The Dressage Foundation has announced that, for the first time, two grants have been awarded from its $25,000 Anne L. Barlow-Ramsay Grant for U.S.-Bred Horses Fund. The recipients are Lauren Chumley with Leeloo Dallas (New Jersey) and Molly O’Brien with Fortunato H2O (Florida). The purpose of the grant is to showcase talented U.S.-bred horses ridden by U.S. citizens, by providing money to train and compete in Wellington, Florida, or in Europe.

With the grant funding, Chumley and her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Leeloo Dallas (Gaspard De La Nuit DG—Voque, Negro), will work with Michael Bragdell during the Wellington winter season. Chumley is a U.S. Dressage Federation gold medalist specializing in the development of young horses. She and Leeloo Dallas are currently USEF Developing Program members. Leeloo Dallas, who Chumley purchased as a foal, was bred by Racheal McKinney.

“I am truly honored and excited to be a recipient of TDF’s Dr. Anne L. Barlow Ramsay Grant for U.S.-Bred Horses with Leeloo Dallas,” said Chumley. “This funding will enable us to continue our training with Michael Bragdell as we solidify all the Grand Prix work. I believe in this little American horse with my whole heart and in Michael’s program. I am absolutely thrilled that TDF believes in us too!”

O’Brien and Fortunato H2O, an 8-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Fuechtels Floriscount—Raleska WF, Rascalino) owned by Lehua Custer, will use the grant funding to train with Susan Blinks and Ali Brock during the winter season in Wellington. O’Brien is currently an assistant trainer and head groom for Custer and has competed Fortunato H2O successfully through Prix St. Georges. Fortunato H2O was bred by Kendra Hansis of Runningwater Warmbloods.

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Dr. Anne Barlow-Ramsay Grant through The Dressage Foundation,” said O’Brien. “This grant is life changing and a dream come true. Not just for me, but also for Fortunato H20’s owner, Lehua Custer, and breeder, Kendra Hansis of Runningwater Warmbloods. Dr. Ramsay’s philanthropic generosity affords riders like me, without private sponsorship, to pursue training opportunities to showcase elite, U.S.-bred equine athletes on a competitive stage.”

The Anne L. Barlow-Ramsay Grant Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 2008 by Dr. Barlow-Ramsay to fulfill her desire to support U.S.-bred horses that are competing on the international dressage stage. Since 2008, 11 recipients have been awarded a $25,000 grant for training or competition, including those who have successfully competed at the highest level of the sport. Applications are due Aug. 15 each year.