USHJA Press Release
Lexington, Ky.—Aug 2, 2021—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to establish a new training grant in partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and Professional Horsemen's Association in honor of the late Naomi Blumenthal. Applications for this year's Naomi Blumenthal Memorial $1,500 Training Grant are now open and close Oct 17, 2021.
"The USHJA through its Foundation is pleased to fund this grant alongside our Affiliate partners," said Kevin Price, USHJA executive director. "Naomi Blumenthal was an avid horsewoman who exemplified true servant leadership through her time and commitment as a volunteer, committee member, board member and officer with numerous equestrian sport and benevolent organizations. She was an educator and was passionate about teaching, mentoring, and sharing her knowledge about equestrian sports with others. The Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant is dedicated in her memory, and intended to carry on her passion for the sport and sharing of knowledge."
The grant is open to individuals who are members of the USHJA, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association or the Professional Horsemen's Association, are in good standing, and have been member for a least one year prior. The training grant is intended to support furtherance of equestrian education in any of the following areas: Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education (Judge, Course Designer, Steward); USHJA Instructor Credential; and individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge.
"Not only did Naomi dedicate 40 years of her life to the IHSA, but she also helped so many people in the horse industry," said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. "She did these acts of kindness for other people without fanfare. No one knows how many she's helped. Naomi always thought about other people and that's why she would be so happy to know that this grant is offered in her name."
Each year, the USHJA, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and Professional Horsemen's Association will donate $500 to support the grant for a total of $1,500 awarded to at least one member annually.
“Naomi was a friend and mentor to so many in our horse community," said Kathy Pinera of the Professional Horsemen's Association. "She was a linchpin to so many shows and events throughout the Northeast, and many will only realize how important she was now that she's gone. She is greatly missed.”
Grant applications are now open and close October 17 at 11:59 pm EST. Applications must be complete and submitted on time to be considered. Previous recipients of this grant may not apply; this grant may only be received by an individual once. The winner of the grant will be announced at the USHJA Annual Meeting held each December.
For more information, visit ushja.org/grants.
About the US Hunter Jumper AssociationThe United States Hunter Jumper Association, as the official hunter/jumper affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, is a competition-based sport organization that serves our members through educational programs, awards and recognition, communication and rules. We provide a wide array of programs for all hunter/jumper levels, and we are mindful of the well-being of our equine partners. Additionally, we are committed to preserving the history of our sport and through our Foundation we support charitable and benevolent services. Learn more at ushja.org.
Media Contact:
Louise Taylor
ltaylor@ushja.org
(859) 225-6700