Gladstone, NJ – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation awarded Isabelle Bosley and Conner, Karen Martin’s eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Casiro 3 x Concetto, the 2026 Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois at the United States Eventing Association (USEA) year-end awards dinner in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 14, 2025.
Each year, the USET Foundation awards up to $25,000 to a developing horse seen as a potential future candidate to represent the United States eventing team at the international level. The grant was established and is funded by Caroline Moran in memory of her dear friend, the late R. Bruce Duchossois, who was dedicated to encouraging the development of event horses in the U.S. The grant is named after Connaught, a horse owned by Duchossois and ridden by Phillip Dutton — Bosley’s mentor — at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Photo by USEA/Meagan DeLisle
Conner and Bosley had a remarkable season in 2025. After winning the CCI2*-S at Stable View, South Carolina, in April, the 28-year-old rider stepped Conner up to the three-star level later that month and finished second in their debut CCI3*-S at Fair Hill International, Maryland.
In June, they recorded their first win at the new level, leading the CCI3*-S at Adamstown, Maryland, on 37.3 penalties. In October, the duo led the CCI3*-L at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill from start to finish, completing on their impressive dressage score of 24.8 penalties. They recorded no jumping faults in the show jumping phase in any of their five international starts in 2025. They have won four of their last six events — an incredible achievement.
“I had thought that maybe Conner had a chance at getting this grant because he’s had a pretty decent year,” said Bosley. “I went to the USEA gala because he was intermediate horse of the year, but when it was announced that we had also been awarded the USET Foundation’s Connaught Grant, it was still a surprise.
“It’s such nice recognition for him and for Karen, his owner, who has been so supportive. She has allowed me to take time and not put pressure on the horse, so I am particularly honored to receive this grant. It means a lot to have this special horse recognized in this way,” she continued. “We’ve always thought that Conner is pretty cool, and to have that acknowledged by other people is very special.
“There are so many expenses involved with eventing every year, and it’s a constant battle to keep up, be competitive, and do all the things everyone else is doing,” she continued. “It’s so hard when you are limited by financial constraints, so to have a grant like this that removes some of those limitations makes a huge difference.”
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography
“We are delighted to award Isabelle Bosley and her talented horse, Conner, the 2026 Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois,” said USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins. “Supporting up-and-coming horse-and-athlete combinations is essential to building the future of our sport, and this grant reflects our commitment to helping promising partnerships gain the experience, confidence, and resources they need along the US Equestrian (USEF) Eventing High Performance Pathway to top-level competition. Isabelle and Conner exemplify the dedication, potential, and horsemanship this grant was created to encourage, and we are proud to support them as they pursue their goals on the national and international stage.”
Although Conner only stepped up to the intermediate level in 2025, Bosley has long felt that he encapsulates all the qualities of an elite event horse capable of excelling in all three disciplines.
She plans to use the Connaught Grant for competitions, fees, and training with Conner. She trains regularly with two-time U.S. Olympic eventing gold medalist Phillip Dutton in West Grove, Pennsylvania, and in Wellington, Florida, in the winter. She takes jumping lessons with U.S. jumping Olympian Lauren Hough, as well as sessions with other trainers including Bettina Hoy and Brett Parberry.
Bosley noted that the financial pressures on riders and owners with competition horses are immense, and the pathway to the top is rarely linear. However, she has her sights set high with Conner.
“I certainly have big goals with him,” she revealed. “The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games could be a possibility, but if not, then the Games after that. I’d also love to get on other U.S. teams. The sky is the limit with him and, under Phillip, we’re in the best place to get there. Coupled with this grant to help support us, it’s all so exciting. Even though I have all these big goals, I’m still mindful to put Conner first every day. Sometimes the slower route gets you there quicker. Hopefully, we will move up to the advanced level this year, and then maybe set some overseas goals after that.
“Grants like this are what keep us riders going and help shape our careers,” concluded Bosley. “This support really allows us to keep pushing forward, meeting our goals, and staying at the top of sport. It makes all the difference, and I’m so grateful to the USET Foundation for this opportunity.”
Previous Connaught Grant Recipients
2025 Sharon White and Jaguars Duende
2024 Boyd Martin and Commando 3
2023 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake
2022 Will Coleman and Chin Tonic
2021 Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
2020 Liz Halliday and Cooley Moonshine
2019 Alexander O’Neal and Fury H
2018 Matt Brown and Big Berry
2017 Emilee Libby and Jakobi
2016 Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois
2015 Heather Morris and Charlie Tango
For additional information or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes, visit https://www.uset.org/donate/.
