Lexington, KY (November 26, 2013) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce a new grant program, Ravel Education Grants, supported through proceeds generated by sales of licensed jewelry designs of Ravel by Jane Heart Jewelry. Ravel is America's most decorated Grand Prix Dressage horse and a 2012 USDF Hall of Fame inductee. Developed by the USDF Youth Programs Committee in partnership with Akiko Yamazaki, Ravel's owner, as part of the current USDF Shining Star Award program, this new grant is designed to recognize the most outstanding displays of sportsmanship among USDF youth. The Shining Star Award program recognizes acts of sportsmanship that show the individual has gone above and beyond what is expected of all USDF youth members.

Akiko's selection of this program was based on the USDF Youth Programs Committee definition of good sportsmanship, qualities Ravel displayed throughout his career: Courage, Respect, Perseverance, and Responsibility. All USDF Shining Star Award recipients will be eligible for these grants, which will be used to cover expenses associated with attending an educational dressage event of their choice. Up to four $500 Ravel Education Grants will be awarded each year.

            Akiko said “With these grants, I hope that the legacy of Ravel will continue in support of excellence in dressage, especially for our bright stars!”

For more information about the USDF Ravel Education Grants and the USDF Shining Star Award program, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.