January 10, 2019 – The Dressage Foundation (TDF) has announced that Lehua Custer and F.J. Ramzes, owned by Wendy Sasser, have been awarded the 2019 Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize in the amount of $25,000. Lehua was selected because she displays the characteristics and qualities of being a talented, committed, qualified rider with plans to reach and excel at the international levels of dressage.
Cover photo ©Kelly Sanchez

Lehua, originally from Hawaii and now a resident of California, is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer and L program Graduate with distinction. She was Olympian Hilda Gurney’s assistant trainer for 10 years and currently operates Lehua Custer Dressage at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Lehua has trained multiple horses to the FEI levels, earning the USDF gold, silver and bronze medals. Additionally, she has participated in the FEI Young Horse Program with several horses.