One Big Thing: Applications for the 2026 The Maryland Horse Trials International CCI Scholarships are open through May 15!
Photo by Zenya Lepper for Erin Gilmore Photography.
What’s the deal? The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) will award four $1,000 equestrian scholarships to North American based riders wanting to compete at the 1*, 2*, 3* or 4* levels at the June 26-28, 2026 Maryland International CCI. The scholarship funds can be used towards entry fees, stabling, and accommodation expenses up to $1,000. All-new for 2026 includes an option for unused scholarship funds to be applied to entry fees at a subsequent Maryland USEF/USEA-recognized or endorsed Horse Trial (Modified through Advanced).
Applicant Criteria
• Riders who are USEF and USEA members in good standing.
• Horses and riders must be capable of competing at the level of scholarship they are applying for.
• Riders may apply for more than one scholarship level as long as it is a different horse/rider combination.
• Riders and horses who have competed in a 5* competition and/or outside of North America are not eligible.
• Horse and rider combination may not have competed above the level for which they are applying.
• Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.
• Members of the MIEF Board of Directors and members of their families are not eligible. Family members or current clients of the Scholarship Award Committee are not eligible.
How do I apply? Simply click here to view and fill out the application form!
What is the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation? The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) is dedicated to preserving the future of equestrian sport in Maryland by supporting riders, strengthening the community, and expanding access to opportunities at every level.
Maryland’s rich equestrian heritage is at the heart of MIEF’s work. By investing in riders, education, and meaningful competition opportunities, the Foundation helps preserve that legacy while making the sport more accessible and sustainable for future generations.
A central focus of MIEF is supporting riders who face the real costs of training, competition, horse care, and travel. Through initiatives such as FEI Rider Scholarships, MIEF Adult Amateur Star at Fair Hill, MIEF helps riders take the next step—whether that means moving up a level, gaining international experience, or continuing to participate in the sport they love.
MIEF also partners with organizations including Pony Club programs, local youth groups, and Gallop for Life to broaden access to horses and support the people who make the sport thrive.
At its heart, MIEF believes equestrian sport should be welcoming, inspiring, and within reach—building a stronger community, one rider and one opportunity at a time. Click here to learn more and support the Foundation’s efforts.
Major International Events This Weekend
4CYTE Ballarat International HT CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
The Event at Skyline (UT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Windridge Farm Spring HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Waredaca HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Stable View Local Charities HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Majestic Oaks Ocala HT (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Texas Rose Horse Park HT (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]
Other Links & Reading
- The USEA wants to hear from you as they finalize the scheduling and entry numbers for this year’s American Eventing Championships at Kentucky Horse Park
- In Defense Of The Serious Amateur
- 152nd Kentucky Derby Preview
- Why don’t we do what we know is good for us? Researchers dig into why riders don’t wear body protectors
- HM The Queen to attend MARS Badminton Horse Trials
Training Tip of the Day
Riding at Training level? Here are some tips from dressage judge BilL McMullin all about how to make the most of your time in the sandbox:
Go Eventing
Lara de Liedekerke-Meier shows us how it’s done at Badminton!
