Gayl Russell Awarded Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant

Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 6, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to congratulate the 2023 recipient of the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, which supports the furtherance of equestrian education. Gayl Russell was announced as this year's recipient at the 2023 USHJA Annual Meeting during the Evening of Equestrians on Tuesday, December 5. 

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"I believe education is the foundation of everything and to receive the Naomi Blumenthal Training Grant is such an amazing honor," Russell said upon being awarded the grant. "It will help me in completing my Stewards and Judges training this year. I would especially like to thank Dianne Johnson for being such an inspiration to me. Since meeting her in 2008, a new path has been added to my journey of life! Thank you USHJA, PHA and IHSA for awarding me this Grant."

Russell, of Wise River, Montana, is a lifelong equestrian who has been involved in the Hunter/Jumper sport for many years. She is passionate about preserving the sport through education and governance, which has led her on her Steward and Jumper Judges Licenses journey. 

Currently, Russell competes in the Jumper ring with hopes to return to a team championship in 2024, after riding in her first Jumper Team Championship in Sacramento, California, in 2013. Outside of the saddle, her judging goals include obtaining her "r" licenses and working up to her large "R" Jumper card while continuing to be involved in the Hunter/Jumper community in any way she can.  

"I have always been drawn to governance in our sport and it is so very important," she stated. "This grant would be a tremendous help as I must travel over 500 miles to get to the closest rated show. With this grant, I could fulfill the requirements left to attain my licenses."

The grant, which was created in partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and The Professional Horsemen's Association of America in honor of the late Blumenthal, awards $1,500 to at least one member per year. The grant can be used in any of the following areas:

  • Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education as a judge, course designer or steward
  • USHJA Instructor Credential
  • Individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge

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

Photo: Courtesy of Gayl Russell