EDITED PRESS RELEAS
Road to the Top (RTTT), the nonprofit foundation dedicated to identifying talented, highly motivated young American equestrians and providing opportunity through training, education, and support to reach the highest levels of show jumping, has secured a $1 million endowment pledge to help secure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
The endowment pledge is designed to serve as a cornerstone for RTTT’s future—supporting longevity and program stability as the organization continues to build a durable base of annual fundraising and donor engagement.
“This endowment pledge is an extraordinary vote of confidence in our mission and our riders,” said Sissy Wickes, executive director of Road to the Top. “It helps us build a stronger foundation for the years ahead—but it is not the finish line. Road to the Top still relies on ongoing donor support to sustain the day-to-day work that makes opportunity possible for talented young riders who need training, mentorship, and access to horses and high-performance experiences.”
Road to the Top is focused on building future American show jumping leaders by pairing promising young professionals with elite membership and development—covering riding and horsemanship as well as the business aspects of the sport. Riders accepted to the program are supported by top-level guidance, led by mentors Laura Kraut and Katie Prudent, and gain opportunities intended to help them progress toward international-caliber competition.
Importantly, the endowment pledge will help create more continuity over time, but it does not replace the need for annual fundraising. “Endowment income can strengthen sustainability,” Wickes said, “but it doesn’t fully fund the breadth of what it takes to develop a pipeline of American talent. Our community’s support—through donations, sponsorships, and participation in fundraising events—remains essential.”
To support Road to the Top, learn more and donate at roadtothetop.org
