The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce the recipients of four $1,000 grants from its Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund. This Fund was established in 2018 to provide financial support for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders to attend educational events that will further their training and goals. Additional funds were donated in 2020 to provide grants specifically for Visually Impaired/Blind Riders.
Recipients of the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund:
1) Mary Jordan (ME): Mary is a Grade V Para Dressage rider and has a long history of both able-bodied dressage and Para Dressage. She has competed internationally on several teams for the United States. With her grant funding, Mary will attend several clinics at Carlisle Academy with Shayna Simon and Patrick Tigchelaar, and a USEF Symposium with Shannon Dueck.
Photo by Amy Riley
Mary said, "I am honored and excited to receive a grant to pursue my educational and performance goals with my loyal partner Rubicon 75. Living in Maine, this grant offers us the opportunity to pursue in-depth training with inspiring coaches from around the country (and the world!) that are part of USEF’s Para-Equestrian Program’s Centers of Excellence. This support enables us to improve our training process to elevate our performance standards and return to the international ring, while helping to shed light on riders with disabilities."
2) Madison Young (CA): Madison has been a lifelong rider, including after a spinal cord injury at age 17. She is now classified as a Grade II Para Dressage rider and has "found a new purpose through Para Dressage." She will use the grant funding for multiple lessons per week with her trainer, Kathleen Elliott. Madison is also an avid Western dressage rider and is a board member of the California Western Dressage Association and the California Dressage Society Temecula Valley Chapter.
Madison said, "I am incredibly grateful to The Dressage Foundation for awarding me a Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund grant and believing in my journey as a rider. This generous support allows me to continue my training, strengthen my partnership with Ice, and strive for excellence with confidence and purpose. Thank you for investing in my growth and helping me move forward."
Recipients of the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund for Visually Impaired/Blind Riders:
1) Kaylah Hill (MD): Kaylah is currently in the process of being classified and has been a long-time student at Maryland Therapeutic Riding. In 2023, Kaylah was the PATH, International Youth Equestrian of the Year. With her grant funding, Kaylah will take lessons with Kelly Rodgers, a USEF Para Dressage coach, and participate in a USEF Para Dressage clinic with Lisa Hellmer.
Kaylah said, “I am so happy to be chosen for a grant! I am happy to ride my horse and learn more about riding. Thank you to everyone who helped me receive this grant!”
2) Marcia Springston (WV): Marcia is classified as a Grade IV blind rider. While she now mostly competes locally, in 1999 she qualified for the Paralympics in Denmark and placed 10th out of 24 riders. Marcia will use the grant funding to take extra lessons with Katherine Abrams and ride in a clinic with JJ Tate. Marcia is an active member in the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association and the Blind Equestrian Community.
Photo by Carmela Wilbur
Marcia said, “Thank you to The Dressage Foundation for selecting me for a Para-Equestrian Dressage grant! This grant will enable me to receive concentrated training on my canter work. I will board my horse at my trainer’s barn so I can receive daily instruction, and my horse will be schooled by a professional. The Dressage Foundation is helping me achieve my dream to move up a level in the show ring. I am thrilled about this opportunity!”
Applications for the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund are due to The Dressage Foundation by November 1st of each year. For more information, please contact Sara Weiss, TDF’s Director of Grants and Programs, at (402) 434-8585 or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
To support the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund, 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.
