USET Foundation NEWS
USET Foundation NEWS UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN TEAM FOUNDATION • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 • WINTER 2015 FOUNDATION SUPPORT Grants Athletes’ Team Dreams Competing at the top of equestrian sport and bringing home medals takes more than just drive and dedication in the modern era of show jumping, dressage and eventing. The financial commitment of competition has become prohibitive for some athletes, but thanks to the generous donors at the USET Foundation, riders like Callan Solem, Laura Graves and Matthew Brown have been able to reach their goals through grants and funding, bring- ing home top honors for the United States. SHOW JUMPING Callan Solem In equestrian sport, all junior riders dream of making it to the top of the sport and competing at the Grand Prix level, but the say- ing “it takes a village,” truly applies for the nation’s top show jump- ers. Callan Solem began her riding career as a working student for Carol Thompson, who recognized Solem’s talent and passion for the sport right away. With a dedication to her job and a love for the horses, Solem became the professional rider for Thompson in 1997, and in 2010 began riding for Virginia and Collin McNeil. Over the years, Solem has earned multiple top placings at some of the country’s biggest events, and has represented the United States at Nations Cup competitions in Europe and Mexico. But to be a part of the U.S. Show Jumping Team, it has taken more than just talent and dedication; it has taken the support of organi- zations like the USET Foundation.
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