The purpose of this new Grant Fund is to provide funding support for the United States Dressage Federation’s (USDF) newly announced judge education initiative. This program, to begin in 2024, is in partnership with Black Horse One and will offer interactive educational opportunities to supplement current U.S. judge training programs. Additionally, grants from the McPhail Fund will enable USDF to broaden the scope of the program to provide more online and virtual education to USDF members and the U.S. dressage community.

The purpose of the Shannon Foundation Fund for Judges’ Licensing is to provide financial support to dressage judges to participate in activities related to obtaining a judging license of “recorded” (‘small r’) or higher. The Shannon Foundation Board of Directors, at the request of dressage professional Julie Shannon (GA), established the Fund to create a strong pipeline of judges in the United States. The amount of the grants can vary depending on the need and request of the applicants but are at least $1,000.

This fund will provide an annual $1,000 grant to a current or graduate rider with a Pony Club Rating of A, B, or C rating to attend an educational event of his/her choice. Preference will be given to riders with an A or B rating.