Amanda Ward Jr/YR Memorial Award Presented at NEDA Fall Festival Will Benefit Deserving Young Rider

December 16, 2009

Kristen Schwaegerle (NH) received the Amanda Ward Jr/YR Memorial Award at the New England Dressage Association’s Fall Festival competition, held in September in Saugerties, NY.  She received the $1000 award for her high score of 69.545% in a Fourth Level class aboard her mare, Diwandre.  Kristen resides in Rye, NH.

The Amanda Ward Jr/YR Memorial Award was established in 2007 in special remembrance of Amanda, who was killed in an automobile accident.  The purpose of this scholarship is to inspire future young dressage riders to pursue their dressage dreams.  It is awarded annually to the highest scoring Junior/Young Rider at the Third Level and above at the New England Dressage Association Fall Festival.  Kristen Schwaegerle said “I look forward to continuing my training with the goal of competing in the Brentina Cup and at Grand Prix.  The Amanda Ward Jr/YR Memorial Award means a great deal to me, and I am deeply honored to have received it.”

“It is a privilege for The Dressage Foundation to give this annual award to a deserving rider.  It is a wonderful way to pay tribute to Amanda,” said Jenny Johnson, Administrative Manager for The Dressage Foundation.

Kassandra Barteau was the 2008 recipient and Micaela Mabragana was the 2007 recipient.