US Equestrian Licensed Official Development Grant

The Licensed Official Development Grant, administered by US Equestrian, is a funding initiative aimed at supporting the development of national and FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) officials within the equestrian sport industry. First launched in 2022, the program was created to reduce financial barriers that aspiring and advancing officials face in completing the necessary requirements for obtaining or upgrading their licenses. These requirements often include clinic participation, apprenticeship programs, and other sanctioned developmental activities. In its most recent round, the 2025 program awarded a total of $35,500 to 75 individuals, highlighting its continued commitment to cultivating a highly qualified and diverse pool of licensed officials. The 2026 grant cycle continues with expanded support across three distinct categories: general grants, U35 grants, and a newly introduced officiating abroad category. General grants are evaluated based on the current demand within the competitive environment, particularly where there is a need for more officials or officials with advanced licensure. The U35 category targets applicants under the age of 35, fostering early-career development among younger professionals in the sport. The officiating abroad category aims to provide opportunities for FEI officials to gain experience at international events, especially in locations they might not normally access. This expansion reflects US Equestrian’s broader objective to enhance international competitiveness and deepen the expertise of its official corps. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively when proposing developmental experiences, such as clinic attendance or competition apprenticeships, especially those that would be financially inaccessible without this support. US Equestrian emphasizes the value of real-world officiating experiences, often citing examples from past recipients who gained hands-on judging practice and completed apprenticeships with the help of grant funding. These activities are not only essential for licensure progression but are also pivotal in developing confidence and practical knowledge for officiating roles. To apply, eligible individuals must submit a completed online application via the LO Grant Application tile found on the LO Dashboard. The deadline for submissions is February 16, 2026. Applications submitted via email or hard copy will not be accepted. Each applicant must complete all required sections for their application to be reviewed. While the initial deadline is fixed, the program may consider rolling applications if funds remain available after February 16. However, all awarded funds must be used within the 2026 competition year, ending November 30, 2026. No pre-application materials, such as letters of intent or concept notes, are required. Selection will be based on completeness of the application, the strength of the proposed experience, and how well the proposal aligns with the grant category’s goals. US Equestrian has not specified any particular review criteria but indicates that alignment with development needs and feasibility of execution are key. The organization retains discretion over which applications will be considered for funding if the volume of requests exceeds available resources. For further information, interested applicants may contact the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected]. Questions should be directed to this contact prior to the submission deadline. No additional contact methods are indicated.