Print View
Recent NewsDecember 11, 2008Dreams Fulfilled for Two Young Dressage Riders Thanks to the Renee Isler Fund at The Dressage FoundationEmily O'Neill (PA) dreamed of participating in the USDF Region 1 FEI Jr/YR Clinic with George Williams in New Jersey last May. She applied and was accepted by USDF to ride, but needed an extra financial boost in order to make it happen. Kristine Ehrle-Webb (TX) longed to ride in the USDF Region 9 FEI Jr/YR clinic with Jan Ebeling as instructor, but she, too, needed an extra financial boost when Hurricane Ike badly damaged her first and newly-purchased home. Both had their dreams fulfilled, thanks to Renee Isler (MA) who established a Dressage Support Fund in 2008 at The Dressage Foundation, to provide financial help to young riders. Emily and Kristine each received an $800 grant from the Isler Fund, to help them ride and learn from Williams and Ebeling during these outstanding educational clinics. Said Emily O'Neill, "This was an amazing weekend -- educational, inspirational and truly a blast." Said Kristine Ehrle-Webb, "My biggest struggle has been to continue aggressively to seek education." The United States Dressage Federation conducts these educational FEI Jr/YR clinics annually, with funding support from The Dressage Foundation in the amount of $25,000 each year from 2004 through 2008. Participating Young Riders must apply to, and be accepted by USDF. For those who are chosen, these clinics provide group instruction, individual lessons, and much "up close and personal" education attention. Over the years, USDF has identified student applicants whose individual situations call out for financial assistance. When Renee Isler learned of this need, she created the "Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund" to help with up to nine individual grants annually of $800, one for each USDF geographic region. Said Renee, "My goal for this sponsorship is to assist Junior/Young Riders to meet and reach their dreams. I believe the sport should provide more support for young riders trying to enter the dressage world. The sport of dressage is about learning, working and volunteering to really get where you want." Lendon Gray, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dressage Foundation said, "Renee has infused us all with her energy, enthusiasm, and charitable spirit. She is doing more and more to help talented committed, deserving Young Riders who need a financial lift. We are so proud that Renee chose The Dressage Foundation as the home for her Fund -- her goals and our mission 'to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of Dressage' are right in sync." |
2010 Board of DirectorsJonathan R. Burton (VA) Chairman Michael Poulin (FL) Vice Chairman Ralph F. Dreitzler III (WA) Treasurer Lowell Boomer (NE) |
