Scholarship Programs
Sonja & Frank Urrico Junior Scholarship
Entering into it's 2nd year, we are incredibly grateful to Sonja & Frank Urrico for offering this scholarship to promising juniors, the future of our sport.
Program: Recipients will receive a Junior membership for the 2024-25 season. Membership includes Opening Cub through Closing Hunt (mid-September to end of March), discounted rates for Hunter Paces, all social activities and mentorship from Hunt members.
Eligibility: 18 years or younger with no prior membership to the Smithtown Hunt.
Candidate Profile: Riders who are passionate about horses and the environment and looking to be a part of a community that honors tradition.
To Apply: Applicants should include their contact information (e.g., phone, email, mailing address) and list their age/grade/years of riding experience. Submit a one-page summary outlining why you should be selected for this scholarship to sonjaurrico@gmail.com
Application due date: 9/1/24
Barbara Clarke, ex-MFH Junior Scholarship
The Smithtown Hunt has established this annual Junior scholarship in honor of the late Barbara Clarke, ex-MFH. Specific Juniors will be selected for this scholarship that meet specific guidelines as determined by the Masters.
Honorary Hilltopper Scholarship
This annual Junior scholarship will be spearheaded by Kerry Ruggi. Funding will vary by year, invitations determined by the Masters and will follow the same application process as outlined above for the "Sonja & Frank Urrico Junior Scholarship".
To Apply: Applicants should include their contact information (e.g., phone, email, mailing address) and list their age/grade/years of riding experience. Submit a one-page summary outlining why you should be selected for this scholarship to sonjaurrico@gmail.com or kerrydalyruggi@gmail.com.
Application due date: 9/1/24
Have a Question? Contact Us
Kerry Daly Ruggi
C: (914) 262-8323 E: kerrydalyruggi@gmail.com
Sonja Menton-Urrico
C: (631) 872-5602 E: sonjaurrico@gmail.com
FAQs for Scholarships
Do I Need to Own a Horse?
No. Members of the Hunt have horses available for lease for well-established riders. For select hunts, we partner with a provider to bring additional horses to lease for the day. Costs for leasing can vary, but will range between $100-$300, depending on the location, etc.
Do I Need to Own a TRAILER?
No. There are a few options for horse trailering. Members of the Hunt may have open space in their trailers and/or we have multiple contacts of the Hunt who trailer for a fee. Availability is key – arranging as far in advance as possible. Prices vary depending on distance required.
what if i don't have any riding gear?
That’s okay! Across our membership, we have an extensive library of tweed coats, boots, stock ties, etc. that we can loan for riders. We can also recommend some great second hand/consignment shops to find great deals. Pre-loved gear is often the best gear!
can i bring friends to join me?
Yes. You may request to invite a friend to hunt – this is known as a "capper". Cappers must be registered with our Honorary Secretary, Mindy Homer, in advance of a hunt day to ensure fees, releases, logistics and any other expectations are clarified. Our Hunt phone is (631) 909-2940.
WHEN DO HUNTS TAKE PLACE?
Cubbing season kicks off with Opening Cub, which is the "informal" season beginning mid-September. This is a good time for new riders or horses new to the field to be introduced to the flow of the day. Formal season kicks off with Opening Hunt, the first Sunday in November and extends through the end of March. We hunt Wednesdays and Sundays, weather permitting.
where do hunts take place?
There are multiple "fixtures" or locations spread across Suffolk County and eastern Nassau (e.g., Baiting Hollow, Rocky Point, Wading River, Manorville, Old Westbury, in addition to other fixtures).
do i need to attend all the hunts?
No! Whatever works with your schedule. We tend to have more juniors out on Sundays given school schedules.
how can I learn more?
Be sure to check out our guidelines under the “At The Meet” tab on our website. See our "Gallery" section for pictures from prior hunts. Direct any additional questions to Kerry or Sonja.
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