American FEI Pony Rider Isabelle Leibler of Greenwich, CT, has been awarded a $6,000 (4,700 euro) grant from the Michael Poulin Dressage Fund to compete at the 2010 CDI-PJYR Hagen in Germany 16 - 20 June 2010.
Thanks to this grant, Leibler is able to accept the invitation to the International Youth Festival in Hagen and will use the grant to travel with her two FEI ponies, Going West and Depardieu, to Germany to train and show. The invitation was issued based on her current scores in CDI competition. Along with competing at Hagen, Isabelle will spend time training in Germany with Cornelia Endres and Jurgen Koschel.
Isabelle said, "Competing and training in Europe has always been a dream of mine, since the day that I began my international career. With the support from The Dressage Foundation, I am able to go to the next level. I am so grateful for The Dressage Foundation's support, and I am ready to represent the United States in the best possible way I can!"
The Michael Poulin Dressage Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 2003, to provide support for innovative programs that enhance the sport of dressage. Michael's friends, family, and admirers established the Fund in his honour. In previous years, this Fund awarded a grant to Kaitlyn Hamilton (MI) to represent the United States at the 2005 FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final in Frankfurt, Germany, and a grant to two-time Brentina Cup winner, Elizabeth Austin (VT) to train with Klaus Balkenhol in Germany.
"We are incredibly pleased to award a grant to Isabelle," said Jenny Johnson, Administrative Manager of The Dressage Foundation. "This is an amazing opportunity for her and fits well with the Michael Poulin Dressage Fund. We all wish her the best of luck!"
Check out the official website of the 2010 International Youth Festival in Hagen
Related Links
The Dressage Foundation's Olympic Dream Program for Advanced American Young Riders
Great Learning Experience for Austin and Malone at CDI-YR Hagen, Germany
Chronicle of the Horse: Isabelle Leibler Has Big Ambitions