MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Program

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Program, administered by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Foundation, returns in 2026 to support emerging young event riders competing at the MARS Bromont international horse trials in Quebec, Canada. This initiative began in 2019 and was spearheaded by organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner, who envisioned a platform for recognizing and supporting young talent not yet involved in national U25 training pipelines. The program has evolved to offer not just financial support, but a robust educational experience aimed at preparing riders both on and off the competition field. The 2026 grant cycle will offer up to ten grants, each valued at a maximum of $2,500. These grants are designed to offset travel and entry fee expenses for selected U25 competitors planning to ride in the U25CCI2*-L, U25CCI3*-L, and CCI4*-L/S classes at the June 4–7, 2026 Bromont CCI event. Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger and are expected to actively participate in the full scope of educational programming provided during the event week. Beyond funding, the Bromont Rising program offers a comprehensive educational curriculum. This year’s components include a dressage test review during a “centreline workshop” led by FEI 5* judge Peter Gray, a cross-country course preparation session with world-renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia, and guided cross-country walks with Olympic rider and guest coach Bettina Hoy. Additional sessions will include stable management lectures with Max Corcoran, discussions on sponsor and owner relations, and insights into the equestrian industry’s social license to operate. A welcome BBQ for all participants and their teams, hosted by the Wildasins and Fox Nation, further fosters community and networking opportunities. To apply, eligible riders must submit detailed information about themselves and their competition horse, including age, location, coaching affiliations, and past competition records. The application requires a written explanation of financial need and a summary of competition results dating from October 1, 2025. Applicants must commit to full participation in the educational program as a condition of receiving the grant. Applications officially open on February 15, 2026, and the deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. All application materials, including the completed form and attachments, must be emailed to Peter Gray and Michelle Dunn at their listed contacts. Riders can access relevant forms and resources, including hotel and event information, via the official Bromont CCI website. Notifications about awards will be issued in advance of the competition to allow for travel arrangements. This program is not recurring in the traditional annual grant cycle sense but is organized to coincide with the June competition. Though it returns in 2026, the structure does not indicate a recurring open application window beyond this year. It is also not rolling; the program has clearly defined open and close dates. Riders based in the United States and Canada are eligible, and the program is specifically designed for North American eventers, underscoring a regional focus with national eligibility.

Applicants must commit to full participation in all educational and preparatory sessions during the Bromont week.