The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that the recipients of the 2025 Verne Batchelder Instructor Fund grants are Ralea Casperson and Allison Cyprus.
The Fund, established by Verne’s family and friends in 2020, is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Batchelder’s long career as a dressage instructor and sport horse breeder. The Fund provides grants of up to $2,500 to professional instructors from USDF Regions 1, 3, or 8 for continuing education and training.
Ralea Casperson (FL, Region 3): Ralea has been a dressage professional for over 20 years. Her goals as an instructor and trainer are to guide riders on their dressage journey and to develop young horses to the highest levels. Ralea also founded a non-profit called Sporthorse Renewal Foundation. Anyone can donate a horse that may have training issues, need rehab, another career, or a simpler life of educating the next generation. She will use her grant to train with Jan Ebeling with the goal of competing in the CDI Grand Prix with the U.S.-bred mare she has developed since she was a two-year-old.
Photo of Ralea Casperson by Third Day Studios
Ralea said, “I am honored and grateful to be a recipient of The Dressage Foundation’s Verne Batchelder Instructors Fund grant. It’s difficult to put into words just how much this grant means to me — not only as a trainer, but as a dedicated instructor committed to the art and journey of dressage. This opportunity is especially meaningful because it comes at a time when I truly need encouragement. This grant feels like exactly what the doctor ordered.
“This grant is more than an investment in my own development; it’s an opportunity to elevate my students as well. By strengthening my knowledge and skills, I’ll be able to guide them — and their horses — toward their highest potential, sharing the education and experience that have been so generously supported through this incredible award.”
Allison Cyprus (SC, Region 3): Allison has been a dressage professional since 2016, after a successful junior and young rider career. She has a diverse group of students, ranging in age and skill level, who ride a variety of breeds. She also has seven horses in full-time training. Allison will use her grant funding to train with Jeremy Steinberg with the goal of deepening her own education while further developing her horse’s skill and confidence.
Photo of Allison Cyprus by Susan J Stickle
Allison said, “Receiving the Verne Batchelder Fund grant is an incredible honor and a meaningful step toward continuing my education and growth as both a rider and instructor. This support allows me to further develop my skills, deepen my understanding, and share that knowledge with others. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and inspired to carry forward the legacy of dedication and excellence that Verne represented.”
Applications for the Verne Batchelder Instructor Fund are due September 10th. Visit www.dressagefoundation.org for more information and to find the online application form. Contact Sara Weiss, Director of Grants and Programs at (402) 434-8585 or sara@dressagefoundation.org with any questions
Donations to the Fund are welcome and can be made online or by calling Jenny Johnson, Executive Director, 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 and scholarships to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high performance teams, and nonprofit equestrian organizations. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
