The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that two riders who qualified for the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships (NAYC) U25 Division have been awarded $2,000 grants from TDF. Thanks to a generous donor, these grants were awarded to riders who need financial help for the large expenses of traveling and competing at this prestigious competition later this month.
The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, "This sport is full of extraordinary young riders who’ve worked tirelessly but are held back by financial barriers, not talent. We want to help give the U25 riders who have qualified for NAYC a chance to compete at this multinational, youth-focused CDI. Sometimes the most meaningful wins are the ones we help others achieve."
The two recipients are Haley Smith (CA, Region 7) and Paige Wolfe (PA, Region 1).
Haley, a member of the California Dressage Society, will compete at NAYC with her mare, Great Lady TC. Haley is an assistant trainer and believes this competition serves as a pivotal opportunity to gain championship experience in a team setting. Haley will be coached by Olympian Steffen Peters.
Photo by Nadine de Jong
Haley said, “I’m incredibly honored to be selected as a recipient of TDF’s NAYC U25 grant. This generous funding plays a vital role in making high-performance opportunities like NAYC possible, not just for me, but also for other aspiring athletes working to represent their country on an international stage. Grants like this are a powerful reminder that when we lift each other up, we strengthen the entire future of our sport. I’m deeply grateful to TDF and its donors for believing in young riders and investing in the next generation of both human and equine athletes. Thank you for standing behind this dream. I carry your support with me into the arena with focus, gratitude, and a deep belief in the power of teamwork and shared purpose.”
Paige is a member of the Virginia Dressage Association, Northern Virginia Chapter, and is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist. Paige shared that competing at NAYC will be an exceptional learning event for her to further her dressage experience and grow as a young professional.
Photo by Bethany P Photography
"I am deeply honored to have been selected by TDF for this grant," said Paige. "As a U25 and emerging professional rider, the path to this point has required unwavering dedication and resilience. I am incredibly grateful for TDF’s support, which will make it possible for me to attend the North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, Michigan—an important goal I’ve worked toward for many years. This generous $2,000 grant will significantly assist with expenses such as trailering, accommodation, and personal coaching. Thank you to The Dressage Foundation and its donors for investing in young riders like me."
For more information about grants from The Dressage Foundation, please contact Sara Weiss at (402) 434-8585, by email at sara@dressagefoundation.org, or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
To support TDF, contact Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director, at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org. Secure online donations can also be made at www.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.
