Although I’m only 12 years old, I will be submitting my personal and most persuasive pitch to be considered as a 2024 recipient of the Michael Nyuis Foundation Scholarship Grant.
The Michael Nyuis Foundation grants are intended to offer support for young riders who have the passion and drive to compete but lack the resources to do so consistently throughout the year. The program aims to provide grants to riders at multiple levels from entry level to high performance. The goal of the program is to have a diversified group of riding levels with diversified access to the sport. Successful recipients will be selected based on their financial need, commitment and dedication to the sport.
Competitive young riders aged 14 – 25 are encouraged to apply for one of the approximately twelve Grants that are awarded annually.
Applicants must submit a written application, a letter of recommendation from an industry professional, and two videos, one explaining why they should receive the Grant and the other showcasing their best riding skills. Applications are judged solely on the information provided in the application videos and grant applications. Riders may receive the grant multiple years. Once a rider is accepted into the program, they have an advantage in reapplying based on their participation and volunteer score from the previous year.
The Michael Nyuis Foundation grant offers an annual $1,500 horse credit for up to two horses at all of the West Palms Events horse shows. Recipients are also invited to participate at various clinics and online workshops with international riders and equestrian professionals. In addition, recipients must commit to volunteer work for West Palms Events and post and/or tag West Palms Events on social media weekly.
If I could be considered and awarded this grant, I could potentially compete in more shows throughout Southern California. I know I’m a long shot, because I’m only 12 and they recommend 14 – 25-year-olds apply. I’d be competing against previous years’ recipients, and riders that are older and more experienced, but “more powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin.”
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