The CP National Horse Show, once again scheduled for Lexington, Ky., Oct. 27-Nov. 1, announced the establishment of the new Leo Conroy Maclay Grant on May 6.

Created to commemorate Conroy’s loyalty and dedication to the National Horse Show and to the ASPCA Maclay Finals, the Leo Conroy Maclay Grant will be awarded to up to five Maclay riders who demonstrate a financial need in order to participate in the Maclay Finals at the CP National Horse Show.

Leo Conroy, co-manager of the National Horse Show and chairman of the ASPCA Maclay Finals, passed away early in January, and the CP National Horse Show and the ASPCA Maclay Finals both held a special place in Conroy’s heart, having been a rider and equitation trainer for most of his life. Conroy was a valuable asset to the NHS and a devoted supporter. To commemorate his loyalty and dedication, the National Horse Show has established a grant fund in his name: The Leo Conroy Maclay Grant.

The Leo Conroy Maclay Grant is open to riders who qualify to compete int he ASPCA Maclay Finals through the regional competitions. Selected riders will receive entry fees and stabling at the ASPCA Maclay Finals and an additional stipend to cover show-related expenses, a $2000 value.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to honor our friend and colleague,” said Mason Phelps Jr., president of the National Horse Show Foundation. “This grant will keep his name alive long after many of us have departed and will continue to benefit young and upcoming riders for years and years to come.”

Guidelines:

1) The Leo Conroy Maclay Grant will provide financial assistance for up to five (5) Maclay riders. Selected riders will receive the following: Entry fees and stall at the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the NHS provided by an anonymous sponsor, a value of $905, and a stipend of $1,000 to cover additional show-related expenses to compete in the ASPCA Maclay Finals   

2) The Leo Conroy Maclay Grant is open to riders who qualify to compete in the ASPCA Maclay Finals through the regional competitions. Riders must apply online from Sept. 12-Oct. 1 at www.NHS.org to be considered for the grant.

3) The Leo Conroy Maclay Grant will require the following:

Rider’s complete contact information

Trainer’s complete contact information

Three references

Two-part essay: Part 1: State why the ASPCA Maclay Finals is important to the National Horse Show and to the applicant. Part 2: Describe the applicant’s basis for financial need

4) The LCMG committee will thoroughly review all applicants, and award the LCMG up to five qualified riders based upon the application and required two-part essay.

Beginning Sept. 12, applicants can apply by visiting www.nhs.org, completing the form with the information outlined above, and attaching their essay.

All applications must be completed and submitted online through www.nhs.org. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Applicants will receive a confirmation email when their application is received. Applicants will receive a response by Oct. 12.