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Each year, Ontario Equestrian awards five, $1,000 bursaries to youth based on their involvement with horses, their future goals, as well as letters of recommendation from their coaches – family resources and academic achievements are also considered. The bursaries are to be used towards riding lessons, clinics, competition fees, continuing education and other learning opportunities that will help them develop their skills.
The Youth Bursary applications are reviewed thoroughly and recipients are chosen by our incredible Youth Bursary committee. Many thanks go out to Theresa Rondeau Vuk, Diane Bélanger-Gardner and Nonie Smart for their time and commitment to this program.
Congratulations to the following 2020 Youth Bursary Recipients!
Megan Brownrigg
City: Dorchester, ON
Coach: Whitney Moncrief
Discipline: Hunter/Jumper
Intention: This bursary would allow me the opportunity to lesson frequently, continue my riding at the level I have worked so hard to obtain, and work towards receiving my instructor’s license. My long term goals are to have a career in riding, coach and to have a farm of my own. It would bring me great joy to share my passion with children, and I feel as though my dedication and perseverance would make me an excellent coach and mentor.
Aden Bultje
City: Stouffville, ON
Coach: Sarah Thomas
Discipline: Western/Games
Intention: With the money from this bursary, I would get more lessons and training to really help my horse and I work with each other and to make our relationship more effective. I would also use the money to help pay for mounted games competitions, as well as clinics with her to help improve both our skills so we can work more effectively as a team. I hope to use the money from the bursary to increase our opportunities and make us the ultimate team.
Cassie Douglas
City: Arden, ON
Coach: Bethuel Nelson
Discipline: Dressage/Show Jumping
Intention: I fully fund my riding career myself by working two jobs and working off Tulip’s board. My dream is to board Tulip at the closest barn to me. Where Tulip currently is, I am unable to ride from December-April as there is only an outdoor arena, which the Canadian winters do not treat kindly. I would love to be able to get a head-start on my show season this year and board her for the months of March and April, and to also receive coaching to progress in our dressage. With University and the inevitable costs it brings coming closer and closer, I would love to be able to show Tulip more this season, and this bursary would help me do that. I know it wasn’t required for me to tell you about my horse, but Tulip is just as much a part of this bursary as I am. I want to show the world just how spectacular my little Appaloosa mare is!
Sophie Drinkwater
City: Oro-Medonte, ON
Coach: Joanne White
Discipline: Eventing
Intention: I would love the opportunity to ride on the Canadian Eventing team. That would be a dream come true! I would use the money to help pay for lessons and show entry fees. Both lessons and having the opportunity to show are really important in helping my horse Jimmy and I continue to learn and improve.
Sydney Topfer
City: Lindsay, ON
Coach: Carolyn Louws
Discipline: Dressage/Jump
Intention: As an aspiring veterinarian, my dream school has always been the University of Guelph. In an effort to continue riding, I plan on joining the UofG Equestrian Club. However, I know that 7 years of schooling to become a veterinarian will be financially difficult, as well as continuing with the sport of horseback riding. Receiving this bursary money will allow me to pay for my equestrian club team fees, lessons and competition fees to support my passion for horses.
