The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation announced Oct. 3 that the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition and Training Grant has been awarded to Matthew Brown of Petaluma, Calif. The grant is given to an eventing rider who has been identified and recommended by the USEF Eventing Selectors, with an impressive record and potential to represent the United States in future international competition.

Brown began riding at 6 and has always dreamed of being an Olympian. After the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Brown renewed his commitment to the sport. He joined forces with the Blossom Creek Foundation and trainer Derek di Grazia to make his dream a reality, achieving success throughout the 2013 and 2014 show season.

“Experience competing outside of the West Coast is something I lack, and in order to truly begin working toward becoming the competitor and horseman that I long to be, I must begin to travel outside my comfort zone,” explained Brown.

With the help of the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition and Training Grant, Brown has set his sights on the Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.) with his top mount Super Socks BCF. The pair placed third in the Galway Downs Fall International CCI** (Calif.) last year, and in July they went on to capture the top honors in the Rebecca Farms CIC*** (Mont.). They also took top honors at the advanced level during the Copper Meadows horse trials (Calif.) and The Spring Event at Woodside (Calif.).

Brown’s talent and determination make him the perfect fit for the Jacqueline B. Mars Domestic Competition and Training Grant, which helps offset the costs of competing and training at the highest levels.

“It’s a huge honor to receive the grant,” said Brown. “This is our first trip back east. We made the decision to come back and do Fair Hill after the Rebecca Farms event. Having the grant means we can relax and focus on the competition and not worry about how we are going to pay for this.”

Brown is confident that Super Socks BCF is ready for the challenge that awaits them at Fair Hill.

“He has really been progressing tenfold every time I ride him,” noted Brown. “He has been feeling really confident at the last couple shows, and we are just hoping to continue that confidence going into Fair Hill. Derek di Grazia made the comment after Rebecca Farms that Super Socks was ready to come back and go for it here at Fair Hill. If Derek tells you that you are ready, you better go and do it.”

Brown expressed thanks to the USET Foundation, Jacqueline Mars, his family, his clients and all of his supporters for the opportunity to compete at Fair Hill and hopes to eventually compete overseas at a CCI*** and make his debut in a CCI**** in 2015.