Dressage News

The Dressage Foundation has announced that Sydni Cook of the United States and her Rhinelander horse Rosa Red will receive the renowned $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders Grant in 2025.

The grant benefits talented horse-and-rider combinations participating at the Prix St. Georges level or higher who have a significant potential to move to the FEI stage but may not have full access to top-level training without financial assistance.

Cook is now the vice president of the Utah Dressage Society and a member of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society. A USDF Young Rider Program graduate and a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer (training to first level), she has steadily matured Rosa Red, Leslie’s 13-year-old Rhinelander mare (by Riberty Gold out of Resanchantee).

Cook and Rosa Red will train with Anne Gribbons over the upcoming Florida winter season before making their CDI debut.

“I am deeply honored to receive this grant,” Cook remarked. “Debbie McDonald has always been a role model for me, and the opportunity to continue my training in Florida will help me grow as a rider and horsewoman. I am grateful to Leslie Edison and Winter Farms for their assistance on this trip with Rosa Red.”

In 2023, the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders received sponsorship from Pamela S. Jones and the Jones Family Foundation—Malama Honua, which increased the grant sum from $10,000 to $25,000.This is the third year the greater award has been presented.

Applications for the 2026 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders are due on June 15, 2026. The Dressage Foundation offers additional information.

Source: The Dressage Foundation