Your TDF Update: August 2026 -- "Treasured Horses," New Grant Recipients, Make-A-Will Month, and More!

Your TDF Update: August 2026

This month, TDF is kicking off a new collaboration with Novella Equestrian, honoring Make-A-Will Month, and celebrating our newest grant recipients and Century Club members. Be sure to check out the list of upcoming grant application deadlines -- there might be a grant for you!

TDF Announces Collaboration with Novella Equestrian

for “Treasured Horses” Shirt Contest

The Dressage Foundation (TDF) and Novella Equestrian are pleased to announce a new contest and opportunity for TDF donors: the TDF x Novella Equestrian “Treasured Horses” Shirt Contest.

One donor to TDF’s “Treasured Horses, Treasured Teachers” fundraiser, which benefits TDF’s Riding School Fund, will win the chance to have a new Novella Equestrian sunshirt named after their own "treasured horse!"

Learn More

Inaugural Grants Awarded from Amelia's 'Dressage for All' Youth Fund

Grant Recipients (from left to right): Harper Cadotte, Grace Davis, Margot Ponita, Lily-Rose Bacon, Ridge Staner

This new Grant Fund, established by FEI trainer and competitor Amelia Newcomb and friends, recognizes and supports young dressage riders who love horses, have a passion for the sport, and work hard for opportunities.

Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of these $1,000 grants: Harper Cadotte (MD), Grace Davis (CO), Margot Ponita (OH), Lily-Rose Bacon (CA), and Ridge Staner (WI).

Grace said, "Bringing my Thoroughbred up through the levels over the years has been one of the most challenging yet beautiful life-changing experiences I have had. Receiving this financial opportunity for further education on our unique journey together is a tremendous gift. I feel so lucky to have the support of TDF behind us as I close out my last year as a Young Rider.”

Read the News

Congratulations to More Grant Recipients!

Recent Grant Recipients (from left to right): Danielle Hogland, Erica Jacobson, Amy Michelsen, Brandi Worcester,

Katie Cumberford, Jami Kment, Katja Waldron, Meghan Kelley

We are pleased to congratulate recipients of the following grants!

Military Grant Fund: Danielle Hogland (VA), Erica Jacobson (MI), Amy Michelsen (CO), and Brandi Worcester (OH)

Region 4 FEI Adult Excellence Fund: Katie Cumberford (MO) and Jami Kment (NE)

George Williams Young Professional Fund: Katja Waldron (CO) and Meghan Kelley (OH)

Recipient Katie Cumberford shared, "Receiving this grant is an incredible blessing, far more than financial support—it is an investment in a dream that has taken years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. This opportunity will give me access to a level of training, coaching, and competition that I would not have been able to pursue otherwise...your generosity removes barriers that often prevent talented athletes from reaching their potential. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.”

Grant Announcements

August is National "Make a Will" Month

This month serves as a meaningful reminder to create or update your Will (which is important for adults of all ages) to provide for the people you love, and to support the causes closest to your heart. By including TDF in your Will or estate plan, you can help ensure that the sport you love continues to grow and thrive for years to come.

We are grateful to our current Legacy Society members, whose commitment to helping future generations of dressage enthusiasts is worthy of special recognition and our gratitude.

Visit our Planned Giving Page

From Horse Show Mom to Competitor: Meet a Century Club Member

Sandra McKay's dressage journey began 30 years ago as a devoted horse show mom, but it wasn’t until age 75 that she climbed into the saddle herself.

Today, at age 78, Sandra is competing in dressage aboard Del, a 22-year-old Welsh Pony who is also ridden by her daughter and granddaughter. Sandra is proud that Del is helping three generations of equestrians!

From mucking stalls to entering the ring, this remarkable journey has come full circle, and a new chapter is just beginning.

Read Sandra's Story