The Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation Bursaries and ‘On Your Mark’ Award to support Ontario’s Eventers

The OEA is delighted to announce its new partnership with the Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation and the launch of two major bursaries for Ontario’s Eventers in 2025, along with an exciting new Award program that will be offered to all riders at each of the 19 EC-sanctioned Horse Trials in Ontario during the 2025 season.

The Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation was established in memory of Bradley Mark Johnston who passed away in January 2005 as a result of a senseless and horrific attack. Bradley was a talented artist who saw value in unconventional pathways that would allow him to pursue his own dreams without compromise and was a master at mentoring, teaching and working with others to bring their dreams to life. The Foundation initially supported scholarships to animation colleges and is now focusing on providing educational opportunities to members of Ontario’s Eventing community.

The 2025 Bursaries and Award being launched today are intended to encourage advancement in education for young professionals, working students, and others striving for excellence in the discipline of Eventing.

The Bradley Mark Johnston Pursuit of Excellence Bursary ($4,000) is intended to help young professionals bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. It offers resources to access high-value educational opportunities such as training, clinics, career development or business management workshops, vocational training or other avenues of professional development related to the horse industry that may otherwise be out of reach. Applications open on June 2, 2025.

The Bradley Mark Johnston Working Student Bursary ($1,000) recognizes the vital contributions of working students to our sport. It supports individuals who are currently employed full-time in the equestrian industry and specifically in the discipline of Eventing. The Bursary provides funding for training, clinics, and other learning opportunities to help develop their horsemanship, practical skills, and long-term potential in the sport.

Applications open on June 23, 2025.

The Bradley Mark Johnston “On Your Mark” Award highlights the importance of precision, strategy, and education in successful Eventing, specifically in terms of achieving the optimum time in the cross-country phase of Eventing. At each EC sanctioned Horse Trial in Ontario, one winner will be announced. The rider who exactly matches the optimum time will receive a $100 prize. If no rider achieves the optimum time, a $50 prize will be awarded to one rider who comes closest without going over.

Every rider who completes the XC course at an EC sanctioned Ontario Horse Trial this summer is eligible to win this award at that Horse Trial. No registration is required.