Over the past several years, the sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage has grown and welcomed many new athletes.  Throughout this time, The Dressage Foundation (TDF) has received requests for support from these riders, and is proud to announce that the TDF Board of Directors has developed the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund through a gift from the Lowell Boomer Family Charitable Remainder Unitrust.  TDF will continue its fundraising efforts to ensure that grants for Para-Dressage riders are available perpetually.

The purpose of the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund is to provide financial support for para-dressage riders to attend educational events, such as clinics/seminars at the USEF/USPEA Para-Equestrian Centers of Excellence (COE), lessons with a trainer of choice, or other educational opportunities that will enable the rider to improve and reach his/her goals.  Funds should not be requested for competition.  US Equestrian’s Developing or Emerging para-dressage athletes are welcome to apply, as well as para-dressage riders who are dedicated to the sport but have not yet been named as a Developing or Emerging athlete (see US Equestrian for descriptions).

The amount of the grants can vary depending on the need and request of the applicants but will typically range from $500 – $1,000.  One or more grants will be available each year to qualified applicants, chosen by an independent selection committee.

The selection committee will take into consideration that the applicant:

• Is dedicated to the sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage
• Demonstrates qualities of horsemanship and sportsmanship
• Can be an ambassador for the sport
• Presents well-defined goals in the application with a clear plan to achieve goals

The selection committee will also take into account:

• Availability of other funding for chosen event/training
• Accessibility/availability of events in rider’s local area
• Training plan that is different than the rider’s typical routine and not readily available to him/her on a regular basis

Additional Grant Information:

1. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
2. Riders designated as Elite Athletes by U.S. Equestrian are not eligible.
3. Funding must be used for the event/training specified in the grant application. Funds are not to be used for competition.
4. An applicant may not receive the grant in consecutive years.
5. The committee reserves the right to not award a grant in any given year if they determine that no candidate has met the criteria. Grant money would then be held in the Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund for use in future years. The applications and discussions of the selection committee are confidential and their decisions are final.
6. If the grant recipient is unable to attend the specified event/training, The Dressage Foundation must be notified as soon as possible. Approval for a change in the use of funds is at the discretion of The Dressage Foundation and the grant Selection Committee.
7. The online application form and all required documents must be submitted to The Dressage Foundation on or before November 1st. A final decision will be announced by December 31st.

8. The grant must be used for an event that falls after December 31st of the year in which you apply. Recipients will have one year from the date of the award to use the grant funds.

For more information please visit The Dressage Foundation through this link.

United States Para-Equestrian Association Mission Statement
To Help Develop, Promote, Support, and Sustain all USA Para Equestrian Athletes for Regional, National, and International Competition with a focus on Paralympic Equestrian Sport.

United States Para-Equestrian Association Vision Statement
The vision of the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America for athletes with an eligible physical impairment, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Paralympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national Para Equestrian Association in the world.

About USPEA
The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) includes every recognized equestrian discipline that is practiced by athletes with an eligible physical impairment with a focus on Paralympic Equestrian Sports. . The USPEA is a network of current and past athletes, owners, officials, event organizers, and equestrian enthusiasts. The Association assists athletes to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Disciplines of Para-Equestrian.

USPEA was created to fill a need to assist Para Equestrian disciplines when they came under the governance of the FEI.  While Para Equestrian disciplines were originally segregated, they now are integrated in international sport.  As each individual Para Equestrian discipline develops, it is USPEA’s mission to always serve as an advisory resource with the ultimate goal that the established able-bodied discipline affiliate will integrate within their organization.

In 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status and became a recognized International affiliate association of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) working together to grow the FEI recognized disciplines by helping to provide press, educational information, symposiums and competition opportunities for athletes with eligible physical impairments.