Virginia Millie Stearns Receives 2016 US Junior Hunter National Championships Grant

Each year, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) awards a $1,000 US Junior Hunter National Championships educational grant. In 2016, the grant went to Virginia Millie Stearns of Watkinsville, Ga. Stearns competed at the US Junior Hunter National Championship - East Coast in the 3’3” Junior Hunter division with THS Enterprise’s THS Pia-Lena.

The grant is awarded annually to the applicant who constructs the best essay detailing how his/her competitive experience has affected him/her and what it would mean to be awarded the grant. The winner is chosen by a selection committee, who were impressed with pieces of Stearns’ essay.

“The aspect I love most about horse showing is that showing works on my character. In the ring, I am judged on my outward performance, but it’s really what’s happening inside me that’s important,” Stearns wrote. “For example, horse showing teaches me I need to work really hard for what I want. It teaches me to continue pushing myself to be the best that I can. It shows me that hard work and determination pay off. All the hours of lessoning and riding every chance I can get is evident when I enter the show ring. Although not each trip goes exactly as I wish, I continually learn not only from my victories, but often more from my mistakes.”