Heather Salden-Kurtz Awarded Inaugural George Williams Young Professional Grant

Tue, 07/16/2019 - 18:00
U.S.A.
Heather Salden-Kurtz

Heather Salden-Kurtz of Chanhassen, Minnesota, has been selected to receive the inaugural George Williams Young Professional Grant from The Dressage Foundation (TDF).

The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support to instructors and trainers age 25-35 who have a strong desire to participate in continuing education opportunities, in order to provide higher-quality instruction to their students.  

Heather is a USDF Certified Instructor through First Level, is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, has competed at the U.S. Dressage Finals, and is currently competing in USEF young horse classes. She will use the $4,000 grant to participate in Part 2 of the USDF L Education Program and to train for a week with Emily Miles in Kansas.

She shared, “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to further my education as an instructor and trainer!  I am fortunate to have an extremely full schedule of lessons and training, but it makes it difficult to find the time and finances for continuing education.  This grant will help tremendously!  The L Judges Program is an amazing learning opportunity and I am excited to sharpen my skills as a competitor and instructor by finishing Part 2 of this program.  This will help me achieve my goal of someday becoming a judge.  Having worked with Emily Miles in the past, I know she pushes me to become the best rider and trainer I can be. I feel honored to be able to spend a week training with her this winter. Thank you so much to TDF and all the donors to the George Williams Fund!”

When the Fund was established last year, George Williams shared, “I want to thank those who have given so generously to this Fund.  It is designed to reflect how important it is that our young professionals have a solid foundation – one that is based on a good education and that includes a dedication to become first-rate teachers with an unwavering commitment to helping their students learn and become the best they can be, all while passing on a love and respect for all horses.”

Related Link
The Dressage Foundation Announces George Williams Grant Fund, Seeking Donations