The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that four recipients have been chosen to receive grants from its Military Grant Fund. The recipients are Danielle Hogland (VA), Erica Jacobson (MI), Amy Michelsen (CO), and Brandi Worcester (OH). 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. Through this Fund, the Benders wish to recognize the contributions of military members and dependents to our country and sport.
Danielle Hogland plans to use the funding to resume training and lessons following her 11-month deployment on the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, her third deployment. She will be training with Ingrid Martin, and she plans to participate in clinics with Kathy Rowse, Jim Koford, and Janet Foy. Danielle is an active-duty military member serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. She is a Lieutenant Commander and has served for over 11 years.
Danielle said, “Receiving The Dressage Foundation's Military Fund grant is an absolute honor! Huge thanks to the TDF donors who are making this generous investment in my future as I transition home from a deployment and for validating my commitment to developing as a horseman while providing access to training and educational opportunities that will accelerate my growth. I am grateful for the Foundation's support and look forward to making the most of this opportunity!”
Erica Jacobson plans to use the grant funding to train with Suzanne Galdun and Laurie Moore, developing her own riding and her young Fjord gelding as they work towards making their First Level debut. Her primary focus is improving the correctness, confidence, and rideability of the First Level work, particularly within the canter. She aims to pursue her USDF bronze medal in the future. Erica is a member of a military family: her husband has served in the Army Reserve since 2017.
Erica said, "Receiving this grant means more to me than I can put into words. I am especially grateful to my husband for his more than eight years of service in the U.S. Army and for the countless sacrifices he has made in support of our family and my dreams. This grant will allow me to continue developing my partnership with Bean. This will also help our progress toward my long-term goal of earning my USDF bronze medal. More than anything, this grant is an investment in our journey together, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in riders like me. Thank you for helping make this dream possible."
Amy Michelsen holds her USDF bronze medal and bronze freestyle bar. She will use the grant to attend an intensive, month-long ‘boot camp’ in August, consisting of five lessons a week with her current trainer, Jennifer Diamond. Amy enlisted in the United States Army in 1997, serving four years before being honorably discharged as a Corporal in 2001. She is the spouse of a retired enlisted Army combat veteran and the proud mother of an active-duty United States Navy Sailor.
Amy said, "The honor of being selected as a recipient for the 2026 TDF Military Fund grant is a huge boost towards being able to continue doing the thing I love, training with my horse. I feel supported and that my dreams matter. I am further grateful to have my military service recognized in this way. Thank you, TDF!”
Brandi Worcester will use the grant funding to participate in two-day dressage clinics with Claudio Oliveira, aiming to advance from Third Level to Fourth Level while prioritizing classical training principles. Brandi began her military career in the United States Marine Corps, where she served for 6.5 years before transitioning to the Air National Guard, then ultimately returning to active-duty service with the Air Force in 2017. She is currently an active-duty member of the United States Air Force with 19 years of military service.
Photo by Lisa Michelle Dean Photography
Brandi said, “Receiving this grant is especially meaningful because it allows me to continue pursuing a goal that my horse, Vinnie, and I have worked toward for many years. Through deployments, military moves, and the demands of active-duty service, he has been my constant partner. This opportunity to train with Claudio Oliveira will help us continue to progress toward Fourth Level while honoring the years of dedication we have shared.”
As interest in grants from the Military Fund grows, TDF welcomes donations 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.
