The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce that Michelle Haefer (OR) and Romanesque are the 2024 recipients of the $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders grant. The Debbie McDonald Fund provides funding for high-level training to horse and rider pairs who are training at Prix St. Georges or higher, who show potential to succeed at FEI Levels, and who may not otherwise have the opportunity for the training.

Michelle started her training program, Haefer Dressage, in 2021 after being an assistant for Catherine Haddad Staller. Michelle has been developing her own Romanesque, a 13-year-old Oldenburg, since he was six years old. They are currently training at the Grand Prix. Michelle and Romanesque will use the grant funding to train with Olympians Charlotte Bredahl and Cindy Ishoy. She also plans to pursue qualification for the USDF Regional Championships and the US Dressage Finals. Michelle hopes to not only further her education with her horse but also to improve as an instructor. Michelle is currently a Director at Large of the Oregon Dressage Society.

Debbie McDonald and Brentina ©Mary Phelps

Michelle said, “Romy and I are incredibly thankful to The Dressage Foundation. Receiving this grant will allow me to pursue education in a way I have not been able to before. Running my own training business, I struggle to come up with funds for both showing and training. Now, this grant will allow us access to continued training and development in the arena, as well as give me the opportunity to expand on my own knowledge as a trainer, coach, and competitor. I hope to be an asset to USA Dressage in training horses and riders who will continue into the USA Dressage pipeline.”

The Debbie McDonald Fund previously provided $10,000 in grants to Pacific Northwest FEI Riders. Thanks to the generosity of Pamela S. Jones and the Jones Family Foundation—Malama Honua, the Fund has expanded and increased. TDF welcomes additional donations to the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders. Gifts can be made at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director, at (402) 434-8585. Donations by check can be mailed to TDF’s office at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508.

The grant guidelines and application for the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders can be found on The Dressage Foundation’s website at dressagefoundation.org.

The application deadline is June 15th each year.