I realized what I said was really rude. I’m sorry.
You might say you’re not here to trash talk, but this comes across as sour grapes from someone whose child wasn’t selected as a recipient. It’s not cool to name specific minors and then proceed to talk about why you think they’re ineligible for something they won. If you really want answers, I’d think a better way would be to contact the grant administrators.
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I would also agree that naming people, specially minors, on a public board is in poor taste. I would also think that just because a child is showing at a sho like Pony Finals or JHF does not necessarily mean their family has financial means to support this. There are many many generous owners, trainers, and sponsors that make things happen for people, especially hard working and deserving children. I would not ever assume someone’s financial situation just based on participation at shows. I’d echo Super Shorty - if you are real questions, contact the Grant program.
Good for those kids if they’ve gotten support to live their dream.
I’d imagine that the kids in question impressed somebody with ethic and performance after essentially catch-riding as recipients of the grant, and as such, have been offered opportunities that allow them to continue. I’ve seen one of the kids ride plenty, and she’s a nice, hard-working kid who rides with tact and sympathy to the horse- the kind of young rider I’d want to help support if I had the means. Seems more likely than them gaming the system.
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I think there are many people here who earned their ride time ( though not at this level perhaps) by the good will and help of many people.
I know I traded a riding lesson in exchange of scrubbing floors and washing windows at the barn.
Talented riders with a hard working ethic are often supported along by Horse pros, breeders and just nice folks.
While I am out of horses, now, I try to support the young folks in the sport I do participate in.
I’m trying to pay it forward.
Thank you Mrs Wainwright you made a big difference in my life
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I would think they aren’t going to pick a rank beginner or backyard rider with no A circuit showing. That could lead to a bad experience. The idea is for these kids to get around, be able to grasp and absorb the information. They are well mounted. No one would lend a pony otherwise.
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As said best by an 8 year old child. Nunya.
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The Gochman Grant is a wonderful “gift” to kids. There may be families who do not qualify financially and still get the grant, but I know from personal experience that well heeled families are rejected, rightly so. The Gochman girls are out of ponies and I would hate to see this wonderful grant go away because of negative publicity. I assume that the aforementioned recipients are, like Tori Colvin, now being supported (riding wise) by someone who saw talent and drive and decided to make a difference for that child. Thank you Gochman family!!!
@olfirtree , good for you to retract your post. Sometimes thoughts just don’t make it out of our heads the right way! Nice of you to reconsider and thanks for doing the right thing.
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I was awarded the Gochman Grant last year. It changed my life in so many ways. It was literally the best thing that ever happened to me. The generosity of the Gochman’s and everyone involved with the Grant program is AMAZING. I will be riding my own pony this year at Pony Finals. He is a pony that we purchased for very little, that I have poured my soul into, that deserves to go and try. If I could only tell you how much my mom and grandma sacrifice for me to be here in Kentucky again and to just ride in general. My mom works multiple jobs, my grandma works, and I try to work or help out as much as I can to earn opportunities. We do our own care, feeding, mucking, grooming, everything. Literally everything is poured into this dream of mine.
I ride in hand me down everything, old tack, etc. I ride whatever I can get my hands on. I am truly grateful for every single opportunity. I will pay my experiences forward and help someone else.
Please rethink your stance. There is no way to really understand the sacrifices that people make to live their dream.
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Also, I am returning to Pony Finals because it was the most fun week of my life. For a kid who loves ponies, it is heaven. I would have sold my one of my kidneys to return again. There is no possible way that I would have been able to return without the help of many people that stand behind me. People that I have known for a long time, people that I have just met, and people that have just taken an interest in my story. I work really hard, I am dedicated to learning great horsemanship, and I am a nice person. Those three things can you so many places.
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PonyT, good luck and have fun!!
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Pony T, you are an exceptional sounding young girl/boy. Your passion shines through in your well written post. I wish you much success at pony finals as well as you move up the ranks.
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A grant such as this is designed to be a springboard for dedicated young riders. This type of opportunity is given to extremely passionate hard working young kids who will do anything to achieve what they want. It also puts them on a national stage where they have the chance of being noticed by trainers who may have more opportunities available. Of course these kids go on to be successful! They continue working hard, catch riding, and looking for opportunities… just because they went to pony finals doesn’t mean the passion and work ethic disappears.
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Let’s face it, even a family making $100k+ a year will have to make sacrifices and struggle to qualify for pony finals, the expense of going to pony finals is a whole other ball game as well. This sport is expensive. Those kids from the families that are upper middle class in regular society ARE the poor kids when compared to the kids with multiple ponies training at Beacon Hill or Heritage.
Would it be great if that kid that lessons only once or twice a week was able to get the grant and go? Sure, but no doubt they would be out of their element and probably have bad experience which would greatly discourage them.
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@AffirmedHope I am “that” kid that lessoned once or twice a week. I went last year on the Grant and rode the most extraordinary pony that I had ridden once before showing. I had not even ridden in a hunter class for the whole year proceeding Pony Finals. I had shown in a total of 15 jumper classes the whole year before getting the opportunity to ride at Pony Finals. Was I prepared, heck no. Did it matter? Not at all. It was the experience that was so wonderful. The meaningful mentorships and the learning opportunities were amazing. I didn’t ride great, but I had a smile on my face the whole time. I felt like I was on top of the world.
This year I will attempt the pony jumpers on a pony that has only had four training rides. He was green when we bought him for less than most people pay for their saddles. He is extraordinary and we worked really hard to qualify. And we did. I know that we have the smallest chance of success, but the experience of getting in that ring and trying is something that I will carry with me my whole life.
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After reading all these responses, I would like to take back what I originally said. I wrote the post from very close minded state. Reading all these responses has really opened up my eyes. I was just looking at things at “face value” and not taking into account everything else that can be going on in a person’s life, and just making assumptions. I am really very sorry for my comments, and I would like to thank each and every one of you for commenting and helping to change my mind. The Gochman Grant really is a truly special thing that has changed the lives of so many junior riders. In my original post I was making so many assumptions, and after reading these comments and really thinking about it, my mind is changed. The whole goal of posting this was to see what other people’s opinions were, and I have been swayed by these opinions. I would like to apologize for my original post, and extend my deepest thanks to all those who commented.
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That is good of you @olfirtree ! It takes a lot to come back and post as you have done.
Our sport does not have a formalized talent scouting system like other sports are based on. Pony Finals is one of the primary places to spot talent, as there are so many great young riders in one place.
Grants allow the talented, hardworking kid without a ton of financial backing an opportunity to showcase their talent. It’s like the kid from Puerto Rico with his beat up glove and secondhand cleats playing winter ball alongside the son of a Hall of Famer. 
Hard work and talent get you there. Once there, it is up to you to shine, learn, be coachable and make the most of it.
Good luck @PonyT !
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Good luck Pony T - and have a wonderful time.
