The U.S. Para-Equestrian Association has announced the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Trophy, both in memory of Paralympian Wentz, who passed away last year at 21.

The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund was created so young para-equestrians can fulfill their own dreams in the equestrian sport. Scholarship funds awarded will help offset competition expenses up to $1,000 per competition to help cover entry and other fees, including stabling and/or shipping (must be greater than 500 miles one way) costs for competition.

The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Trophy was established to honor Jonathan’s achievements in his sport and inspire para-equestrians in dressage, driving, reining, vaulting or jumping. The trophy recipient will be a para-equestrian athlete who has competed and excelled in multiple international competitions and received scores that contributed to the individual and/or team ranking on the FEI ranking list during the competition year. This individual will also have served as a role model in advancing the sport in the United States and educating the public on the discipline. The trophy will be awarded each year at the USEF Annual Convention and was created by artist Olva Stewart Pharo.

“There could not be a better way to commemorate Jonathan than to establish a scholarship fund in his name,” said Jonathan’s mother, Tina Wentz. “His desire was to have a para-equestrian young rider program that worked to grow and improve the current program. Creating a perpetual trophy gives para-equestrian athletes a high goal to aspire to and will serve to honor, as well as keep para-equestrian sport in the public eye. Our goal in establishing the trophy and the scholarship is to continue Jonathan’s legacy of hard work, dedication and love for his sport. We are so proud of the athlete, ambassador and young man he was, and that he achieved his dream of being a Paralympian.”

You can download the application for the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship online.