November 30, 2006

Heather Blitz Wins USET Carl-Heinrich Asmis Grant

In the equestrian world, one of the most beneficial things that the USET Foundation does is award grants that help riders achieve their goals. The USET Foundation awarded two grants this year. The Carl-Henrich Asmis Grant was given to Heather Blitz, a dressage rider now based in Denmark.

Originally from Louisiana, Blitz moved to Palm City, FL, in January of 2006 after Hurricane Katrina. When she was short-listed for this year’s WEG, Blitz went to Europe to work with the United States dressage team. Although she did not compete at WEG, Blitz made the big decision to stay in Europe and base her training business out of Esbjerg, Denmark. She has three horses with her for training and/or competition: Arabella, a ten year old mare she owns with Denise Arroyo, ten year old Otto who is owned by Ove Mortensen and Blitz, and her own three year old Paragon. This was the first time that Blitz had applied for the Asmis grant.

"I am excited. The grant is coming at a great time." Heather told DressageDaily. "I am living and training in Denmark now and trying to find ways to keep up a competitive show schedule. I have 2 horses to support/finance and that gets quite difficult after pretty much starting from scratch after leaving the states. The Carl-Heinrich Asmis grant will give me a big boost; certainly helping me get in the show ring."

"The opportunity to train and show in Europe is invaluable and is more than worth it but it isn't easy. There are lots of sacrifices you just have to accept in return for the education and promotion you get here and one is certainly financial. Everything is expensive and my clientele is cut way back from what I am used to so that makes me very happy to be helped out by the USET Foundation. They have given this grant every year for the past 43 years, helping SO many riders like me get another step toward reaching their goals. I think that's fantastic. I plan to do my best to make you all proud and to represent our country well!"

The Carl-Heinrich Asmis grant was donated by Mrs. Carl-Heinrich Asmis in 1973 in honor of her late husband. Colonel Asmis, originally from Germany, fought in World War I and taught dressage when he moved to America. He was one of the earliest members of the AHSA dressage committee.

To be eligible to apply for the Asmis grant, riders must be competing at fourth level or above. Each applicant must send in a list of qualifications and a plan of their proposed studies and competitions in Europe. Initially implemented to help U.S. riders gain experience with European training and participate in FEI competitions abroad, it has helped dressage riders raise the level of competition in America over the past 33 years. The list includes such riders as Lendon Gray, Linda Zang, Anne Gribbons, Carol Lavell, Charlotte Bredahl and Leslie Morse, all of whom went on to represent the United States in Olympic, Pan American or World Championship competition.

This year, the Carl-Heinrich Asmis grant was awarded to Heather Blitz. Blitz is one of the top up and coming dressage riders in America with her horse Arabella and rode in the Selection Trials for this year’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) and in the 2004 Olympic Trials.

Living and competing in Europe for the first time will be beneficial for Blitz. “This is a brand-new experience for me, and I’m loving it. I’ll try and stay as long as I can,” she expressed. Blitz will compete on Arabella in CDI competitions and hopes to qualify for the World Cup and represent the United States.

Related Links
After the Storm – Heather Blitz is Moving On