Beginning in 2011, additional grant funding will be available from the Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund, originally created by Maryal Barnett.“This fund has provided much needed support to USDF GMOs hosting educational clinics for instructors. However, I want to see it do more,” said Maryal Barnett. “I want to encourage more individuals to pursue their Instructor Certification credentials.”The Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund will continue to offer annual grants of $1,000 (up to five per year) to USDF GMOs for instructor education, which can include the USDF Instructor Certification Program workshops and testing, as well as other educational programs for Dressage instructors.In addition to the ongoing funding for USDF GMOs, this fund will now also offer grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to individuals to attend USDF Instructor Certification workshops, pre-certification, and/or testing.“This will be a valuable source of funding for instructors to offset the cost of transportation, hotels, meals, and registration. These grants will make it possible for more instructors to pursue USDF certification,” said Melissa Filipi, Development Director for The Dressage Foundation. “Maryal’s dedication to the sport and to helping instructors is incredible. She has a vision, the passion, and the funding to make it happen!”There will be two deadlines per year for the individual grants. Applications will be due no later than February 1st and July 1st for individual grants only.GMOs may continue to apply for the annual grants throughout the year, applications can be submitted online, at least 90 days prior to the event.For more information about The Dressage Foundation, please contact Melissa Filipi at (402) 434-8585 or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.