The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that four recipients have been chosen from its Military Grant Fund. The recipients are Ashley Adams (UT), Karen Bright (IA), Molly Carnahan (SC), and Melissa Jamison (KS). 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. Two grants are typically awarded from this Fund, however, due to the strength of this year’s applications, the Benders generously donated funds for two additional grants. Through this Fund, the Benders wish to recognize the contributions of military members and dependents to our country and sport.
Ashley Adams is U.S. Army combat veteran who served from 2003-2006 before spending seven years working for the Department of Defense. She is a member of the Utah Dressage Society and is a USDF bronze medalist. Ashley plans to use her grant funding to train with Gary Lawrence and participate in a David Wightman clinic.
Photo courtesy of Impulsion Images by Becca Tolman
Ashley said, “I can't express how much this grant means. As a military veteran and spouse of a military retiree, dressage has been an anchor for me as I have navigated PTSD treatment, multiple moves, deployments, and life transitions. Thank you to TDF donors for your support of our military members. This grant will allow me to travel and spend a week getting lessons from quality instructors. I am training my horse through the levels myself, and we are getting ready to start lead changes; having eyes on the ground will be an invaluable tool for me. I am excited to have help in this next step of my journey!"
Karen Bright is the spouse of a retired Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. Karen shared that after raising two boys and supporting her husband’s military career, she was able to “rekindle her passion for horses.” Karen is a member of the Iowa Dressage and Combined Training Association. She will use her funding to attend a clinic with Marina Parris Woodhead and a "Recovering Your Brave" boot camp with Tammy Lisi and Leslie McBride.
Photo courtesy of Derith Vogt
Karen said, “I am very grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the TDF’s Military Fund grant. I am forever grateful for the sacrifice of all the military members and their families made for my freedom. I am excited to pursue additional training that will help me achieve my goal of completing a USDF bronze medal.”
Molly Carnahan is the spouse of an active-duty member of the Air Force. Molly grew up participating in 4-H and the American Quarter Horse Association and found a love for dressage after her husband was stationed in South Carolina. Molly is a member of the South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (SCDCTA). She will use her grant funding to attend the SCDCTA Adult Amateur clinic with Stephen Hayes and for lessons with Missouri Powers.
Molly said, “I am beyond excited to be selected for a TDF Military Fund grant. Last year, I wanted to attend my GMO’s Adult Amateur clinic, but my husband was deployed, and it would have been a financial strain for us. Because of this grant, I will be able to get some consistent dressage training as well as attend this year’s SCDCTA Adult Amateur Clinic. I can’t thank the amazing donors enough for their support of military families. Military life isn’t always easy but with help from grants like this, it makes dreams seem possible. Always a proud U.S. equestrian!”
Melissa Jamison is an active-duty Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. She is a member of the Central Plains Dressage Society and the Kansas Dressage and Eventing Association. Melissa recently earned her USDF silver medal on her horse, Legolas. She plans to use her grant funding to train with Emily Miles.
Photo courtesy of Scott Talman
Melissa said, “Thank you to TDF and especially to Colonel David and Sue Bender, as well as all TDF donors. As a passionate patriot and currently an active-duty squadron commander at McConnell Air Force Base, I’m so thankful to receive this grant to help boost our training through the FEI levels while balancing the ever-changing military life. I’m very eager to take advantage of my current location by working with one of the top riders in our nation, Emily Miles. The military community is incredibly supportive and the equine community within the military is even more so.”
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.
