As the U.S. Pony Finals kicks off, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Foundation has announced Matthew Bravo as the inaugural recipient of the USHJA Foundation Pony Finals Grant, generously supported by the Gochman Family. Designed to offer a child who has never been able to participate in Pony Finals the chance to do so, the new grant is the latest offering from the Foundation to help inspire young equestrians to continue to grow in the sport.
“We are so excited to offer this grant on an annual basis and couldn’t do so without the philanthropic support of the Gochman Family,” said USHJA Foundation President Lynn Jayne. “Almost every child in this sport dreams of Pony Finals, and to show kids that with hard work, determination and the support of this community, dreams can come true is at the heart of this grant.”
The grant, an outgrowth of the Foundation’s Making a Dream grant, enables a child who exhibits sportsmanship, horsemanship and a strong work ethic but without the resources to go to Pony Finals, the opportunity to do so on a qualified pony. The grant is open to any USHJA member in good standing under the age of 18 (per USEF rules), who has not previously participated in Pony Finals, and can demonstrate a financial inability to go to Pony Finals. Individuals may only be awarded the grant once. Grant applications will open for the 2016 competition year in December 2015.
“Matthew’s sportsmanship, work ethic and horsemanship are the attributes we want to encourage with inspiring experiences like this,” said Jayne.
As the inaugural recipient of this grant, Bravo, 12, will be competing on Island Grace, leased by Brick Church Farm, in the medium pony hunter section, and Plumbago, owned by Charlie Moorcroft and Geoff Teall, in the small pony hunter section with trainer Karen Kelley, of Charleston, S.C., by his side.
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“I never thought I would get the opportunity to ride at Pony Finals,” said Bravo. “This is truly a dream come true!”
Bravo will participate in USHJA clinics during his time at Pony Finals, as well as all the fun activities that take place throughout the week. He was first introduced to riding through his father who grooms for trainer Kelley, and he fell in love with the sport. In addition to riding ponies as often as possible, he helps in the barn while keeping his grades high at school.
“Matthew has as much horsemanship knowledge as many beyond his years and an absolute, true love for the animals in his heart,” said trainer Kelley. “He bathes and unbraids, sets up and hand walks. He rakes the aisle in a classic herringbone and keeps everything straight in the grooming stall. He does all this while studying every rider, trainer and horse he can. He has always dreamed to go to Pony Finals, although he’s never asked and never would.”
As part of his experience, USHJA sponsors donated items to add to Bravo’s special experience. Bravo received a $150 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery as well as two square pads; he will also receive open front boots and a girth from Professional’s Choice, a custom scrim and rain sheet from The Clothes Horse, a show shirt from Essex Classics, hay for the ponies he is riding from Standlee Hay Company and a Charles Owen helmet. Additionally Kentucky Horse Shows LLC donated a stall for the pony Bravo is riding.
