Becky and David Gochman pictured with 2016 USHJA Foundation Gochman Family Grant recipients Cecillia Machado, Riley Hogan and Judy Dettore. (Photo: Kristin Rover/USHJA Archives)

Lexington, KY- Today, the USHJA Foundation opened applications for the USHJA Foundation Gochman Family Grant for the 2017 US Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm. Applications must be completed and submitted to the Foundation by April 1, 2017.

Each year, the Foundation awards this grant to up to three riders who exemplify the qualities that are most important in our sport-sportsmanship, tenacity, and horsemanship-and would otherwise be unable to go to Pony Finals, to enable them to go.

“Last year, we were able to help make the dreams of three young equestrians come true,” said Jennifer Burger, president of the USHJA Foundation. “Again, we encourage any young member who has ever dreamed of going to the US Pony Finals but thought they would never be able to apply.”

The grant is not strictly monetary in nature but rather experience-based. The grant recipient(s) will receive an opportunity to compete at Pony Finals and will be provided an appropriate pony if one is needed. Up to three individuals may be selected each year.

The grant aims to inspire young riders to embrace this sport at the earliest age and encourage them to continue growing as equestrians is graciously supported by Becky and David Gochman and family.

To date the grant has been awarded to four individuals: Judy Dettore (2016), Riley Hogan (2016), Cecillia Machado (2016) and Matthew Bravo (2015).

This year’s US Pony Finals is scheduled for August 8-13, 2017, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. For more information or to apply, click here.