United States Eventing Association

For the last 10 years, the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant, facilitated by the USEA Foundation, has kept alive the memory of Seema Sonnad, an extraordinary person who the eventing community was lucky to have in our midst. Seema was a dedicated rider, volunteer, ‘r’ technical delegate, and leader in our sport.

Many of Sonnad’s ideas for recruiting and recognizing volunteers (such as the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program) have come to fruition since her death. Sonnad was also a gifted professor who held a PhD in Health Services Research and worked in health care systems around the U.S. Sonnad died while competing in an ultramarathon in 2015.

A fitting culmination of community, cooperation, and volunteerism led to fully funding the grant in its final year.

When USEA Life Member Valarie Rodgers of Morrison, Illinois, passed away earlier this year, her husband, Bob Alt, reached out to Molly Fine, the president of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association. Rodgers had a tremendous cache of tack and supplies that Alt knew could be used by others. Members of the eventing community stepped in to catalog, organize, donate, and sell the collection.

The final sales, held at Eric Dierks’ farm and the Silverwood Horse Trials, both in Wisconsin, resulted in funds donated to support the final year of the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant. One more talented young rider will receive this grant at the USEA Convention in New Orleans in December, an apotheosis of Sonnad's dedication to the sport as well as the teamwork and community spirit demonstrated by the Midwest eventing community.

The following riders are past recipients of the grant: Carlin Keefe, Julia Beauchamp Crandon, Rebecca Roth, Elizabeth Henry, McKinsey Wickman, Ryan Keefe, Mia Farley, and Alexandra Tett.

About the USEA Foundation

The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals. Learn more about the USEA Foundation at www.useafoundation.org.