The Violet M Hopkins Fund

The Violet M. Hopkins Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 1996 to help support educational programs of USDF GMOs. The objective of the Hopkins Fund is to give financial assistance to help USDF GMOs provide quality and effective instructional Dressage programs to riders at all levels. The Dressage Foundation requires any group receiving funds to encourage the instructor to incorporate a lecture on the basics and theory of Dressage, appropriate to the level of the group they are teaching. The maximum amount to be awarded will be $2,000 per application. GMOs can receive a grant only once in any given calendar year. It is required that applications reach the Foundation Office at least 90 days in advance of your event.

Here's a peek at some recent educational events that were awarded grants from the Violet M. Hopkins Fund:

State of Jefferson Chapter of Oregon Dressage Society
Rider Biomechanics Clinic - July 2010
Clinician - Sandy Howard

"The State of Jefferson Chapter of The Oregon Dressage Society is very much in debt to The Dressage Foundation for making grants like the one you gave us, available to dressage groups like ours.  This was a very special educational opportunity for our area and we appreciate your financial support.  The attendance was amazing to us...possibly due to the reasonable fees for an outstanding clinician.  Thank you!" - Carol Taylor, organizer

Sandy demonstrating how to find a "neutral spine."

Sandy explaining rider position biomechanics to auditors.

Ed Miller finding internal rotation position for his legs.

Central Vermont Dressage Association
Adult Dressage Camp - June 2010
Clinicians - Deb Dean-Smith, Joy Congdon, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen

"Our expecations were exceeded in this year's camp.  Many levels of training were represented, from very green horses to horses competing 4th level.  The clinicians gave their all to the camp and evaluated the needs of each horse and rider pair quickly, and were able to have every pair improve themselves." - Terri Satterlee, organizer