Eighteen members of Metropolitan Equestrian Team (MET) received various grants to participate in college-accredited equestrian courses with Clarkson University, as well as a week-long equestrian training session at Emily Elek’s Stonewall Farm in Wisconsin this summer.
The MZ Farms Grant recipients will enroll in a course at Clarkson, alongside the young riders who received the Helen Gurley Brown Genius Grant and the Becky Family Grant. Additionally, recipients of the Helen Gurley Brown Genius Grant and the Becky Family Grant will travel to Stonewall Farm for the equestrian training session.
MET is a nonprofit organization for young riders who are passionate about horses and learning, providing students nationwide with grants to attend programs and prepare for college. Stonewall Farm has been an immersive equestrian education learning site for MET students since 2019.
“We are thrilled to have to the support of the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, MZ Farms, the Becky Family, and the Patricia DaCosta Memorial Fund,” says Executive Director Jane DaCosta. “Access to quality education and equestrian opportunities should never be unattainable due to finances. We are grateful to have these organizations and donors on our side to provide a great opportunity to the leaders of tomorrow.”
Taught by Prof. Klemm, the Clarkson courses provide students with an in-depth skill set to navigate and succeed in the equestrian industry.
“The Muzzy Family and MZ Farms are excited to support these ambitious and very deserving MET riders as they expand their knowledge of the Equestrian world through college courses at Clarkson,” says Cathy Muzzy of MZ Farms. “Furthermore, Dr. Klemm is an incredible mentor gifted in helping students better understand their many opportunities and options – she will become an amazing resource for them. We look forward to hearing about their experiences this summer.”
College credit courses are focused on the equestrian industry addressing economic and career challenges, mental skills and their relationship to lifelong learning and grit, and various functions of how the $300 billion dollar a year economic impact industry functions.
“This sport is unique, because it is a lifelong sport,” says Klemm. “Handling decision making, finances and emotions and understanding the market forces can always be improved upon. This investment into education will benefit students for decades to come.”
Lana Ciaramella, Director of Operations and Riding Programs at Metropolitan Equestrian Team, says these grants allow students a great opportunity to incorporate their passion for horses while preparing for college.
“This is a great introduction to the college experience for these students,” says Ciaramella. “At Metropolitan, it’s not if they’re going to college, it’s when they’re going to college. So being able to provide them with this opportunity means a lot to us.”
MET was established as a 501c(3) nonprofit in 2010 and has been increasing opportunities and engagement with riders of all levels and backgrounds for the last 12 years. Building on programming and collaborations that have been active for several years, this year is the largest group to participate with Clarkson University and Stonewall Farms. Ciaramella says she is looking forward to the students’ experiences and seeing them utilize their increased knowledge as they go home all over the country.
“It’s also really nice to be able to see this nationwide organization, bring them together in person to bond as MET students.” says Ciaramella.
Congratulations to the below listed MET riders.
Helen Gurley Brown Genius Grant Recipients:
- Savannah Bryant
- Avia Gamelin
- Olivia Korzep
- Anna Kovacs
- Darrah Reilly
- Jillian Santangeli
- Janie Wilder
- Rachael Wright
The Becky Family Grant Recipient: Simone Taylor
The MZ Farms Grant Recipients:
- Gabriel Chan
- Tristan Chan
- Eva DiGirolomo
- Rose Ganz
- Jayven Kilgore
- Leslie Minton
- Abbigail Shallow
Patricia DaCosta Memorial Grant: Pearl Baldi
The American Equestrian School Summer Fellow: Finley Thomas
Metropolitan Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization aimed towards supporting young equestrians’ athletic and academic achievement through scholarships, grants, college preparations and a wide variety of educational programs. MET promotes inclusion and equity; the organization provides young riders with access to the learning opportunities and life lessons that come with being a member of the equestrian community. To learn more and donate visit: https://www.metropolitanequestrianteam.org/
MZ Farms is a family-run equine program dedicated to the development of young riders and horses. Cathy, Steve, and Lily Muzzy are committed to taking care of their horses and providing support for young riders in various ways. MZ Farms believes horses can change the world for the better. Learn more by visiting their website: https://mzfarmsllc.com
Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, established in 2010, awards grants to individuals and helps fund programs from their starting point. Helen Gurley Brown and her husband, David Brown, helped create the Foundation from their trust and Helen’s lived experiences, making a difference one person at a time. To learn about about Helen Gurley Brown and the Foundation, click here: https://www.thehgbfoundation.org
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