Wellington, FL – June 10, 2025 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) is proud to announce two new recipients of the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Grants. Aspen Shelton of Colorado Springs, CO, has been awarded the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant. She traveled to Wellington, FL, where she received her national classification as a Grade I rider. This grant helped support her travel expenses during the classification process.

(Photo:  Elizabeth Welch, 2025)

Aspen shared, “My experience with Paralympic dressage classification was absolutely fantastic—the entire process was smooth, and the people and classifiers were incredibly welcoming and supportive. As someone very new to the sport and transitioning from Paralympic swimming, I felt encouraged every step of the way. I’m extremely grateful to have received the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant. I couldn’t be more excited to officially begin my journey in Paralympic dressage.”

She Achieved Her Qualifying Scores

Elizabeth Welch of Summerville, SC, received the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Emerging Athlete Show Grant. She used the grant to compete with her 7-year-old PRE gelding, Baltico BRH, in the Intermediate Grade V tests at the Tryon Spring National II. There, she achieved her qualifying scores for the new Intermediate Para division at the Festival of Champions.

Having Grants Like This Is Incredibly Helpful

Elizabeth remarked, “I am very excited and honored to receive the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Emerging Athlete National Show Grant! Show expenses add up quickly, and having grants like this is incredibly helpful. This support will enable me to pursue additional show goals this year, including qualifying for Para Nationals at Lamplight. Thank you to the United States Para-Equestrian Association for supporting me and other para-equestrians!”

Aspen Shelton, 2025

Virtual Judging Program Continues to Support Athletes

USPEA is proud to continue offering its successful Virtual Judging Program, which provides classified and pre-classification athletes with an affordable opportunity to receive expert feedback. For a nominal fee of $15, athletes can submit a test online to be evaluated by FEI 3* Para-Dressage Judge Adrienne Pot (USA). This program offers valuable guidance and the potential for riders to be placed on the USEF Emerging Athlete List based on their scores. Sarah Armentrout, founder and head instructor at the USEF Center of Excellence Carlisle Academy in Lyman, ME, integrates the Virtual Judging Program into her students’ training plans:

The Insights Have Been Invaluable

“The Virtual Judging Program is a wonderful test-riding opportunity that the United States Para-Equestrian Program provides in an affordable and accessible way. Riders new to the sport, or those brushing up on their skills, can receive professional feedback from the comfort of their own barn. Our students use this program quarterly as part of their athlete development plans, and the insights have been invaluable.”

Shayna Simon, Paralympic coach based in Loxahatchee, FL, also finds the program incredibly useful:

“I love the Virtual Judging Program. It’s a great warm-up for both riders and horses before a competition. It allows us to get high-quality feedback without the added pressure of travel.”

For more information on grants or to participate in the Virtual Judging Program, please visit www.uspea.org.