August 10, 2018 - The Dressage Foundation's Maryal and Charlie Barnett Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund has awarded grants for two individuals to attend the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor/Trainer Program.
Megan Chastain (Fort Gordon, GA) and Laura Ashley Killian (Wellington, FL) each received a grant to further their education as instructors.
Megan shared, “I very much appreciate receiving this grant from The Dressage Foundation. Becoming a USDF Certified Instructor is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and this grant will help make that possible!”
“It's so important to continue to better myself for my horses and students,” said Laura. “I owe it to them to continually learn so that I can support their journeys. TDF’s Maryal and Charlie Barnett Continuing Education for Instructors Grant will allow me to complete the Second Level Instructor/Trainer program and testing. I look forward to the opportunity for self-improvement through the Instructor/Trainer program!"
Instructors attending any portion of the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program, including the workshops, pre-certification, and testing, can use individual grants through this Fund. Individual grants are awarded twice per year and the next deadline for applications is February 1, 2019.
“We are thankful to the Barnetts, whose generosity has made these instructor grants possible" said Jenny Johnson, TDF's Executive Director. "It is important for instructors to continue their education for the betterment of our sport as a whole. The USDF Instructor/Trainer Program has been beneficial for many instructors, so we encourage others to apply for these grants in the future.”
Additionally, five $1,000 grants are available to GMOs that are organizing an instructor education event. The funds can be used to offset some of the expenses involved in conducting a USDF Instructor/Trainer Program, or to organize a general educational event for area instructors. These applications must be received at least 90 days prior to the event.
Photos, l-r -- Megan Chastain and Laura Ashley Killian (Don Stine Photography)
