Young riders facing challenges that may prevent them from reaching their equestrian goals can get a leg up from the Ontario Equestrian Federation through its OEF Youth Bursary program.
Each year the OEF proudly offers a minimum of five $1,000 bursaries to junior members and is currently accepting applications. The OEF Youth Bursary program is aimed at supporting young riders/drivers and horse persons of all disciplines who are OEF members and full-time high school students where financial resources and/or personal hardship is a significant impediment to reaching their equestrian goals.
“Financial challenges shouldn’t stand in the way of becoming a better rider, driver or handler,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation. “Canada’s next rising star could be the rider who needs a little extra help getting there.”
The program is open to all junior members of the OEF between the ages of 14 and 17 as of Jan. 1 of the bursary year. Riders, drivers and equestrians of all abilities and disciplines are eligible to apply. Applications have also been received in the past from members who wish to use their bursary funds to help them cover the cost of post-secondary education in equine studies. This program is intended to reach those who experience significant personal or financial hardships that have prevented them from reaching their equestrian goals.
The number of bursaries awarded each year is based on the total amount of fundraising monies received through the preceding year, with a top up from the OEF general budget. In 2013, eight OEF Youth Bursaries of $1,000 each were awarded. The number of 2014 bursaries that will be awarded will be determined at the close of the year, and announced shortly thereafter.
The OEF board of directors approved the establishment of a youth bursary program in 2000 and it has been supporting a number of young riders every year since. To date, 124 OEF Youth Bursaries have been awarded.
For more information about the OEF Youth Bursary program, or to download the application form, visit www.horse.on.ca. Applications are due Friday, Dec. 6, 2013.
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