Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada albertahorsetrials@gmail.com

Bromont Announces Competition Grant Program For Under 25 Riders

The Organizing Committee of the 2019 Bromont Horse Trials is pleased to announce the inaugural “Bromont Rising” Program, which will provide C$3,000 to each of up to ten United States and Canadian riders under the age of 25 to compete at the June 2019 CCI Three Day Event at Bromont, Quebec. In addition to the financial grant, the Program will consist of two days of mounted and unmounted instructional components prior to the start of the event, and coaching (as requested) during the event. These components will be taught by leading coaches, course designers, riders, owners and support staff. The Program will include seminars on horse selection, conformation, syndication, business skills, stable management and event preparation.

“This has long been a dream of mine, and I am delighted to have it come to fruition with the help of the 2019 Organizing Committee and our title sponsor Mars Incorporated,” said Sue Ockendon, who has run Bromont since its inaugural season as the equestrian venue for the 1976 Olympics. “It is so important that we recognize and provide support to our younger riders who will be the future of the sport,” she continued. “I am hopeful that this program will flourish and extend to other venues” said Ms. Ockendon.

The grant money, which will be awarded in a lump sum to each recipient, is intended to allow young North American riders to pay for transportation, entries, lodging and food during the FEI event that will run from June 5 to June 9, 2019. Program participants will arrive Monday (June 3) for the training camp that will precede the first horse inspection.

The application form for the Bromont Rising Program will be available on the Bromont website by April 1. Selection criteria will be published and, according to Ms. Ockendon, will focus primarily on talent and determination: “We are trying to give a leg up to the riders who have committed to making this sport their livelihood, and who need help in achieving that goal,” she said. Participants in the Program can compete in any division that is offered at Bromont.

Bromont’s June Three Day Event, which offers CCI*, CIC*, CCI 2* and CCI 3* divisions, is widely recognized as one of North America’s premier FEI events, and draws competitors from throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. Known for its rolling hills, open terrain, established footing and world-class courses, Bromont always attracts the upper-level, high performance riders. “With this Program,” said Sue Ockendon, “we are aiming to provide an opportunity to riders who are not currently part of any grant or training program to come to Bromont and compete with the ‘big guns.’” Bromont promises to have an exciting line-up of coaches and lecturers for Program participants. Eventing Nation will report on details of this new program as they are released.

Keep an eye on the Bromont Website for the Application Form available by April 1st! https://bromonthorsetrials.com/en/