Equestrian Canada (EC) has announced several bursaries and scholarships now open for applications to support NextGen athletes in dressage and Para-dressage, as well as established coaches looking to advance their certifications. These financial aids aim to enhance athletes’ skills through training and competition opportunities, and provide resources in sport science, coaching education, and equipment.
Key offerings include the Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship, which provides $1,000 to assist aspiring and established dressage coaches in achieving their Competition Coach Specialist Certification, with applications due by December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Brosda Olympic Bursary awards $10,000 to selected dressage athletes aiming for the Olympic Games, and the Bridging the Gap Training Bursary offers a unique two-week training opportunity with renown Paralympian Lauren Barwick, along with a $5,000 financial bursary for expenses, both with a deadline of January 1, 2025.
Lastly, the Young Horse Development Program aims to nurture the growth of 4 to 7-year-old dressage horses, encouraging proper training and identifying talent for future international success. This program also has an application deadline of January 1, 2025, providing a comprehensive framework for both athletes and horses aspiring to excel in the sport.