Caroline Krier to Receive USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant

Lexington, Ky.—Oct. 12, 2021—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant is Caroline Krier, 13, of Parker, Colorado. Each year, the grant is awarded to a junior USHJA member who has qualified for a national equitation final to assist the member in attending the event.

“I am so excited and thankful for the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant," Krier said. "It is a huge chance to help me achieve my riding goals. Being able to go to a national equitation final is a dream of mine, and now I can make it happen with this grant."

Krier’s road to qualifying for finals had some twists and turns, but she continued to persevere and things fell into place. The horse she was riding was injured for the 2020-2021 show season, but she was able to qualify for finals on a horse she leased this year. She began a new partnership with what she hopes is her forever horse at the end of the Summer in the Rockies.

“Although I am on a new horse for me, I know that we can be successful together,” Krier said in her application. “He has the experience and potential to be a great partner for me. I am personally ready for this experience because of the opportunity to take my riding to the next level.”

Krier said the equitation and medal divisions are her favorite because of the rider being judged. She has been riding for six years and hopes to continue to gain experience both jumping and on the flat to become a well-rounded horsewoman.

Krier qualified to attend the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Equitation Championship and also qualified for the USHJA 3’3” Hunt Seat Medal Final - East, however she has elected to use her grant next year.

The J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant was created to honor the late J.T. Tallon's commitment to encouraging excellence in the equitation arena by inspiring junior riders with a passion for equitation to pursue their goals. The grant was developed by friends and family of the Lexington, Virginia, horseman and USHJA member who was dedicated to helping riders excel in the equitation arena.

Each year, the USHJA Foundation awards $1,000 to one junior rider who has qualified for a national equitation championship at a fence height of 3' or higher. Learn more about the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant at ushja.org/jttallon