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Aiken Horse Park Foundation
The World Class Grooming Career Development Grant provides financial support to individuals seeking to advance their professional education and experience within the equine industry. Its mission is to create meaningful opportunities for grooms pursuing careers at the international level in one of the 3 Olympic disciplines: Dressage, Show-Jumping and Eventing.
Emma Ford is widely recognized within the eventing community. As the retired groom to 7 time Olympian Eventer Phillip Dutton, she has groomed at 4 Olympic Games, 4 World Championships and most 5* competitions in the northern hemisphere. Her commitment to elevating standards is reflected in her co-authored book, World Class Grooming for Horses, published in 2015. Emma's dedication to supporting grooms is evident through her clinics and previous service on the USEA Eventing Grooms Committee. Her career as an Olympic level groom laid the foundation for a lifelong professional path with horses, leading to her current work as an equine sports-massage bodyworker.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation, inspired by Emma’s dedication to grooming as a profession, has established this grant to promote, support and develop career trajectories for grooms striving to reach the highest levels of competition.
Purpose
Grant funds to be used exclusively in the following categories:
Travel/Housing Expenses
Educational expenses: clinics, horsemanship lessons, mentor/mentee programs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants may not have previously groomed on team competitions at the Olympic or World Championships
Demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a professional career in one of the 3 Olympic Disciplines.