The Shannon Foundation Board of Directors, at the request of dressage professional Julie Shannon (GA), has established the Shannon Foundation Fund for Judges’ Licensing with The Dressage Foundation. As a successful instructor and trainer, Julie saw the need to help dressage judges who are interested in moving up the levels, in order to create a strong pipeline of judges in the United States.

The purpose of the Shannon Foundation Fund for Judges’ Licensing is to provide financial support to dressage judges to participate in activities related to obtaining a judging license of “recorded” (‘small r’) or higher.

Julie Shannon shared, “I know many people who have spent thousands of dollars to become a dressage judge, and I respect their willingness to sit in the box all day. The Shannon Foundation, through The Dressage Foundation, wanted to provide financial support to help judges achieve their ratings, because they are such a necessity to the sport's growth.”

The amount of the grants can vary depending on the need and request of the applicants, but will typically range from $500 - $2,500. One or more grants will be available each year to qualified applicants, chosen by an independent selection committee. The online application form and all required documents must be submitted to The Dressage Foundation on or before March 15th of each year.

Gifts of any amount are welcome for TDF’s Shannon Foundation Fund for Judges’ Licensing. Donations by check can be mailed to TDF’s office at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508. Donations can be made by credit card online at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling TDF’s office at (402) 434-8585.

For more information about this Fund, visit http://www.dressagefoundation.org/apply/dressage_judges/shannon-foundation-fund-for-judges-licensing.html or contact Jenny Johnson at (402)434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.