The Dressage Foundation announced Dec. 6, that a new grant fund has been established by friends and colleagues of George Williams, to honor his years of dedication and service to the U.S. dressage community.

Wanting to honor Williams’ lifelong commitment to the sport and acknowledge his nine years as president of the United States Dressage Federation, Janna Dresing, Dr. Jeni Gaffney and Gardy Bloemers initiated the idea of this fund.

“We felt that George has given so much to the dressage community in all of his roles within the USDF, and that creating a scholarship in his name would help honor his commitment to the sport,” said Dresing. “Through the generosity of the inaugural donors we are able to do something meaningful for the sport in his name.”

Williams was surprised with the news of the Fund at the USDF Salute Gala on Dec. 1. After the announcement, he said, “I am honored to have a Grant Fund in my name, which will have a goal of helping up-and-coming young equestrians. Thank you to all the donors.”

“Those of us who hold USDF dear will never forget George’s many years of wise and steady leadership,” said The Dressage Foundation President and CEO, Beth Baumert. “His contribution to dressage is impossible to calculate, and he set a fine example for us all. It seems very fitting that this Fund will continue beyond his tenure, giving in his honor.”