MARS Bromont Rising Grant Recipients with guest coach Bettina Hoy on the cross-country course at Bromont June, 2025. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce that up to 10 grants of up to $2,500 each will once again be available for talented young riders aged 25 and under aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Quebec, Canada) U25 CCI’s in June, 2026. Three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy will return as the guest coach for 2026, and new additions this year will include a stable management module with Max Corcoran and a welcome BBQ for participants and their teams, courtesy of the Wildasin family’s Fox Nation.
The brainchild of Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner, the Bromont Rising scholarship program was first offered in 2019 for riders competing at Bromont and, at the time Ocala, and was expanded to include Galway Downs in 2022 and 2023. Blauner, a longtime event horse owner and dedicated advocate for the sport, had the vision of supporting young eventers from the US and Canada who were not yet on the radar of national U25 training programs. Ockendon also had long held the dream of offering financial support to the youth of the sport, who are the future of Eventing in North America. A complete training program was devised to help the riders prepare themselves and their horses for competition.
The grants assist with travel and entry expenses, but the program also includes classroom sessions with respected industry leaders who give their time generously in support of the next generation of young riders. Returning presenters for 2026 include Bromont and CCI5* Burghley cross-country course designer Derek DiGrazia (USA); FEI 5* judge and FEI World Championships 2026 eventing Ground Jury member Peter Gray (CAN); and multiple Olympic, World Equestrian Games and European Championships competitor and medalist, Bettina Hoy (GER).
New education features for 2026 include stable management with former US Eventing Association president and Olympic groom Max Corcoran (USA), talks on sponsor & owner relations as well as social license to operate, and a welcome BBQ for all Bromont Rising participants on Tuesday evening courtesy of the Wildasin family / Fox Nation.
in the CCIU252*-L at June’s MARS Bromont CCI 2024 © Michelle Dunn”>
2024 MARS Bromont Rising grant recipient Julia Fanello (USA) with FE Prince of Darkness
in the CCIU252*-L at June’s MARS Bromont CCI 2024 © Michelle Dunn
MARS Bromont Rising program director, Olympian and Ground Jury/Judge at this year’s FEI World Championships, Peter Gray acts as a clinician at the event. His centreline workshop details how to make the most of your dressage warm-up, and exactly what the judges are looking for movement-by-movement in order to produce a winning dressage test.
“We are incredibly excited that MARS Bromont Rising grants will be offered once again at Bromont this year,” he remarked. “Bromont is a world-class competition destination with challenging terrain and cross-country courses designed by renowned CCI5* course designer Derek DiGrazia. Competition at Bromont rivals that of any major international event in the world. Having guest instructors like Bettina Hoy and Max Corcoran is an unmatched opportunity for these U25 athletes.”
Three-time German Olympian and former international coach for Holland, Hoy speaks extremely highly of the program.
“Programs like Bromont Rising, the USEF and USEA’s Developing Rider Programs, Australia’s Next GEN squads, and in Germany the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzensport-supported mentorship program are very valuable, especially if participants are willing to take them on in an immersive way,” Hoy remarked. “Education goes far beyond riding instruction. During the week at Bromont not only do we walk courses and talk dressage, but we also discuss every aspect of “management.” How to plan your season, how to structure your fitness program, and proper aftercare to really complete the cycle of looking at the big picture. And of course we discuss the use of social media today.”
Bromont Rising coat Bettina Hoy pins the second place ribbon on Emeline Gilbert and EWSZ Mozart. Photo by Abby Powell.
Canadian young rider Emma McHugh of Beaconsfield, Quebec, received a grant in 2025:
“This year’s Bromont was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and it made my first 2*L feel so much more positive and supported. I can’t thank Sue Ockendon and the organizers enough, and Ms. Mars for making this incredible opportunity possible. I learned so much in such a short time. It’s definitely something every young rider should get the chance to experience.
“The atmosphere, the people, and the level of learning at this amazing venue in Canada made it unforgettable. I made amazing connections and friendships. The highlight was my lesson with the legendary Bettina Hoy!
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, this program is something very special and I am so excited to see what’s next for it.”
Canadian and American U25 riders competing in the CCIU252*-L and CCIU253*-L as well as the CCI4*-L/S are eligible to apply.
Grant application information is as follows:
MARS Bromont CCI June 4-7, 2026
NEW THIS YEAR $50,000 in total prize money across all divisions including the CCI4*-S
CCIU252*-L, CCIU253*-L, CCI4*-L/S
Applications will open February 15, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2026
You can access information and the application form for MARS Bromont Rising here.
