Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships – East Grants, generously provided by Split Rock Jumping Tour.

The grants are awarded to ten participants competing at the 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships – East at the Kentucky Horse Park from June 17-21, 2026, in Lexington, Ky. They will cover the costs associated with one stall fee, division fees, ticketed schooling, and other standard showing fees, excluding third-party vendor costs.

The 2026 grant recipients are: 

• Aubrey Podojil 

• Elizabeth Stout 

• Mila Blackwell 

• Maren Lacy 

• Sophie Thomas 

• Sydnie Suarez 

• Quinn Rodrigues 

• Madisyn Syzmczak 

• Lily Hackley 

• Zalee Caulder 

Split Rock Jumping Tour established the grants as part of its ongoing commitment to making the championship experience more accessible for junior riders and their families.

The Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships are held on both the east and west coasts, bringing together the nation’s top junior hunter competitors and horses for one of the sport’s premier championships. Through initiatives such as these grants, US Equestrian and Split Rock Jumping Tour continue to work together to reduce barriers surrounding event participation and support the next generation of hunter riders.

About the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships 

Established in 2001, the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship showcases the best junior hunters in the nation while providing riders opportunities to meet and spend time with competitors from all over the country. In 2014, the new 3’3” Junior Hunter section was added to the Championship and has quickly gained popularity. Each year, more than 1,000 eligible hunters qualify to compete in the prestigious final which is held on each coast and is comprised of three phases: handy hunter, classic, and under saddle phase. The overall score from the weighted sections determines the ultimate winner. 

About Split Rock Jumping Tour 

The Split Rock Jumping Tour’s mission is to produce an unparalleled, world-class, detail-oriented experience for riders, owners, sponsors and spectators alike. SRJT currently organizes events at multiple venues across the United States with hosting experience ranging from FEI World Cup Qualifiers to USHJA and NHS Regionals Championships and World Championship Hunter Rider Events. Lead by Derek Braun, a former International Show Jumper who brings a unique and valuable perspective to the hunter/jumper world, SRJT continues to raise the standard for horse shows in the United States. For more information on Split Rock Jumping Tour and its show dates, please visit splitrockjumpingtour.com. 

For questions regarding the Championships, please contact Hunter Program Senior Manager, Jennifer Day at [email protected].