Gladys, Va.—Dec.11, 2024—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) announced that Lana Ciaramella is the recipient of the 2024 Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, which supports furthering equestrian education. Ciaramella was announced as this year's recipient at the 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
"I am truly honored to be awarded this year’s Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant," Ciaramella said. "Naomi’s unwavering dedication to education and the equine industry was an inspiration to myself, as well as countless others. As a lifelong learner, I am humbled to have the opportunity to pursue training to give back to the equine community through the USHJA in her memory."
Ciaramella, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, is the director of operations at Metropolitan Equestrian, where she works with youth members of her community to broaden their equine learning opportunities. A co-founder of the American University Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team and an IHSA alumna, she also contributes to the sport as the Hunt Seat Zone 2 Administrator for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and serves on the IHSA DEI committee.
Drawing on a legal background and a passion for rules and their interpretation, Ciaramella is committed to supporting and enhancing the equestrian competition community. Her short-term goals include earning her steward’s license, with the grant funds supporting her travel and educational expenses as she works toward this milestone.
Created as a partnership between the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, The Professional Horsemen's Association of America and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association in honor of the late Blumenthal, the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant awards $2,000 to at least one member per year. The grant can be used in any of the following areas:
- Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education as a judge, course designer or steward
- USHJA Instructor Credential
- Individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge
Blumenthal's involvement with the IHSA began when she taught equine studies and business management at Cazenovia College and served as coach of the Cazenovia College Equestrian Team, a position she held for over 27 years. Blumenthal was integral to the success of the IHSA and served the equestrian community in multiple roles as a coach, show manager, secretary, regional president, zone chair and treasurer spanning over 40 years. Colleagues of Blumenthal recall her service to everyday IHSA operations and her quiet, behind-the-scenes aid to the careers of many members of the horse industry.
Blumenthal was also active in governance at the USHJA, serving on multiple committees. She was a US Equestrian licensed R-rated judge in hunters and hunter seat equitation and a steward and officiated at shows nationwide. In addition, Blumenthal devoted time to the Professional Horsemen's Association (PHA), serving as national president and the Syracuse chapter's chair.
Photo courtesy of Lana Ciaramella
Edited USHJA Press Release