Equestrian Receives The Dressage Foundation’s Debbie McDonald Fund After Original Recipient Declines

The equestrian dressage Foundation recently redirected the esteemed $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders grant from its initial recipient, Lindsey Holleger, to the highly accomplished Nicholia “Niki” Clarke due to unforeseen circumstances. Niki Clarke boasts an impressive career as an FEI rider, earning USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, along with being a Centerline Scores 5-rated rider. Her accolades include being the Reserve Champion at the Brentina Cup in 2007, securing a third place at the 2010 Brentina Cup, and achieving numerous victories across various FEI levels.

This grant offers invaluable support to horse and rider pairs immersed in advanced training, particularly at Prix St. Georges or higher, empowering them to excel in their pursuits. The Debbie McDonald Fund serves as a vital source of aid, extending crucial financial assistance to horse and rider duos deeply involved in high-level training, reaching beyond the confines of Prix St. Georges.

Expanding equestrian opportunities through the Debbie McDonald fund

This initiative specifically targets individuals exhibiting promising potential in succeeding at FEI Levels, thereby granting them access to invaluable training opportunities that might otherwise be unattainable. Niki Clarke, the beneficiary of the re-awarded grant, operates Dressage Unlimited across multiple locations in the United States.

Her strategic plan entails leveraging the grant to partake in training sessions with Debbie McDonald in Florida during the winter, with subsequent ongoing training in Montana throughout the year. Clarke’s central objective will be to hone the skills of Komsi Komsa, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood co-owned by the Komsi Komsa Syndicate.

Niki Clarke’s journey with the grant

In a statement, Clarke expressed her profound gratitude and honor at being selected as a recipient of the TDF’s Debbie McDonald Grant. “I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be a recipient of TDF’s Debbie McDonald Grant with Komsi Komsa,” Clarke said. “It is a tremendous honour to receive this grant in Debbie’s name.” Clarke also expressed her commitment to representing Debbie McDonald, The Dressage Foundation, and U.S. Dressage with pride as she leverages this grant to elevate her education in the sport.

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Furthermore, the Debbie McDonald Fund, which initially offered $10,000 grants to FEI riders in the Pacific Northwest, has witnessed expansion and growth thanks to the philanthropy of Pamela S. Jones and the Jones Family Foundation—Malama Honua. The increased funding aims to widen its support for aspiring FEI-level riders, with The Dressage Foundation encouraging additional contributions to bolster the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders.

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