USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant Awarded to Helena Timpany
Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 26, 2024—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased
"It is such an honor to have been selected as the recipient of the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant this year," remarked Timpany. "My trainer, Abbi Ferrigno; my mom; and I have worked so hard this show year to achieve all of the equitation final goals that I had. This grant supports all of our efforts towards my participation in the finals instead of a lot of hard work going unfulfilled."
Timpany has been riding for nine years, having recently shown in the 3'6" Equitation, including the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry University, Junior Hunters, and Pony Hunters. She is a working student for her trainer, Abbi Ferrigno, of Rabbit Hill Farm in Newtown, Connecticut, helping develop Hunter ponies and Equitation and Hunter horses.
Aboard the FRH Group's FRH Remarkable, Timpany was second in the WIHS Equitation Classic - Jumper Phase at The Devon Horse Show this year, helping her qualify for the WIHS Equitation Finals held in October at the Washington International Horse Show. In addition, she has qualified for the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, New England Equitation Championships, and ASPCA Maclay Finals.
"As a working student, I want to continue learning so that I can help the younger riders grow [...] and be a role model for them," expressed Timpany. "I feel my qualifying for equitation finals is an inspiration to other riders who lack significant financial resources but have talent and determination and don't want to give up on their dreams."
Timpany has committed to attend the University of Georgia, beginning in the fall of 2025, as part of their National Collegiate Equestrian Association Division I team. While still undecided on a field of study, she's excited to make friends on the team, continue to compete, and maintain academic success.
"It is very important to attend the national [Equitation] finals, which my coaches will be watching, so I can demonstrate my ability to compete under pressure and do well," said Timpany. "My goal is to have top placings at Equitation finals and do the best I can."
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.
Learn more about the J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant at ushja.org/jttallon.
Photo: SEL Photography
