Rewarding the Journey from FEI Youth to CDI Grand Prix

Jaclyn Pepper (CA), FEI level rider, trainer, and USDF silver and gold medalist, received TDF’s third annual West Coast $2,500 Patsy Albers Award at the 77th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show. TDF’s Patsy Albers Award is presented to the highest placing Grand Prix rider at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, Dressage at Devon, and the Del Mar National Horse Show who previously competed for the U.S. at the FEI North American Youth Championship (NAYC).

Jaclyn said, “Winning this award was such a special and meaningful moment. My time at NAYC remains one of my favorite memories in this sport. Being part of the Region 7 team helped shape me into the rider I am today. It taught me how to perform under pressure and gave me invaluable experience riding for a team. Those years are something I will always cherish.”

A Grant for Reaching Goals

Congratulations to Teresa Golip (MI), recipient of this year’s $1,000 Carolyn Van Cise Fund Grant for Michigan Youth and Young Adults! Teresa will use the grant funding to further her education through lessons with her trainer Kristen Murelli and to attend a clinic, strengthening her understanding of dressage.

Teresa said, “I am so grateful to The Dressage Foundation for awarding me the grant from the Carolyn Van Cise Fund. Being awarded this grant means so much to me! This grant will allow me to further develop my skills by providing access to higher-level training and quality instruction. This will help me reach my goal of showing First Level!”

It's Time for Give to Lincoln Day!

Through the Lincoln (NE) Community Foundation's Annual Give to Lincoln Day, we invite you to support The Dressage Foundation in turning dressage dreams into reality. All donations made to TDF through Give to Lincoln Day will be partially matched, increasing the impact of your gift!

TDF’s home is in Lincoln (NE), but you don’t need to be local to give. Donations can come from anywhere, in any amount, from now through May 28th. Every donation is important and will directly help dressage lovers from all walks of life enhance their education, become better horsepeople, and shoot for the stars.

The Horse of a Lifetime

For Dawn Metzger (TX), riding at the Grand Prix had always seemed so unattainable that she never even considered it as a goal. However, after she began her journey with her partner Corrado M, her trainer knew from the beginning that he had the potential to become a Grand Prix horse. Years later, Dawn and Corrado did just that, and in the years that followed, the multi-talented pair tackled working equitation before settling down to trail riding.

Recently, after 18 years of partnership, Corrado and Dawn stepped back into the dressage ring. Dawn said, “I am grateful for Corrado’s willingness to step up to do one last dressage show, our Century Club ride. I am grateful that we were given this opportunity. I am very grateful to my trainer and to all of my friends who came to support us, to my husband Cecil, and most of all to Corrado, who has been the horse of a lifetime.”

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Don't miss out on the opportunity to apply for funding for your dressage education:

5/15 -- Military Grant Fund

5/20 -- Region 4 FEI Adult Excellence Fund

6/1 -- George Williams Fund for Young Professionals

6/15 -- Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders

75 days before the event -- Many grants are available for dressage clubs/groups to host educational events.