Road to the Top Announces $1 Million Endowment Pledge to Strengthen Long-Term Sustainability
Foundational gift supports the next generation of U.S. show jumping talent—while ongoing donor support remains essential.
Road to the Top Mentors and Athletes (from left to right): Laura Kraut, Trent McGee, Carlee McCutcheon and Katie Prudent. Photo by Isabel J. Kurek.
Road to the Top (RTTT), the non-profit foundation dedicated to identifying talented, highly motivated young American equestrians and providing opportunity through training, education, and support to reach the highest levels of show jumping, has secured a $1 million endowment pledge to help secure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
The endowment pledge is designed to serve as a cornerstone for RTTT’s future—supporting longevity and program stability as the organization continues to build a durable base of annual fundraising and donor engagement.
“This endowment pledge is an extraordinary vote of confidence in our mission and our riders,” said Sissy Wickes, Executive Director of Road to the Top. “It helps us build a stronger foundation for the years ahead—but it is not a finish line. Road to the Top still relies on ongoing donor support to sustain the day-to-day work that makes opportunity possible for talented young riders who need training, mentorship, and access to horses and high-performance experiences.”
Road to the Top athletes Trent McGee (left) and Carlee McCutcheon (right) at Road to the Top's "So Just Ask..." fundraising event in Wellington, FL on January 12, 2026. Photo by Mario Apolito
Road to the Top is focused on building future American show jumping leaders by pairing promising young professionals with elite mentorship and development—covering riding and horsemanship as well as the business aspects of the sport. Riders accepted to the program are supported by top-level guidance, led by mentors Laura Kraut and Katie Prudent, and gain opportunities intended to help them progress toward international-caliber competition.
Importantly, the new endowment pledge will help create more continuity over time, but it does not replace the need for annual fundraising. “Endowment income can strengthen sustainability,” Wickes added, “but it doesn’t fully fund the breadth of what it takes to develop a pipeline of American talent. Our community’s support—through donations, sponsorships, and participation in fundraising events—remains essential.”
To support Road to the Top, learn more and donate at roadtothetop.org.
PHOTOS: (Left) Carlee McCutcheon dons her pinque coat at Vejer de la Frontera (ESP) when representing the United States in the CSIO3* Nations Cup. Photo by Mackenzie Clark.
(Right) Trent McGee has developed Hulla Hoop throughout the last year and is preparing for international competition at the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Catie Staszak Media.
ABOUT ROAD TO THE TOP
Road to the Top is a charitable organization dedicated to building the American show jumping teams of the future by identifying, supporting, and training talented, motivated young American riders through mentorship, education, and opportunity.
Sissy Wickes, Executive Director
610-308-9940 • sissy.wickes@roadtttop.org
Road to the Top Inc is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 92-3382767) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.