Grants

SMDA Volunteer Recognition Educational Award

The State of Maine Dressage Association is a non-profit club whose aim is to advance dressage in Southern Maine. SMDA supports education and advancement of the sport by sponsoring horse shows and riding clinics. Because of many other opportunities for education in areas related to equine activities, specifically dressage and horsemanship, SMDA offers this educational grant program for proven volunteer members.

Grant recipients must have a history of volunteering for SMDA, and the grant money must be used for educational purpose ( not routine training or showing). SMDA’s intent is to offer more grants throughout the year, but in lesser amounts (up to $350 each). A budget of $2000 has been established for 2024. There is no deadline for the grant applications, but once the annual budgeted amount has been awarded, no more applications will be accepted until the next year. Only one award per person, every two years.

SMDA Volunteer Recognition Rules »
SMDA Volunteer Recognition Application »

Thank you!

Dear Board Members,

Thank you for the scholarship, I really appreciate it.  I’m very thankful for it.  I’m excited for how much I’m going to learn.

From,
London Morin

Thank you!

Ali Perkins used the SMDA grant to attend Lendon Gray’s winter intensive training program (WIT) in Wellington, FL. To thank SMDA, she created a video to capture her experience.

Watch the video »

Thank you!

I would like to thank SMDA for the generous grant. I used the money to train at Hassler Dressage with my mare, Daisy. My visit was a wonderful experience. During my stay I was able to take lessons with Scott Hassler and Ashley Madison. I spent my days watching the training of horses of all levels, and seeing how a top notch barn is managed. I learned a lot from my experience and training. I hope to return to Hassler Dressage by the end of the year with both my mares.

Thanks again,
Amanda Gervais
Durgin Farm

Thank you!

Dear SMDA,

Thank you so much for the grant! With the money we recieved we were able to make our trip to New York for Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival. The grant money went towards our entry fees for classes as well as our stabling. It was an incredible experience and we all learned so much over the four days. We each had our ups and downs, but in the end our team placed 10th out of over 60 teams from across the country. We really appreciate that SMDA contributes towards local riders reaching their goals.

“Notorious Durgin Farm Dressage”
Kristine Brassard, Ali Perkins, Katarina Keller, and Meghan Rich

Thank you!

I would like to thank SMDA for donating $500 to help me train in Florida. The grant was very helpful as I was able to work with some of the best trainers in the country such as Kathy Connelly, George Williams, Conrad Schumacher and Steffen Peters. I also want to thank Jane Tremlett,  Sue Pendelton and Beverly Dudley for helping and grooming for me at the World Masters CDI. What a wonderful experience. A special thanks goes to all my sponsors including Custom Saddlery, Poulin Grain, Longhorn Feed and Supply. Equinature (all natural shampoo and fly spray), Medal Equestrian and NEDA. I never could have gone if the girls hadn’t worked with my husband to keep my business going. Thanks so much. When we show or just train, it really does take a huge team effort and support from our local GMOs and friends. We need to support each other in all our efforts to keep our eyes up and seat in the Saddle.

Thank-you to all,
Jennifer Wilson- Horr And Team Jeffery

Thank you!

Dear SMDA Board and club members,

I would like to thank SMDA for the generous grant last year. It couldn’t have come at a better time. With the money I was able to pay for the “L” program being offered by MDS. The grant allowed me to attend all 3 sessions at Pineland, one of which I had to fly to from Florida. It has opened my eyes to the world of judging and I hope to complete the program in the near future.

It is great to have the support of SMDA as they promote the sport of dressage in Southern Maine. The board members devote much time in making the club run smoothly and they are a wonderful bunch of people.

It’s an honor to have been selected in the inaugural year of a program that will benefit many members in the years to come.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Jane Tremlett