Source:  News Release

The Dressage Foundation Awards Three Grants from
Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence;
Continuing Education Grant Made To Instructor Dolly Hannon

The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce three grant recipients of its Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence; Gigha Steinman of River Oaks Farm (FL), Barbara Cadwell (FL), and Jessica Stallings and Jennifer DesRoche of Signature Sport Horses (NC).

The Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence, established at The Dressage Foundation in 2011 by Abbey Henderson, owner of Elysium Farm (MA), provides financial assistance to breeders to pursue educational opportunities related to breeding that will advance their careers, promote sound breeding practices and further enhance the quality of U.S.-bred dressage horses.

Gigha Steinman of River Oaks Farm and Breeding Director and Registrar of the Friesian Sporthorse Association was awarded $500 to attend the USDF Sport Horse Seminar hosted by Iron Spring Farm. Gigha says, “I’m excited at the opportunity not only to increase my own knowledge, but also to share what I learn through my role as the Friesian Sporthorse Association’s Breeding Director, as well as applying what I learn to my own breeding program.” Gigha intends to contribute to the growth and development of the Friesian Sporthorse and produce quality, talented FEI dressage prospects.

Barbara Cadwell was awarded $1,000 to attend the USEF “Verden Experience” at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses in Germany. She is one of six U.S. breeders that were selected to attend this program, led by Scott Hassler and Janet Foy. “It is especially gratifying to be an Adult Amateur and be selected for this program,” said Barbara. “Thank you to The Dressage Foundation for its assistance in making this possible.” Barbara and her mother, Anne Barlow Ramsay, have operated a breeding farm in Wisconsin for the past 25 years.

Jessica Stallings and Jennifer DesRoche of Signature Sporthorses received $1,000 to attend the 2014 Oldenburg Winter Meeting in Vechta, Germany. This program offers visits to various breeding farms, along with lectures geared towards training of the young horse. “Better developed young stock would provide buyers in this country with comparable animals to which they would find overseas, which will strengthen U.S. based buying,” Jessica stated. Signature Sporthorses has been breeding since 2001 with over 40 foals to date. “We hope to bring back the knowledge we gain for other breeders in the U.S. to support the mission of the fund.”

Applications will again be received in 2015, with a due date of May 1st. Further information about the Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence is available at The Dressage Foundation website, www.dressagefoundation.org or call (402) 434-8585.

Continuing Education Grant Made To Instructor Dolly Hannon

The Dressage Foundation's Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund, established by Maryal and Charles Barnett, has awarded a grant to Dolly Hannon to attend the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor Certification Final Testing at Fort Collins, CO in October. “The grant I received for the Instructor Certification Program is appreciated,” said Dolly. “Maryal Barnett is such an inspiration and her dedication to our sport and its instructors is admired by so many. Thanks to Maryal and The Dressage Foundation for this support.”

Dolly Hannon. Photo: Kathleen Bryant

“Since 2011, when this Fund began awarding these individual grants, 22 instructors have received financial help to attend the Instructor Certification Program," said Jenny Johnson, TDF's Executive Director.  “The impact of these grants is being felt across the country, from the instructors down to their students. What an amazing gift from the Barnett family.”

Instructors attending any portion of the Instructor Certification Program, including the workshops, pre-certification, and testing, can use individual grants through this Fund. Individual grants are awarded twice per year and the next deadline for applications is February 1, 2015.

Additionally, five $1,000 grants are available to GMOs that are organizing an instructor education event. The funds can be used to offset some of the expenses involved in conducting a USDF Instructor Certification Program, or to organize a general educational event for area instructors. These applications must be received at least 90 days prior to the event.

For more information about the Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund or The Dressage Foundation, please contact Jenny Johnson at (402) 434-8585 or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dressage riders of all ages and levels. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.