An exciting benefit to being a member of the Morgan Dressage Association (MDA) is the Annual Scholarship Awards. Each year, the association intends to award up to eight scholarships in the amount of $500-$750 each in three categories to MDA members: training/first level; second/third level; fourth level and above, with the larger amount considered for riders and Morgans competing at the FEI level.

Scholarships will be awarded across the categories, distributed based on qualified applicants. A minimum of three of the scholarships will be set aside for amateur riders; a minimum of two will be set aside for junior/young riders. Based on application quality, the award amount and number of scholarships awarded may be adjusted.

Scholarships must be used to further the training and education of the applicant and his or her Morgan(s). Eligible expenses include instruction; clinics, mounted or un-mounted and the expenses to attend those clinics or instruction; educational materials, such as training books and videos and other educational opportunities such as symposiums. The purchase of tack, computer software, and competition expenses are not eligible. If you have questions on whether an expense is allowable, please ask before submitting your application.

The applicant must attest that he or she will continue to pursue dressage training on a Morgan for the duration of the scholarship (one year). Winning applicants will receive their scholarship within 30 days of notification of the award. Within the scholarship year, they must provide MDA with a detailed listing of how the funds were spent. Winners who fail to provide this listing will not be eligible for future scholarships.

The postmark deadline for this scholarship is October 1, 2008. For more information, please go to www.morgandressage.org.