The Dressage Foundation has announced Sydni Cook and Rosa Red as the 2025 recipients of the $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders grant. The Debbie McDonald Fund provides funding for high-level training to horse-and-rider pairs who are training at Prix St. Georges or higher, who show potential to succeed at FEI levels and who may not otherwise have the opportunity for the training.

Cook is vice president of the Utah Dressage Society and a member of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society. She completed the USDF Young Rider Graduate Program and is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer in training and first level. Cook and Rosa Red, a 13-year-old Rhinelander mare (Riberty Gold—Resanchantee) owned by Leslie Edison, will train with Anne Gribbons during the Florida winter season and plan to make their debut in the CDI arena while in Florida.

“I am truly honored to be the recipient of The Dressage Foundation’s $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders grant,” said Cook. “Debbie has always been an inspiration to me, and receiving a grant in her name is incredibly meaningful. This support will allow me to continue my education with Anne Gribbons in Florida this winter, helping me grow as both a rider and a horsewoman. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of Leslie Edison and Winter Farms, who have supported me in developing Rosa Red from training level to FEI. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the belief in me and my journey with Rosa. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward in pursuit of my goals, and I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity.”

The Debbie McDonald Fund previously provided $10,000 grants to Pacific Northwest FEI riders. Thanks to the generosity of Pamela S. Jones and the Jones Family Foundation—Malama Honua, the Fund expanded and increased in 2023. This is the third $25,000 grant awarded from the Fund.

TDF welcomes additional donations to the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders. Gifts can be made at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling Jenny Johnson, TDF’s executive director, at (402) 434-8585. Donations by check can be mailed to TDF’s office at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508.

The grant guidelines and application for the Debbie McDonald Fund for FEI Riders can be found on The Dressage Foundation’s website at www.dressagefoundation.org. The application deadline is June 15 of each year.