Applications Open for Alvin Topping Governance Grant and Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant

Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 31, 2023—The USHJA is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Alvin Topping Governance Grant and Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant. Applications close October 12 and October 15, respectively.

The Alvin Topping Governance Grant will award $500 to one USHJA member 25 years old or younger to assist them with attending the USHJA Annual Meeting or US Equestrian Annual Meeting. The $500 grant was established by an anonymous donor to honor Topping’s work in equestrian sport governance, including his commitment to the establishment and success of USHJA. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be an active USHJA member in good standing and under the age of 25.

Topping was a USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor recipient and was named the first USHJA Director Emeritus. He has also trained many riders, horses and ponies in the jumper and hunter disciplines who have achieved national, zone and state recognition competing successfully at some of the sport’s most prestigious horse shows. 

For more information about the Alvin Topping Governance Grant, visit ushja.org/alvintoppinggrant. 

The Naomi Blumenthal Training Grant was created in partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and The Professional Horsemen's Association of America in honor of the late Blumenthal. It is dedicated to her memory with intentions to carry on her passion for the sport and sharing of knowledge.

The grant awards $1,500 to one member per year and can be used for any educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge. This includes becoming a Hunter/Jumper Licensed Official as a judge, course designer or steward; compeleting the USHJA Instructor Credential; or other educational opportunities.

“I’m very appreciative to USHJA for the award, but it is especially meaningful to win because Naomi was a friend and colleague in the horse business," said James Arrigon,  recipient of the grant in 2022. "She urged me to pursue a judge’s card years ago when I was too busy and just trying to raise a family and make a living. Naomi spent her life in service to IHSA and USHJA, and I am humbled to benefit from her legacy."

For more information about the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, visit ushja.org/blumenthalgrant.