By: Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation |
The Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation, in proud partnership with the Ontario Eventing Association (OEA), is delighted to announce the launch of two major bursaries for Ontario’s eventers in 2025, along with an exciting new award program to be offered throughout the 2025 eventing season to all Ontario’s eventers:
Bradley Mark Johnston (B. Johnston)
Bradley Mark Johnston was the kind, generous, compassionate and caring son of Stuart and Bernadette 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 the 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.
In the days following Brad’s death, a striking red-haired colt was born on the Johnston’s family farm near Orangeville—a symbol of new life amid deep loss. The colt was named “Lurchus Orilios,” a tribute to Brad (it was his nickname from school days). Lurch raced only six times before retiring from the track. He found his new purpose as an eventer, ultimately competing successfully at the 1* level. His transformation from racehorse to eventer was a powerful legacy of Brad’s spirit and resilience. It also marked the beginning of the Johnston family’s enduring commitment to Ontario’s eventing community, generously supporting the sport by placing off-the-track Thoroughbreds with promising young professionals ready to bring out their full potential.
The Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation was established by the Johnstons in Brad’s memory to honour his beautiful spirit and his generous desire to support other aspiring young people in pursuit of their dreams and to continue his legacy of selfless giving. The Foundation was initially charged with supporting scholarships to animation colleges and is now focusing on providing educational opportunities to members of Ontario’s eventing community.
It is in this spirit that the Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation and the OEA are delighted to launch the following initiatives to encourage advancement in education for young professionals, working students and others, and help riders strive for excellence in the discipline of eventing.
The Bradley Mark Johnston Pursuit of Excellence Bursary 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, workshops and similar opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. Further educational opportunities could include career development workshops such as business management for equestrians and/or practical vocational training in disciplines such as equine management, veterinary care, equine agriculture and animal care and husbandry or other avenues of professional development related to the horse industry. Four thousand dollars ($4,000) will be awarded annually in one installment and applications for 2025 open on June 2.
The Bradley Mark Johnston Working Student Bursary recognizes the vital contributions of working students—often the unsung heroes of eventing barns. 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 access to training, clinics, workshops and other learning opportunities to help working students develop their horsemanship, practical skills, and long-term potential in the sport. One thousand dollars ($1,000) will be awarded annually in one installment and applications for 2025 open on June 23.
The Bradley Mark Johnston “On Your Mark” Awards 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.
Bernadette Johnston, The Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation: “Dare to Dream. The siren call of talented artists and horse owners everywhere. Two worlds, so different and yet so intertwined. While my love for horses began with eventing, Stuart and I turned to breeding, raising and racing Thoroughbreds. When their racing careers ended, we repurposed these beautiful animals into eventing superstars—with the help of talented young professionals. Lurch was just the first of many. One of our homebred’s, Finely Brewed, even became an FEI champion—twice. Dreams can come true. Stuart and I are thrilled to support these Bursaries and this Award to honour Bradley’s memory and his belief that ‘selfless giving’ allows one to achieve all that they can be.”
Sarah Richardson, President of the OEA: “The OEA is proud to partner with the Bradley Mark Johnston Educational Foundation to deliver these meaningful awards to some of the most dedicated yet often under-recognized members of our sport. Young professionals (such as coaches, riders, barn owners) and working students are vital to the growth and sustainability of eventing in Ontario. These bursaries and awards are not just a tribute to Brad’s memory—they are a powerful investment in the future of our eventing community.”
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