Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
The American Horse Trials Foundation (AHTF) is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of its “Chasing the Gold” Grant, a new funding initiative designed to support U.S. eventing athletes with their sights set on international success.
Launched in 2025, the grant awarded its first recipient, Sharon White, with critical support to compete and train in Europe. Now, applications are open for the 2026 cycle, with two grants of $25,000 each available to promising horse-and-rider combinations who demonstrate both capability and commitment to competing at the highest levels of the sport.
The mission of the “Chasing the Gold” Grant is simple: to strengthen and directly impact the United States’ ability to win medals at CCIO competitions and major international events. The grant provides $25,000 in funding per recipient, which may be used toward European competition expenses, training, and related travel costs, pending AHTF approval.
The Foundation will give priority to athlete/horse pairs who:
- Have completed a CCI4-Long* with zero cross-country jumping penalties within the last two years, and
- Have not yet represented the U.S. on an Olympic or World Championship team
Applicants are asked to present a clear and actionable plan that outlines their training, competition, and business strategy toward international success. The selection committee is looking for driven, thoughtful athletes with a long-term vision that aligns with the Foundation’s goal: helping the U.S. win on the world stage.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 “Chasing the Gold” Grant are due by November 21, 2025. Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected]. The two selected recipients will be announced during the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Awards Ceremony. The application can be downloaded here.
About the American Horse Trials Foundation
The American Horse Trials Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to help eventing riders and organizers raise tax-deductible financial support for national and international competition. The Foundation’s latest initiative, “Chasing the Gold,” represents a bold step forward in cultivating the talent and infrastructure necessary for U.S. athletes to thrive on the world stage.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply, contact [email protected].
