In Memoriam - Violet M. Hopkins "America's Grand Lady of Dressage."

Violet M. Hopkins, longtime, well-known Dressage personality died on April 4, 2002, at her home in White Lake, Michigan at the age of 92. Vi Hopkins was often called "America's Grand Lady of Dressage." She was a legendary Dressage instructor, and was determined to do all she could do to improve the quality of Dressage in the United States.

Violet Hopkins was a founder of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and a National Board member of The Dressage Foundation.

The Violet M. Hopkins Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 1996, and provides financial assistance to USDF General Member Organizations (GMOs) to conduct instructional Dressage programs for riders at all levels. "Vi established a major Trust, payable to The Dressage Foundation upon her death, and which will now endow the Hopkins Fund on out into perpetuity," said John Boomer, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation. Boomer added, "I have surely enjoyed knowing Vi Hopkins, and I have always thought her epitaph should read, 'Basics, Basics, Basics'."

William R. Brashear, Livonia, Michigan Attorney and Trustee of the Violet M. Hopkins Estate, suggests that those wishing to make a donation in special remembrance of Vi Hopkins designate it for the Violet M. Hopkins Fund, and send it to: The Dressage Foundation, 130 North 10th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.