Wellington, FL- February 21, 2023 – USPEA Announces the Hope Hand Memorial Grants and the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Grants aimed at U.S. Emerging Athletes. The United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) is proud to be able to offer US emerging athletes several different grant programs. The purpose of these grant programs is to assist US Emerging Athletes who are honing their skills as US Para-Dressage equestrians with the goal of being selected for the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Program Structure, Pathway Plan and represent the USA in national and international competitions.

Grants include:

   1   Hope Hand Memorial (HHM) Domestic CPEDI1* Equine Travel Grant

   2   Hope Hand Memorial (HHM) US Dressage Festival of Champions Equine Travel Grant

   3   Jonathan Wentz Memorial (JWM) Emerging Athlete National Show Grant

   4   Jonathan Wentz Memorial (JWM) Initial Classification Travel Grant

The grants may be viewed by clicking here through the USPEA website. Or you may download the PDF application here.

To apply for a grant, read the criteria, choose the grant you want to apply for and complete the application. Print, Scan and email it to the USPEA at info@uspea.org or place in a stamped envelope and mail to: 

USPEA

c/o Ellie Brimmer, Secretary

12359 Westhall Place

Wellington FL 33414

Interim President of the USPEA Tina Wentz explained, “With the 2023 USEF grants, it’s allowed USPEA to really focus on new and emerging athletes by assisting them in obtaining their first classification to getting them down centerline at their first CPEDI1* competition, as well as encouraging them to participate in their first National Championship which is now part of the US Dressage Festival of Champions.”

About the Hope Hand Memorial Grants:

Hope Hand passed in June 2022, and she was the engine of the USPEA and a leader in creating educational opportunities for Para-Equestrian athletes. She made it her mission to help support para-equestrians in many ways to help propel them through their path. USPEA’s Hope Hand Memorial Grants are to continue the dream and goals of the founder of USPEA, Hope Hand. Hand had a drive and determination to see US Para-Equestrian sports be recognized and grow on both the US Equestrian and International Equestrian world stage. She founded USPEA with the goal to educate, recruit, grow and promote US Para-Equestrian sports from grassroots to elite. In celebration of her life and mission, and in keeping with the current mission of USPEA the grants are to focus on educating and helping US Para Dressage long into the future.

Apply now

About the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Grants:

The Jonathan Wentz Memorial (JWM) Competition Grants were established to continue the dream of Paralympian Jonathan Wentz; to advance Para Dressage in the USA by supporting and encouraging Para Dressage Youth, Adult & Veteran athletes to set the goal of National and International competition.

At age 13 Jonathan set the goal of riding for the USA in the Paralympics. At age 16 he established a plan and budget to achieve his dream. In 2012, at the age of 21, Jonathan was able to achieve his dream of riding for Team USA in the 2012 London Paralympics earning the highest placing of all U.S. equestrians that competed in London.

Jonathan saw the need to develop a pathway for Para Dressage Emerging athletes in order to help grow and improve Para Dressage in the USA and these grants are a way to continue his goal.. Jonathan Wentz passed away in 2012 at the age of 21.

For more information on the emerging athlete programs, please click here

How to Make a Tax-Deductible Donation to these grants:

As a tax-deductible non-profit 501(c)(3), the USPEA strives to assist athletes through opportunities like these grants. USPEA accepts tax-deductible donations to help further their mission.

Donations for the grants can be made through PayPal at:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88PXC4YCSXTV4

Or sent to:

USPEA c/o Ellie Brimmer USPEA Secretary

12359 Westhall Pl

Wellington Fl 33414