The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that three recipients have been chosen to receive grants from its Military Grant Fund. The recipients are Katherine Coviello (AL), Sarahanne Simpson (CA), and Samantha Williams (FL). Each will receive a $1,000 grant to further their dressage education.
TDF’s Military Grant Fund was established in 2023 by Colonel David and Sue Bender of Beech Island, South Carolina. Two grants are typically awarded from this Fund, however, due to the strength of this year’s applications, the Benders generously donated funds for one additional grant. Through this Fund, the Benders wish to recognize the contributions of military members and dependents to our country and sport.
Katherine (Kathy) Coviello is an adult amateur and a member of the Central Tennessee Dressage Association. Kathy is a military veteran with over 12 years of combined active duty and reserve service. She purchased her first horse-an Appaloosa yearling in 1988 as she was heading onto temporary duty at Fort Bragg, NC; it is with this horse that she began her dressage journey under the instruction of Barbara Ebner (USDF S judge) while stationed in New Jersey. Kathy continued her pursuit of dressage with the purchase of a Knabstrupper mare while she was stationed at the Pentagon in Virginia. Kathy plans to spend her grant funding on lessons with Beate Kuske and for participation in several clinics with Debbie Rodriguez and Brian MacMahon.
Photo by Hannah Draughan Photography
Kathy said, “Receiving a TDF Military Fund grant stands as a significant step towards achieving my challenging training goals as a dressage rider. Financial support directly alleviates the cost burden of clinics, as well as focused lessons before a recognized show. This focused training allows me to dedicate more time and energy to fully immersing myself in the effort. Ultimately, this grant isn't just financial assistance; it's an investment in my potential to become a more skilled student of dressage; as both a veteran and former military “brat” (dependent daughter of a service member), I stand committed to making the most of this opportunity and am forever grateful to TDF for this offering.”
Major Sarah Simpson is an adult amateur and member of the California Dressage Society. After riding as a child, she took many years off to pursue a career as a military veterinarian. She is the daughter of two veterans and is currently on active duty with the rank of Major. She will use the grant funding to spend a week training her six-year-old Oldenburg mare with Sabine Schut-Kery.
Photo by Terri Miller
Sarah said, “Receiving a grant from TDF is a valuable opportunity to make significant progress towards achieving my goals. I am truly grateful for the chance to create a lasting impact on my dressage journey for me and my horse. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the dressage community and helping others pursue their own equestrian dreams.”
Samantha Williams is a sophomore in high school and a member of the Deep South Dressage and Combined Training Association. Her father is an active-duty member of the Air Force. Samantha enjoys scribing and volunteering at her local Air Force base's barn. She will use the grant funding to participate in a freestyle clinic with Sandra Beaulieu and additional lessons to put together a freestyle with her current trainer, Cynthia Scopac.
Samantha said, "I am honored and truly grateful for this generous grant gifted by TDF. This opportunity will make a meaningful difference in my training, and I sincerely appreciate your confidence in my dreams. Since beginning my dressage journey, I have dreamed of performing a freestyle. I am humbled to have the opportunity to accomplish this and look forward to building a freestyle foundation!"
As the interest in grants from the Military Fund grows, TDF welcomes donations in order to support more military members and their dependents. Gifts can be made by credit card at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director, at (402) 434-8585. Donations by check can be mailed to TDF’s office at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508.
The guidelines and application for the Military Grant Fund can be found on The Dressage Foundation’s website at www.dressagefoundation.org. The application deadline is May 15th of each year.
For more information, call The Dressage Foundation at (402) 434-8585 or email info@dressagefoundation.org.
About 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 educational grants to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high performance teams, and nonprofit equestrian organizations. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
