The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Karen Skvarla Fund Grants for Emerging Professionals have been awarded to Kimberly Jenkins (TX) and Brianna Prather (MO). Each will receive a $1,500 grant to pursue training or educational opportunities.
The Karen Skvarla Fund provides grants enabling dressage professionals, who are at the beginning stages of their careers, to receive education that will enhance their knowledge and teaching abilities. The Karen Skvarla Fund selection committee especially looks for applicants who are eager to grow and improve and who are fair and respectful to both students and horses.
Kimberly Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Equine Sports Science and has certifications through the British Horse Society. She recently established a U.S. Pony Club chapter in her area. She will use her grant funding to attend a Mary Wanless teacher-trainer course. Her goal is to gain a better understanding of rider biomechanics to apply to her lesson program. Kimberly’s lesson program has been active for five years and has approximately 20 students at different levels.
Kimberly said, “I am truly honored to have been selected to receive the Karen Skvarla Fund Grant for Emerging Professionals. This support will allow me to continue advancing my education and, in turn, provide higher quality experiences for my students, something that may not have been possible without this grant. Living in an area where access to dressage trainers is limited, this opportunity will enable me to help fill an important gap within our equestrian community. I am deeply grateful to have been chosen and for the opportunity to further my professional development."
Brianna Prather is a member of the Ozark Dressage Society. With her grant funding, she plans to take virtual lessons with her coach, Kelly Layne. She recently moved to central Missouri, and this grant funding will allow her access to more lessons. She currently has 10 students of various ages and levels, and several horses she trains. Her goal is to become more confident at Prix St. Georges as well as learn more as an instructor.
Brianna said, “I am deeply grateful to The Dressage Foundation and to the generous donors whose support has made this opportunity possible. The Karen Skvarla Fund grant will play a vital role in advancing my education, preparing me for upcoming competitions, and further developing my skills as a dressage professional committed to expanding and strengthening the presence of dressage within my community.”
The Karen Skvarla Fund for Emerging Professionals awards two annual $1,500 grants, with applications due by February 15th of each year. The application can be found at www.dressagefoundation.org.
For more information about the Karen Skvarla Fund or The Dressage Foundation, please contact Sara Weiss, TDF’s Director of Grants and Programs, at (402) 434-8585, by email at sara@dressagefoundation.org, or visit 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.
