MISSION

The mission of the GDCTA scholarship program is to provide an educational experience to expand the knowledge and abilities of the committed, talented, and motivated GDCTA members. These individuals must show a serious commitment to the study if dressage as well as a willingness to share and enrich the GDCTA membership with the improved understanding and skills gained from the experience. This scholarship represents an investment by GDCTA. The recipient understands that the membership will benefit as a result of the recipient’s experience.

HOW IT WORKS

• Eligible member requests application by telephone, mail, or email at any time of the year
• Completed application must be received by March 1, 2007. It can be mailed or hand delivered to Dennie Kludt, 11165 Highfield Chase Drive, Duluth, GA 30097
• A complete application includes the application, videotape demonstrating the rider’s current riding skills, and an $80, non-refundable application fee, made out to Etoile International Equestrian Academy. If the application is not complete by the due date, it will not be considered and will be returned to the applicant. The applicant can re-apply for consideration at a future date.
• A member of the scholarship committee will check the applicant’s eligibility and the completeness of the application. Applications will be forwarded to the staff of Etoile for the selection process. This process should take no longer than one month. The selection method is designed to promote integrity, fairness, and impartiality in the selection of a recipient.
• The selection process will consider how the overall membership will benefit from its decision. A committee member will notify all applicants of the decision. Those who are not awarded the scholarship will be notified and are eligible to apply the following year.
• If an applicant decides to attend Etoile on his/her own, a second $80 application fee will be waived, if enrolled within a year.
• The scholarship recipient will receive a letter of agreement which will include:
• When the scholarship money will be used (within one year)
• What the recipient will contribute to GDCTA as a result of the scholarship
• The recipient agrees to actively assist in fundraising efforts the following year so that the scholarship is perpetuated
• The letter of agreement is signed and returned to the scholarship committee
• If for some reason the program is not completed, the funds will be returned to the scholarship program.
  
  

ELIGIBILITY

• GDCTA members in good standing for the last two consecutive years
• Riders second level and above
• Professionals, adult amateurs, and young riders (must be accompanied by an adult sponsor at sponsor’s expense if rider is under 21)
• US Citizen or permanent US resident holding Green Card
• Involvement in a regular riding program with active instruction over the last three years
• Arena experience with several different horses
• Experience riding in arenas with multiple horses and riders
• Willingness to share benefits of experience with GDCTA membership