Maya Clarkson with Maks Mojo C. © Michelle Dunn Photo
Financial support is a huge part of any eventer’s career, and each year several five-figure awards are handed out to deserving riders who’ve gone through rigorous application and interview processes. This weekend in New Orleans, LA, the recipients of these honors were unveiled to those in attendance at the awards dinner.
Congratulations to all year-end award winners and grant recipients! Here are a few highlights from the evening’s biggest grants, but you can find a full rundown of the winners here.
Maya Clarkson, Colin Gaffney Receive Wilton Fair Grants
USEA Photo
Founded in 2017 by David and Cheryl Lenaburg in honor of David O’Connor’s legendary horse, Wilton Fair, these grants (which total $100,000 in funding) are awarded to riders under the age of 29 with the intent of supporting them in gaining further international experience.
Maya Clarkson, who was crowned the USEF Eventing Young Rider 3*-S Champion at Loch Moy Farm this summer with Maks Mojo C, received a $70,000 grant, and Colin Gaffney picked up a check for $30,000 as he continues to develop with his top horse, Baymax.
Allison Springer, Meg Pellegrini are 2025 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant Recipients
USEA Photo
Allison Springer and Meg Pellegrini also impressed through the application process, earning this year’s round of Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grants. These opportunities support educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. The recipient of the grant is based on performance record, interview, and involvement with the eventing community.
Meg Pellegrini also received the Richard Picken Memorial Grant, in honor of the late Richard Picken, intended to fund the intensive training of riders aged 25 years and younger competing at the FEI CCI2* level or higher.
Isabelle Bosley Wins Connaught Grant
USEA Photo
Hot on the heels of her 3*-L win at the Maryland 5 Star this fall, Isabelle Bosley is the recipient of this year’s Connaught Grant. The award comes with even more meaning for Isabelle, who’s been based with Phillip Dutton, of course the former pilot for the great namesake of the grant. The grant is designed for a horse competing at the CCI2* or CCI3* level who shows potential to one day be on the U.S. team and is presented in memory of Bruce Duchossois.
Mia Farley and Cosby Green will Chase the Gold for the American Horse Trials Foundation
Mia Farley and Invictus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The future certainly is bright in terms of rising talent, as demonstrated through this awards cycle. Mia Farley and Cosby Green, two riders who’ve firmly stamped themselves as future stars, each received funding of $25,000 from the American Horse Trials Foundation as the second and third recipients of the Chasing the Gold Grant. This funding will be used toward competition-related expenses, with a specific target towards European mileage.
Max Corcoran Honored with Wofford Cup
Max Corcoran (second from left) has worn many hats in her lifetime. She is a former USEA President, super groom, organizer, and much more, and everyone in the room was delighted to witness her receiving the prestigious Wofford Cup. She was joined on stage by USEA President Molly Pellegrini (far left), former Wofford Cup recipient Diane Pitts (center), former Wofford Cup recipient David O’Connor (second from right), and Master of Ceremonies and former Wofford Cup recipient Jim Wolf (right). USEA Photo
The final award of the night was the Wofford Cup. When selecting the Wofford Cup recipient, the USEA identifies those who have given so much to this sport that they rise to the very top. They dedicate their life to the betterment of eventing. Max Corcoran — impossible as it is to list all of her roles within the sport — was the deserving recipient of this special award.
Of course, this is just a small sample of the year-end awards handed out this weekend. Join the celebration of all of the winners here in the USEA’s recap.
