New Funding Opportunity From the Dressage Foundation

January 14, 2010

The Dressage Foundation announced today that a new fund has been established.  The Trip Harting Fund has been created with donations to The Dressage Foundation from Trip’s friends and supporters.  This fund will provide grants up to $500 for a current or graduate rider with a Pony Club Rating of B or A to assist in attending the USDF “L” Education Program or USDF Instructor Certification Program.
“Trip and I evented together when we were pony clubbers and as adults, we both put our hearts and energy into providing educational programs for young riders. Every time I got together with Trip, he challenged me to find new ways to educate and give valuable learning opportunities to our youth. I am thrilled that I am part of making Trip’s wishes come true,” said Lendon Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Dressage Foundation.

Raised in Potomac, Md., where his father founded the Potomac Horse Center, Trip Harting began riding when he was 6 years old. By the age of 15, he became the youngest member of the U.S. Pentathlon Team.
Harting received his U.S. Equestrian Federation judging license, receiving his S rating in 1985.  Ever since then, he was a very popular S-rated judge. Up until his death, Harting taught 10 to 20 clinics and judged 25 to 30 shows per year throughout the United States and around the world.

Outside of competition, Harting was revered as a brilliant trainer and clinician. He taught hunt seat equitation, dressage and eventing for more than 30 years. Harting’s real love, however, was working with juniors and young riders.

In 2001, Harting accepted the position of coach and chef d’equipe of the U.S. Pony Clubs team at the North American Junior Dressage Championship (Ohio). The USPC honored him as a living legend in 2004.

“Trip and I talked quite a bit about his dream to help Young Riders," said John Boomer, Past President and CEO.  “Trip would usually end our visits with comments like, ‘John, I really want to do something, but I don’t have the money.’  Now, thanks to The Dressage Foundation, Trip’s dream will live on!”