The Metropolitan Equestrian Team (MET) has awarded a $1000 grant to the ExEL shows for its June 25-27, 2021 event at the Germantown Charity Horse Show Grounds in Germantown, TN.

The Metropolitan Equestrian Team, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2010 by Founder and Executive Director Jane DaCosta. MET provides young aspiring athletes in grades 3-12 with the opportunity to participate in horseback riding as part of the MET Team, part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and the Athletic Equestrian League. Far beyond the competitive exploits of its student-athletes, MET supports its students’ college preparation through educational programs, access to representatives from colleges and universities, and scholarship opportunities. During practices, students learn horsemanship, sportsmanship, and agricultural skills.

Founded in 2018, ExEL seeks to bridge the gap between riding at home and riding at a rated show. Focused on creating fun and education experiences, ExEL features a variety of classes and caters to all levels of riders in hunter-jumper sport. ExEl events offer free stalls to exhibitors, as well as a loaded class schedule that includes a $500 USHJA Outreach Hunter Derby, $500 Equitation Challenge, $250 Gamblers’ Choice, and a scavenger hunt.

“ExEL shows truly offer something for equestrians at every level,” DaCosta said. “Their affordable prices make a horse show experience more accessible, which is a big part of our mission. We are very excited to be able to support their June show.”

“We are very grateful to The Metropolitan Equestrian Team for supporting our June horse show with this generous grant,” ExEL management explained. “Our mission is to create an excellent experience for riders, trainers, spectators and horses alike, and this will undoubtedly help us as we continue to raise the level of that experience—and the level of fun.”