2008 Morgan Dressage Association scholarships awarded

In 2008, 8 riders competing on Morgans were awarded training scholarships through the Morgan Dressage Association Scholarship program. The program is funded from the proceeds of MDA’s Annual Benefit Stallion Service Sale and the generosity of the stallion owners who donate their stallion’s services. This year, the riders, competing at Training Level through Grand Prix, were each awarded  $500 scholarships. This annual program provides riders who are training and competing Morgans, scholarships that can be used for clinics, regular lessons and/or training resource books or videos.

The 2009 program deadline will be October 1, 2008. Look for an application in upcoming issues of MDA News or on the MDA website. For more information contact Scholarship Program Chairperson Tonya Farina at mattonmorgans@gmail.com.

2008 Scholarship Awardees

Sally Anderson is a Professional rider who lives in Bigfork, MT.  Sally is currently riding Iron Forge Starman, an 18 year old Morgan stallion at Grand Prix.  Sally also took the Morgan gelding, Mehrs Eloquince to Grand Prix and has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals.   Sally plans to use her funds to clinic with Debbie Rheil- Rodrequez, an “R” judge, and Jeanne Gaudreau who took an Arabian to Grand Prix. 

Pamela Chandler is an Adult Amateur rider who lives in Woolwich, ME.  She competes with her gelding, Kennebec Stormin’ Eagle at Training Level as well as Triple S Dark Eagle, a Morgan Stallion at Kennebec Morgan Farm.  Pamela regularly trains with Patricia Shaffer and has also ridden with Sherry Ackerman, Pam Johnson and Carol Poulin-Taylor.  Pamela plans to use her award to continue her lessons with Patricia Shaffer and Pam Johnson, who was an assistant to Dr. Reiner Klimke.

Catherine Gerardi is an Adult Amateur rider competing with her gelding, Forsite Rhythm-N- Blues.  In 2007 Catherine competed with her Morgan gelding at Third and Fourth Level.  In 2007 they qualified and competed at USDF Region 2 Championships at Third and Fourth Level.  Catherine’s goal is to get to Grand Prix in the next three years.  She plans to use her award to continue training both her gelding and her Morgan mare with her regular instructor, Christopher K. Taylor of Sport Horse International.

Amy Jenkins is an Adult Amateur competing with her Morgan Mare, PTR Time to Dance.  Amy currently shows at Training Level and schools First and Second level movements.  In 2007Amy and her mare showed in both Morgan and Open shows.  With her MDA Scholarship Amy plans to clinic with Pam Schwartz-Kimble and Greta Wrigley. 

Morgan Matuszko is a Young rider who lives in Whateley, MA.  She competes with her gelding, Senator Burns at Training Level and First Level.  She trains with Bill Warren, a USEF “R” judge and a USDF Gold medalist and also with Suzanne Markham.  Morgan has been to the New England Morgan horse show every year since she was 4 months old.  In 2007 she and Senator Burns were both Training Level and First Level Jr. Champion.  Morgan plans to use her Award for future lessons with Bill Warren. 

Tess Strumwasser is a Young Rider from Hatfield, MA.  Tess currently competes at Training and First Level on her gelding, The Legacy of Scotmadison.  A highlight of her 2007 showing season was the winning of overall First Level Champion at Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival out of 40 horses.  Tess plans to use her award to continue training with JanWilliams, a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist.  In addition, she plans to clinic with popular clinicians like Lendon Gray, Pam Goodrich, Courtney King and Tom Noone through the NEDA Flextime Lesson Program which offers these lessons at discounted rates. 

Karen Taylor is a Professional rider and lives in Lebanon, Indiana.  She shows her five year old gelding, Final Chapter, at Training level and is currently schooling First and Second Level.  Karen regularly rides with Christopher Taylor of Sport Horse International and has ridden with Jeff Ashton Moore and Kay Meredith.  Karen plans to use her award to continue taking lessons with Christopher Taylor. 

Stephanie Van de Ven is an Adult Amateur from West Olive, MI who competes with her Morgan gelding, Tomoros Midknight Traveler at Second and Third Level.  She currently rides with Sue Zack-Frederick and Laurie Moore.  She is currently the President of her local USDF Group Member Organization in Michigan.  In 2007 she qualified for her Region 2 Dressage Championships at both First and Second Level.   With her MDA scholarship she plans to submit an application for the USDF adult clinic series with Jane Savoie.  In addition she hopes to clinic with Nancy Smith.

Scholarship Index