The Dressage Foundation (TDF) has announced that a total of $17,000 has been awarded to support the upcoming USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program, to be held in Florida on January 14-15, 2023. TDF will provide a $15,000 grant to USDF to help make the program more affordable for all attendees. Additionally, $500 grants have been awarded to four young professionals from the Captain Jack Fritz Young Professionals Fund to attend the program.
“Throughout the years, we have recognized the importance of the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program and how the education has helped many up-and-coming young professionals, so we are proud to continue our support to USDF,” said Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director. “Additionally, Carol Lavell had a wonderful mentor in Captain Jack Fritz, and she wanted to honor his memory by providing funds for young professionals to attend this wonderful program. Their development is vital to the future success of dressage in the United States.”
Samantha Fogg (KY), Madison Lareau (GA), Eleanor Millerschin (MI), and Erin Vensel (PA) have each been awarded a $500 grant to attend the Young Rider Graduate Program because they demonstrated dedication to dressage, a desire to learn more about a professional equestrian career, and financial need to attend the event.
The Captain Jack Fritz Grant recipients shared their thanks:
Samantha Fogg said, “It takes a village to make it in this sport. This grant helps me to move one step closer to furthering my education in ultimately preparing for a professional career in the horse industry. Thank you to TDF.”
Samantha Fogg
Photo by Priddy Sweet Portraiture
Madison Lareau said, “I am thrilled to receive this grant from TDF's Captain Jack Fritz Fund. As a young trainer who just received the opportunity to be head dressage trainer at Seventh Hand Farm in Alpharetta, GA, the business knowledge that I will gain from this program is invaluable. As many know, the journey to becoming a good trainer with a successful business has many challenges and financial burdens, so the timing of receiving this grant could not have been better. Thank you, TDF!”
Madison Lareau
Eleanor Millerschin said, ““Thank you so much to TDF and all the donors for making opportunities like this available. I am so excited to be attending the Young Rider Graduate Program in Florida. This grant and program will help me continue to grow my abilities as a rider, instructor, and business owner. It allows me the chance to meet and learn from others in the industry that I would not have otherwise. I am so excited to continue my education and get to meet other young professionals.”
Eleanor Millerschin
Erin Vensel said, “I am so thankful to TDF for granting me the financial assistance to attend the Young Rider Graduate Program! Being able to attend this program is a wonderful opportunity and I am excited to further my knowledge. As a young professional who is not new to dressage, but new to the business of teaching and training professionally, I take continuing education very seriously. I am always looking for ways to better myself for my clients and their horses and reach the lofty goals I have set for my career. Many thanks to TDF for this grant and for providing me with the means to continue learning from top professionals."
Erin Vensel
For more information about The Dressage Foundation, visit www.dressagefoundation.org or contact Jenny Johnson at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.
The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advancing the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high-performance teams, nonprofit equestrian organizations, and more. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
