The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce the first recipients from its Military Grant Fund are Charity Weaver (OK) and Debra Cosby (GA). Each will receive a $1,000 grant to continue their dressage education. TDF’s Military Grant Fund was established in 2023 by Colonel David and Sue Bender of Beech Island, South Carolina. Through their generous gift, the Benders wish to recognize the contributions of military members and dependents to our country and sport.
Charity Weaver is a member of the Oklahoma Dressage Society and the wife of an active-duty Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. She has been riding since the age of eight and has been riding dressage for nearly 30 years. Charity mentioned that due to military moves, consistent riding and training have been difficult. She is planning to use her grant funding to attend a clinic with Jeremy Steinberg.
Photo by Captivation Photography LLC
Charity said, “I am so humbled and grateful to receive TDF’s Military Grant. I love to be an example that even with our nomadic lifestyle, it is possible for military service members and spouses to continue their equestrian journey! I could not be more excited for this incredible opportunity to ride with Jeremy Steinberg and increase my dressage knowledge and skills!"
Debra Cosby is a Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and is a member of the Coastal Empire Dressage Association. Debra is a former event rider who realized dressage was her passion. She currently owns a green Belgian Warmblood and plans to use her grant funding for two intensive weekends of training with Cindy Thaxton.
Debra said, “I am honored and delighted to have been selected for this grant. This opportunity will set in motion a new training program and allow Quintessence B and I to take our partnership to the next level.”
TDF welcomes donations to the Military Grant Fund. 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 grant guidelines and application for the Military Grant Fund can be found on The Dressage Foundation’s website at www.dressagefoundation.org. The application deadline will be 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.
