Stephen Birchall of Newburg, Oregon, has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant from The Dressage Foundation’s Debbie McDonald Fund for Pacific Northwest FEI Riders. This Fund was established by Pacific Northwest dressage enthusiasts to assist riders in the region to pursue their goals of representing Team USA on the podium.
Stephen has owned and operated Birchall Equestrian and Co, for over 20 years. He is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist and has trained seven horses to the Grand Prix level. Additionally, Stephen has coached students to multiple NAYC and national titles.
Stephen will use the $10,000 grant to travel with his horses to Wellington, Florida, for training and competition in 2021. He said, “Thank you to The Dressage Foundation for selecting me for the Debbie McDonald Fund Grant for Pacific NW FEI Riders! These additional funds will contribute to coaching, travel, and show expenses in the upcoming 2021 competition season. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent the Pacific Northwest dressage community!”
The Fund’s founding donors shared, “Debbie McDonald’s compassion, respect, and love for horses are at the core of her mission as a rider, trainer, and coach. We have all witnessed the result of her commitment to produce happy, healthy athletes: USA dressage horses competing successfully on the international stage with confidence, beauty, enthusiasm, and joy. The Debbie McDonald Fund will provide opportunities for riders from USDF Region 6 to pursue their riding and training goals, in line with USEF Dressage initiatives. The ultimate desire is to continue to expand Debbie’s example of compassionate and correct training, which always puts the horse first, and to support our region’s riders and horses.”
The Dressage Foundation welcomes contributions to the Debbie McDonald Fund for Pacific Northwest Riders. Donations can be made online here, checks can be mailed to TDF’s office at the address below, or credit card donations can be made over the phone at (402)434-8585.
Contact Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director, at (402) 434-8585 or [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
The Dressage Foundation
1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305
Lincoln, NE 68508
Photo credit: S. Hellner Photography