The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that the inaugural recipient of its Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence grant is Laurie Weiser, DVM, owner of Blume Farm Hanoverians (NC).

The Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence, established at The Dressage Foundation in 2011 by Abbey Henderson, provides financial assistance to breeders to pursue educational opportunities related to breeding that will advance their careers, promote sound breeding practices and further enhance the quality of U.S.-bred dressage horses.

Laurie was awarded $2,860 to attend the Hannoveraner Verband Breeder's Course in Verden, Germany.  Her goal in attending the course is to further her knowledge and education to improve upon her small breeding program.  "I desire to one day be able to 'think' like successful breeders such as Axel Wendeler or Harli Seifert...to think in generations, to have a solid understanding of the history of blood lines and to critically assess a mare and stallion pairing.  The educational courses I have attended, and additional courses in the future, are geared towards developing and improving these skills," said Laurie.

Blume Farm Hanoverians, located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, began in 2000 when Laurie purchased her foundation mare, St.Pr.A/Elite Mare Dorfblume.  Laurie's long-term goal with her program is to consistently produce dressage horses that have the bloodlines, gaits, and confirmation suitable for competitive adult amateur riders.

Applications will again be received in 2013, with a due date of May 1st.  Further information about the Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence is available at The Dressage Foundation website, www.dressagefoundation.org or call (402) 434-8585.