The Michael Nyuis Foundation

In memory of a generous and passionate man

The Michael Nyuis Foundation grants are intended to offer support for young riders who have the passion and drive to compete but lack the resources to do so consistently throughout the year. The program aims to provide grants to riders at multiple levels from entry level to high performance. The goal of the program is to have a diversified group of riding levels with diversified access to the sport. Successful recipients will be selected based on their financial need, commitment and dedication to the sport.

Competitive young riders age 14 – 25 are encouraged to apply for one of the approximately twelve Grants that are awarded annually.

See Our 2023 Grant Recipients

About The Foundation

The Michael Nyuis Foundation grants are intended to offer support for young riders who have the passion and drive to compete but lack the resources to do so consistently throughout the year. The program aims to provide grants to riders at multiple levels from entry level to high performance. The goal of the program is to have a diversified group of riding levels with diversified access to the sport. Successful recipients will be selected based on their financial need, commitment and dedication to the sport.

Competitive young riders age 14 – 25 are encouraged to apply for one of the approximately twelve Grants that are awarded annually.

Applicants must submit a written application, a letter of recommendation from an industry professional, and two videos, one explaining why they should receive the Grant and the other showcasing their best riding skills. Applications are judged solely on the information provided in the application videos and grant applications. Riders may receive the grant multiple years. Once a rider is accepted into the program they have an advantage in reapplying based on their participation and volunteer score from the previous year.

The Michael Nyuis Foundation grant offers an annual $1500 horse credit for up to two horses at all of the West Palms Events horse shows. Recipients are also invited to participate at various clinics and online workshops with International riders and equestrian professionals. In addition, recipients must commit to volunteer work for West Palms Events and post and/or tag West Palms Events on social media weekly.

 

Michael Nyuis Foundation grants are offered in memory of Michael Nyuis, the nephew of Dale Harvey, West Palms Events CEO.

Michael was always happy to help and support others whenever he could. His love of family, friends, and life itself resonated with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He brightened the lives of others with his smile, sense of humor, and daredevil personality. Whether he was snowmobiling, bungee jumping, climbing construction cranes, or no-boarding, you could always find Michael living every moment to the fullest.

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 Harvey. “He influenced and helped thousands of people in his life, many of them young people. He really lived his life giving back and helping others. We named this Grant in his honor for that reason.”

2023 Beneficiaries

West Palms Events is delighted to announce the winners of our 2023 Michael Nyuis Foundation Grant. We received a record number of applications this year. Thank you to our committee members, who worked hard to review 110 applications.

The 2023 judging committee included Jane Tidball, Matt Archer, Mavis Spencer, and West Palms Events CEO Dale Harvey.

Adrina Player

Age: 16

Hometown: Compton, CA

Goals for 2023:My 2023 riding Goals: I am extremely greatfull that I now have a horse that can allow me to move to a higher level of show jumping. I want to show in jumpers , equitation and medal classes for this upcoming show season. I Believe I have the ability to jump 1.10

By the summer of 2023. I am prepared to be back in the show ring once again. I’m looking forward to this and to having a very outstanding experience this year.

Alexandra Creger

Age: 15

Hometown: Glendale, CA

Goals for 2023: My goals for 2023 are to gain confidence and get consistent in the show ring. I also want to compete in a medal final.

Chloe Reifert

Age: 20

Hometown: Newbury Park, CA

Goals for 2023: In 2023 I plan to further my knowledge in all aspects of the equestrian world. I hope to move up in the jumper ring, compete in the USEF Talent Search finals, and step into some hunter classes. I also plan to develop some young horses this year!

Daniella Sternberg

Age: 22

Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA

Goals for 2023: I am extremely excited for the opportunity to get my young horses exposed to a variety of venues! A big goal is to get my 7 year old into some national GPs by the end of the year. I also hope to campaign some sales horses in hunter derbies!

Eniko Barber

Age: 15

Hometown: Temecula, CA

Goals for 2022: To compete successfully in the 1.20’s.

Joslyn Kramer

Age: 14

Hometown: Clabasas, CA

Goals for 2023: To be showing 1.10 and be doing 3’6” hunter derby. To improve on all levels.

Lily Grosz

Age: 15

Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

Goals for 2023: My goals for 2023 are to gain experience doing the 3’6” equitation and move into jumpers.
In addition, I hope to participate in medal finals such as Hamel Foundation NHS, THIS National Medal, and other local medal finals.

Madeline Ang

Age: 17

Hometown: Arcadia, CA

Goals for 2023: My goals for 2023 are to be successful in the 1.10m jumpers and start competing in the 1.20m, medal at the USHJA Zone Championships and National Championships, and qualify for Gold Star.

Maggie Dumrauf

Age: 16

Hometown: Del Mar, CA

Goals for 2023:My goals for 2023 include riding and learning on as many horses as possible, be competitive in the 3’3“ and 3’6” equitation, compete in local medal finals, and show more frequently!

Mason Milo

Age: 15

Hometown: Rocklin, CA

Goals for 2023: I want to move up to the 1.30 Junior Jumpers. I’d also like to look into doing the North American Youth Jumping Championships in Michigan. My other goals are to do the PCHA Championships again and go to the USHJA zone jumper championships and USHJA national championships again. I’d also like to do the Gold Star Clinic, I’ve never done it before.

Morganne Craig

Age: 15

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Goals for 2023: My horse related goals for 2023 are to successfully compete in the 1.0m /1.10m medals, hunter derbies, and equitation.

Noah Nelson

Age: 17

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

Goals for 2023: My goals for 2023 include qualifying for NAYC at 1.40m, and competing in Maclay finals

Rylan Davis

Age: 16

Hometown: Reno, NV

Goals for 2023: My goals for the 2023 season are to be successful in the 1.30 meter jumpers and to move up to the 1.40 meter by the end of the year.

Taryn McEntire

Age: 15

Hometown: Oceanside, CA

Goals for 2023: Horse-related goals for 2023: Qualify for all the major 3’3 Equitation finals. Start competing in the 3’6 Equitation. Qualify for the Children’s Jumper Championships Qualify for Jr. Hunter Finals

Tobi Benedict

Age: 18

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Goals for 2023: My horse related goals for 2023 are to continue building confidence, mileage and skills in the 1.20/1.25 division and step into the 1.30 jumpers. I also hope to compete in the hunter ring more which is a new experience for me and compete in my first Grand Prix by the end of the year.

Zacko Hardin

Age: 17

Hometown: New Cuyama, CA

Goals for 2023: My goals are to move into the 1.40m and 1.45m jumpers and compete in a national standard Grand Prix, as well as to possibly compete in more in the equitation to round out my final junior year.

Zoie Noelle Brogdon

Age: 18

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Goals for 2023: To start competing in mini prix’s

2024 Grant Applications will open November 1st, 2023
See Our 2022 Grant Recipients
See Our 2021 Grant Recipients

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