Worth the Trust Scholarship | ||
Karen O'Conner riding Worth the Trust at Rolex in 1997 |
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As we all know, owning, riding, and competing our horses requires a significant financial commitment, especially if we want to make it to the top of the game. And sometimes coming up with the funds needed to back our dreams can be quite difficult. Joan Iversen Goswell recognized this as a problem, and early last year approached the USCTA with the Worth The Trust Instructional Scholarship Program. Named for Worth the Trust, Joan's retired champion whose impressive career with Karen O'Connor included a win at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1997, the scholarship program was designed to assist adult amateur and young adult riders in achieving their goals. The program consists of two scholarships, one for adult amateur riders, ages 26 and up, and young adult riders between the ages of 22 to 25. The funds, $2,000 and $3,000 respectively, were to be used to improve their riding skills under the tutelage of a top class eventing instructor. All funds were to be used for instructional purposes only, such as clinics, working student arrangements, or private or group instruction. Applicants were asked to submit an essay explaining the importance of the scholarship to them, how they intended to utilize the funds, and their ultimate goals. They were also required to contribute six to ten hours of volunteer service to a national or local charitable organization, Pony Club, local CTA or horse trials. My essay with pictures and video clips (Windows Media Player) is on the following pages. |