One Big Thing: Calling All Amateurs – 2026 Equine Academy Adult Amateur Grant now open!
As a 3* eventer and 4th level/Bronze Medal dressage rider, Michael Willham created the Equine Academy masterclass to help those who yearn for more education and knowledge to help further their riding and horsemanship, but may lack the funds or ability (geographically or otherwise) to train with instructors who are capable of truly helping them progress.
Per Michael, the grant does not follow the strict definition of “Amateur” from the USEF – as long as you don’t earn the majority of your income from riding/teaching-related methods, you are eligible (so if you teach a couple lessons on the weekends, that is fine!).
There are a total of 4 grants available. Each grant will enable the successful applicant to have a free 6-month access/membership to the Equine Academy online equestrian masterclass. Grants will be chosen via randomized drawing.
Applications are open through May 10th – [click here to apply!]
About the Eventing Academy
The Equine Academy Online Masterclass was founded specifically to help those with a desire to learn and become better riders and horsepeople. The Adult Amateur Grant is one more way we are helping our community gain access to more education.
Michael has contributed to Eventing Nation in the past as a guest writer, and this will be the third year that he has distributed this grant to help Adult Amateurs access the Equine Academy program.
Major International Events This Weekend
Twin Rivers Spring International (CA, USA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Strzegom Horse Trials (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
Longleaf Pine HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Unionville HT (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Poplar Place April HT (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
F.E.N.C.E. HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]
Pine Hill Spring HT (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Spring Bay HT (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
- Young rider Molly O’Connor takes over five-star horse Barrichello: ‘He knows everything and really wants to please’
- Canadian Mark Samuel To Run For FEI Presidency
- Ema Klugman Builds Her Case – Balancing a demanding legal career with elite-level eventing
- Equine Affaire starts today – make the most of your visit next week by checking out this handy trail guide
Training Tip of the Day
If the canter is the gait where everything suddenly falls apart, follow along with Amelia Newcomb’s step-by-step guide to feel more secure in the saddle:
Go Eventing
Eventer, Author, and 2x Road to the Horse Champion Tik Maynard invites you to join his book club:
