USDF Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award
Managed by The Dressage Foundation

The vast majority of prizes and awards are won at horse shows by top competitors. Occasionally a trainer/instructor can apply for and receive a scholarship or grant for continuing education purposes. It is time to recognize those who teach well.

Recipients of the $5,000 Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award will have many, if not all, of the following attributes:

  • A USDF Region 9 member in good standing–permanent residence in Region 9. (Required)
  • A teacher of dressage, whether it is basics–Training through 1st-2nd level, mid-range 2nd-4th levels, or FEI.
  • Adherence to sound dressage principles, such as outlined by the USDF Training Pyramid.
  • The ability to communicate these principles of training so that students develop themselves and horses in a logical, progressive and humane way up through the levels.
  • A reputation for honesty, integrity and community/regional service.
  • A USDF Certified Instructor, encouraged, though not required.

Nominations and Applications: A dressage instructor may be nominated by students or peers, by letter emailed or mailed to The Dressage Foundation.  Please include the instructor’s contact information and send to:
info@dressagefoundation.org
or
The Dressage Foundation
1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305
Lincoln, NE 68508

Nominations must be received by June 1st of each year. Current year nominations will not be accepted after June 1st.

Once received, the nominee will be notified by The Dressage Foundation staff, and may submit a completed application by the deadline date of August 1st. The online application and all required attachments must be received by TDF’s office on or before August 1st.

Donate to the Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award Fund

The goal for this Fund is to develop initial, one-time financial donations, as well as annual donations from individuals.  On-going annual contributions may continue until the fund is fully endowed (approximately $100,000+). This award will total $5,000/year. The Dressage Foundation is enthusiastically supportive of this award and willing to manage the endowment, and help it grow.

Click here to donate.

Recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award

2009 – Marie Morgan
2010 – Paul Kathen
2011 – Ashley Hammill
2012 – Susan Hancock
2013 – Whit Watkins
2014 – Fran Dearing Kehr
2015 – Becky Brown
2016 – Yvonne Kusserow
2017 – Martin Arnold
2018 – Marie Morgan
2019 – John Mason
2020 – Leslie Morris
2021 – Alex du Celliee Muller
2022 – Christina Hall
2023 – Sarah Denham