give the riders lots of money. I highly doubt Guardian says oh here Karen here's $50,000 for the upkeep and a some shows for Meddicott. While yes, she does have some people that may do that (Ms.Mars for example) but I can almost assure you, she does not pay for EVERYTHING. Honestly people, don't go bashing people who have earned these grants, and as all of us horse people and especially competitors should understand, any money helps, and can go a long way, especially when you are trying to vie for a spot on the OLYMPIC TEAM.

    nobody2...really? half of those facts are wrong. see my statements above about how sponsors don't necessarily pay for anything. And most of the people on their, totally deserve their grants. As for your remarks about Karen should stop about making the olympic team, please show me where it says that after a certain time you should stop vying for the gold. it's her last chance and i think she entirely deserves it. so GO KAREN and go everyone else!

  • well

    People who are complaining that CR did'nt get a grants my guess and it is just a guess is she probably knew she was'nt going to get a grant. The selectors were'nt smart enough to put her on any lists so why would she get a grant. Knowing Colleen from her interviews and blogs my guess is she is just rolling with the punches and moving forward and just doing the best she can. She has never said anything bad about any other riders in her blogs or her interviews so I am guessing she is just moving on and she will eventually prove a point with the way she is riding.

  • subk

    I just sent Colleen Rutledge a Pay Pal donation then mailed the USET the receipt in their Postage Paid envelope that came this week with their latest request for a donation. It felt wonderful and I recommend the process to anyone with an opinion!

  • make lemonade

    I love this!

  • Kko

    You have NO idea what you are talking about so please stop. While it is absurd that CR did not receive a grant it DOES NOT mean everyone on the list didn't deserve one. You people have no clue what it takes to make it to the top. Just bc they have sponsors doesn't mean they don't struggle day to day. They do clinics bc they have to!! And Jan Bynny shouldn't be competing at the top?! She has been competing in the upper levels far longer than most on this list. I would like to see you say that to her face! That lady is beyond tough. Hahah tell KOC to give it up?! Again say that to her face, it won't go over well. Please if you don't know what you are talking about, stop talking.

  • nobody2

    funny enough. i do know them personally and would tell them to their face. and they would laugh and probably to some degree agree. but what else do they have. their livelihood depends on competing and the horses.
    Jan had a terrible fall. She doesn't have use of her arm. do you think she should be going advanced and risking her life, the horses life and the sport. i don't think so.
    I don't think i am the only one who is unhappy about the list, as seen by the other comments.

    Are the grants not for the up and coming riders? And not necessarily for the riders who already have sponsors,
    etc?

  • cmon

    The grants are for $2k for each rider. It's largely symbolic. Yes, it does suck for the riders left off the list, but $2k isn't going to make much of a difference.

  • kko

    cmon- totally agree. 2k may cover a vet bill (may!) haha.

    nobody2- The grants, especially in an Olympic year, are for people we could send to London. I am all for supporting the up and coming, but we need more funds. This small sum will probably go to help fund a trip across the pond. Many of our up coming still have a lot of proving to do on this side of the pond. Actually, Jan is doing great. She still has loss of feeling in three fingers and part of her palm, but certainly not her arm. She would be the first to pull out if her injury was putting her or her horse in danger. Her performance at Fair Hill speaks for itself. She has an amazing horse under her right now (Leslie Law- "...that horse can win medals."). Go Jan! I hope everyone on this list puts the money to good use so we can have a great team come London!

  • ??

    If the grants are for pairs that could be sent London then why are we giving money to pairs that haven't even really gone advanced yet? While there are some great horses and riders on this list, can some them realistically even be close to ready to compete at the Olympics in 7ish months?

  • Seriously

    Did you not see or hear about jan at fair hill? Because she was phenomenal. While I do not know her personally, I've had the luxury of meeting her and he was fantastic. As almost any event rider, no rider would put their horses in danger, let alone their Olympic hopefuls. But seriously, find some true facts.