USA Riders Lauren Chumley & Molly O’Brien Receive Anne L.Barlow-Ramsay Grants to Train, Compete American-Bred Horses
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Oct. 8, 2024
United States riders Lauren Chumley and Molly O’Brien have received awards from the $25,000 Anne L.Barlow-Ramsay Grant to train and compete American-bred horses in Wellington, Florida.
Lauren, based in New Jersey and Florida, received her funding for Leeloo Dallas, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare that she bought as a foal from Racheal McKinney who bred the horse. She will work with Michael Bragdell during the Florida winter circuit.
Molly based in Loxahatchee, Florida, received the award for Fortunato H2O, an eight-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Lehua Custer and that was bred by Kendra Hansis of Runningwater Warmbloods. Molly will use the grant to train with Sue Blinks and Ali Brock, also during the Florida winter season.
“This funding will enable us to continue our training with Michael Bragdell as we solidify all the Grand Prix work,” Lauren said. “I believe in this little American horse with my whole heart and in Michael’s program.”
Molly, an assistant trainer and head groom for Lehua Custer and who has competed Fortunato at Prix St. Georges, said: “This grant is life changing and a dream come true,” she said, “not just for me, but also for Fortunato H20’s owner, Lehua Custer, and breeder, Kendra Hansis of Runningwater Warmbloods.”
The Anne L. Barlow-Ramsay Fund, established at The Dressage Foundation in 2008 to support U.S.-bred horses competing on the international stage, has made grants to 11 recipients in that time.
