Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 2024 Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant competitions. The program is open to junior riders competing in pony hunter and jumper classes and tests their knowledge of horsemanship topics including equine health, horse care, riding and showing, and tack and equipment.

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant program was created in 2002 by the friends and family of the late Emerson Burr to promote and perpetuate proper horsemanship skills and values within equestrian youth. Eight horse shows will host zone-level competitions for 2024, and the National Emerson Burr Horsemanship Competition sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will be held at USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall & Sterling.

Participants are divided into four age groups: 8 & under, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17. At the zone level, participants complete a 15-question multiple choice test, and winners from each age group receive a $100 grant to be used toward educational expenses. The national test is a two-phase competition beginning with a written test. The top four participants from each age group move on to the hands-on test where they will demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Each age group winner at the national test will receive a $500 educational grant. Participation at the zone level is not required to compete in the national final.

2024 Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant Competitions:

• April 24-28: Aiken Spring Classic Finale, Aiken, S.C. (Zone 4)
• May 15-19: Blue Rock Classic, Littlestown, Pa. (Zone 2)
• June 11-16: Split Rock Hunter Jumper II, Lexington, Ky. (Zone 5)
• June 19-23: Fieldstone Show Park June II, Halifax, Mass. (Zone 1)
• June 26-30: Blenheim June Classic III, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Zone 10)
• August 6-11: USEF Pony Finals, Lexington, Ky. (National)
• August 21-25: The Oregon Summer Show, Wilsonville, Ore. (Zone 9)
• September 4-8: Autumn in the Rockies II, Parker, Colo. (Zone 8)
• September 11-15: St. Louis National Charity Show, Lake St. Louis, Mo. (Zone 7)

Click here for more information on the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant program, including a study guide and suggested reading list.