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January 3, 2025
USPEA Launches Educational Video Series for New and Emerging Para-Dressage Athletes with Support from USA Equestrian Trust Grant
February 12, 2025Wellington, Florida – December 27, 2024 — The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant: Melissa Mayo of West Virginia and Sidney Snow of Texas. This prestigious grant, established in memory of para-dressage pioneer Jonathan Wentz, supports athletes with travel expenses for their first classification, a critical step in their para-equestrian journeys. Mayo and Snow joined Susan McLain who was the 2024 year’s first recipient.
Susan McClain, traveled from Seattle, Washington, to Burbank, California, to receive her national classification as a Grade IV athlete. Reflecting on the experience, Susan shared: “The process for USPEA was not hard. Learning to travel while disabled required a companion and a special seat I had made to fit into an airplane chair. Some schedule adjustments were necessary, but I had a delightful time visiting Ride On Therapeutic Riding Center with (USEF Classifier) Joann Benjamin. Best of all, I got good ideas on modifications to my riding equipment to accommodate my weakness.”
| Melissa Mayo, classified as a Grade V athlete, and Sidney Snow, classified as a Grade II athlete, both underwent evaluations during a clinic held at the US Equestrian Center of Excellence at Thorncroft Equestrian Center in Pennsylvania, a premier facility for para-equestrian development. Melissa expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “I’m incredibly grateful for this grant as it offset some of my cost to travel for my classification to begin my para journey. It was an easy process to apply for the grant. I’m thankful to have received my classification this year so I can start competing next year. As an occupational therapist, it was fun to be on the ‘other side’ of the process, and the classifiers were incredibly kind. A huge thank you to the USPEA not only for the grant but for being so welcoming and helpful as I start down this path!” Sidney also highlighted the grant’s impact on her aspirations: “The USPEA classification grant has helped my dream of becoming a para-equestrian a reality! Flying from Texas to Pennsylvania for classification and my first introduction to para-dressage, I was able to connect with like-minded riders, which has been amazing. The connections USPEA has helped me form make me excited for this next step in my riding journey. I finally feel I will have a level playing field in competition, and I’m excited to get out there!” |
| These classifications mark significant milestones for both athletes, officially recognizing their eligibility to compete at para-dressage events within their grades. “We are thrilled to support all three of this year’s grant recipients as they take this critical step toward competition,” said USPEA President Ellie Brimmer. “The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant continues to embody Jonathan’s legacy by enabling athletes to pursue their dreams in para-equestrian sport. I can’t wait to see them head down centerline as they begin their para-dressage journeys.” The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant ensures that financial barriers do not hinder emerging athletes in the para-equestrian community. To learn more about the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Grant and other opportunities offered by the USPEA, visit https://uspea.org/grants/. |
