West Palms Events awards 14 scholarships and two internships.

West Palms Events has announced the winners of its 2021 Michael Nyuis Scholarship. They received a record number of applications this year. West Palms Events wishes to thank to its committee members, who worked hard to review over 50 applications. In 2015, West Palms Events established the Michael Nyuis Scholarship Program to provide young riders with financial support to lessen the burden of entry and show fees. Applicants submit a brief application with a summary of their equestrian experience as well as two videos, one explaining why they should receive the scholarship and one showing their best riding skills. The 2021 judging committee included equestrian professional Natasha Traurig, amateur rider and professional equine photographer Lindsey Long, and West Palms Events CEO Dale Harvey. “We had an incredible group of candidates this year,” said Dale. “There were so many passionate and inspirational young people. We believe that the recipients we selected are very deserving riders with the potential to contribute to our sport in many ways – not just in the show ring but throughout the equestrian community.” “I started at the bottom in an unlikely place to be able to do anything,” Dale explained. “I grew up in the northern part of Canada, and there weren’t many opportunities available to me. I could not have done it without all the people who were willing to help me. It’s truly an honor to be able to pay it forward and help these hardworking young riders achieve their goals.” Natasha grew up as the daughter of professional riders and recently started her own business, Traurig Tradition in Encinitas, Calif. “I was excited and honored to be a part of the scholarship committee,” expressed Natasha. “I have known Dale Harvey for many years. Dale is a prime example of someone who has worked his way up to the top and given back so much to enhance the sport.” “I wanted to select well-rounded horsemen that carry talent, ambition and grace, but lack the financial ability to compete frequently,” Natasha added. “I found all of these individuals to be passionate, hardworking and talented riders that exhibit true horsemanship skills. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for these riders, and I’m looking forward to following their success in the future.” Lindsey was equally happy to be able to contribute her time to the scholarship committee. “Every scholarship applicant was deserving and so many had inspiring stories, demonstrating a deep love of horses and a strong desire to contribute to the industry,” she noted. “Narrowing down the winners was incredibly difficult but we’re confident that those selected have the potential to make a lasting impact and become tomorrow’s leaders.” The West Palms Events Scholarship Program honors Dale Harvey’s nephew, Michael Nyuis. While he was not a participant in equestrian sports, Michael was a true sportsman, and as a young man worked on the ring crew at Thunderbird Showpark in British Columbia. “Michael was a giant in his community,” said Dale. “He influenced and helped thousands of people in his life, many of them young people. He lived his life giving back and helping others. We named this in his honor for that reason.”  To learn more about the Michael Nyuis Scholarship Program, visit www.westpalmsevents.com. Congratulations to all the 2021 scholarship recipients!

2021 Scholarship Recipients

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Chloe Hargrave
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Age: 16
Goals for 2021: My goal is to get my OTTB confident and consistent in the show ring. I am also excited to continue my journey in the United States Pony Club. I am hoping to achieve my H-A National level Horse Management rating as well as my C-3 Riding level rating.

Dakota Slaughter
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Age: 17
Goals for 2021: I hope to show in the USHJA National and International Derbies and 3’6″ Junior Hunters

Adrina Player
Hometown: Compton, CA
Age: 14
Goals for 2021: I want to do the 0.90m by the next show and then move up to the 1.0m jumpers. I also would like to be a horse owner this year.

Skylar Wireman
Hometown: Bonsall, CA
Age: 16
Goals for 2021: My goals for 2021 are to bring along my younger homebred jumper and compete with my new horse in the 1.40m-1.45m jumpers and small Grand Prix classes. My big goal this year is to qualify for the North American Youth Championships (NAYC) and Prix de States. I also want to compete in the indoor medal finals, including ASPCA Maclay, USEF Hunt Seat, WIHS, as well as other finals in California.

Kayla Beals
Hometown: Burbank, CA
Age: 19
Goals for 2021: My goals include showing consistently in the hunters and getting into the jumper ring as well. I would love to compete in my first USHJA National Hunter Derby and 1.20m jumper class.

Carly Ramsey Richardson
Hometown: Norco, CA
Age: 24
Goals for 2021: My equestrian goals are to develop my eight-year-old up to the Grand Prix classes and get some exposure for my five-year-old that I have bred and raised.

Eniko Barber
Hometown: Temecula, CA
Age: 13
Goals for 2021: I want to successfully show in the 1.0m division and begin riding in the 1.10m jumpers.

Rory Nichols
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Age: 17
Goals for 2021: My goal is to continue to pursue my dream of riding and competing and this year will be my first time at West Palms Events horse shows.

Molly Stewart
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
Age: 17
Goals for 2021: My goals are to carry over my success in the Junior Hunters and compete in the Junior Hunter Finals. I want to start competing in USHJA National Hunter Derbyies, qualify for multiple medal finals, and make the most out of my last junior year.

Dinnia DiGennaro
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Age: 25
Goals for 2021: My goal is to show in U25 Grand Prix classes and to win a USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Zoie Brogdon
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 16
Goals for 2021: My horse-related goals for this year are to compete in the 1.15m and 1.20m jumpers. I would also like to start competing in equitation and improve my skills for jumping.

Amanda Gomez
Hometown: Norco, CA
Age: 17
Goals for 2021: I look forward to getting my young horses in the ring and getting my eight-year-old Thoroughbred jumping at the 1.30m-1.35m level. I also hope to jump back in the 1.45m and maybe have my first Grand Prix win at West Palm Events!

Morganne Craig
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 13
Goals for 2021: My goal is to compete in the 1.0m and 1.10m jumpers as well as the PCHA and CPHA medal classes.

Trent McGee
Hometown: Granada Hills, CA
Age: 18
Goals for 2021: I hope to successfully compete at the National Grand Prix level with aspirations of qualifying for the North American Youth Championships.

Internship Grants

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