August 7, 2013 – The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that a grant has been awarded to Utah Dressage Society (UDS) from the Michael Poulin Dressage Fund.  The Fund’s Selection Committee chose UDS, a Group Member Organization of the United States Dressage Federation, to receive a $2,310 grant for a young rider clinic to be held this fall.   “The Junior/Young Riders are an active, enthusiastic, fast-growing part of the Utah Dressage Society who are great ambassadors for the organization and for the sport.  They have converted many young horseback riding friends to dressage and exposed others to the joys and benefits of the sport,” said Carol Kounanis of UDS.  “They are excited to not only have the opportunity to participate in this clinic, but also take the lead role in planning and hosting it for the dressage community.  We are extremely grateful to The Dressage Foundation for their support and encouragement of the Utah Dressage Society and our young riders.”   The UDS Junior/Young Rider clinic will be held October 12-13, 2013, at South Hills Stables in Bluffdale, Utah.  The clinician will be Verena Mahin Sonstenes (Somis, CA), who has coached and competed through Grand Prix.  For more information about the clinic, contact Carol Kounanis at kounanisce@hotmail.com.   The Michael Poulin Dressage Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 2003 by Michael’s friends, family, and admirers.  The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support for programs and projects that enhance the quality of dressage in the U.S., through any and all of its component disciplines – riding, competing, training, instructing, and judging