THE DRESSAGE FOUNDATION AWARDS INSTRUCTOR A CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANT

(Lincoln, Nebraska) July 27, 2011 - The Dressage Foundation's Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund has awarded a $1,250 grant to Mija Paris (OR) to help her attend the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor Certification Program. 

Mija said, "This funding will be used to attend Instructor Certification workshops, and will help expand my dressage education as a rider, trainer, instructor, and judge.  It will allow me to access new information to help me develop a more well-rounded knowledge base.  In addition, I will be able to pass along the new knowledge I gain to my students."

Maryal Barnett established this Fund in 2007, in order to provide grants for dressage instructor education.  Since that time, over $10,000 has been awarded to USDF Group Member Organizations and individual dressage instructors.

"We want to encourage dressage instructors and GMOs to take advantage of the grants that are available for furthering instructor education," said Jenny Johnson, Administrative Director for The Dressage Foundation.  "If instructors continue to learn and improve, then everyone benefits."

Individual grants range from $500 to $1,500 each and are awarded twice per year.  Upcoming application deadlines for individual grants are February 1, 2012, and a fall date to be determined.  GMOs may apply for financial assistance of up to $1,000 for instructor clinics, and those applications are due at least 90 days prior to the event.

For more information about the Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund, click here.

Mija Paris and 6-year-old Andalusian Stallion, Kamiakin Photo by Katie Hill