Andreas Stano, founder of the Global Dressage Forum North America, is presenting a new scholarship award at this year’s event.  Mr. Stano and partner, Suzanne La Licata, expressed their desire for the scholarship to be awarded to a disabled person seeking to improve his quality of life and provide him with needed financial support to continue his dedication to dressage.  The GDFNA embodies Dressage Education for all and is proud to offer support to a disabled rider who wishes to improve his horsemanship, whether seeking equine therapy through a PATH International center or for a budding Para-Dressage rider.

This year’s recipient of the GDFNA’s Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship Award will go to a very dedicated rider.  By spotlighting the needs of disabled equestrians, the GDFNA hopes to inspire riders and trainers who can assist them.  To support the scholarship for 2014, newly named Education Partner PATH International will exchange educational information and materials.   The GDFNA can now extend its reach to even more dedicated equestrians with this partnership.    For the award itself,  the GDFNA will provide direct financial support with a $10.00 donation for each General Admission Ticket seat sold after January 1, 2014 for the 2014 Global Dressage Forum North America.  The scholarship will be awarded at the GDFNA on February 15 & 16, 2014 and proceeds from the ticket sales after 1/1/14 will go directly to the recipient so that he or she may continue their pursuit of Dressage Education.

GNFNA is proud to announce that Kelby Barranco will be the recipient of its 2014 Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship.  His award will be used to assist in his goal of Para-Dressage competition.

According to Lindsay McCall of the USPEA:

“Kelby is currently nationally recognized as a para-dressage rider but he will be formally classified at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington. He is planning to enter and compete in the Grade II Para-Equestrian Dressage competition.”

Dressage shows in Palm Beach County are punctuated by the warm smile of Kelby Barranco, who is a hard-working volunteer.  Monica Barranco, Kelby’s mother works both international and national shows as a ring steward. Her love for horses comes from Kelby’s love for horses, and the almost miraculous healing power that horses have had in Kelby’s life.

Kelby was born with Microcephaly, which is a diagnostic term for small head development.  In addition, doctors discovered that Kelby had one fully developed brain hemisphere and one very underdeveloped hemisphere.  At 8 and ½ months of age, Kelby clearly demonstrated features of cerebral palsy.

By age 3 and ½, Kelby was not walking or talking.  What was a mother to do?  A truly excellent, devoted mother would get creative.  That is exactly what Monica Barranco did.  She found a trainer and put Kelby on a horse.

With each month’s passing, Kelby developed increased physical strength, and demonstrated a great love for horses.  Ms. Barranco did what all children want their parents to do.  She bought a horse for Kelby.  His first horse was Princess who was his teacher for 10 years before she passed away at age 35.

All of Kelby’s achievements, awards, along with his physical and cognitive development have been the subject of other interviews.  Kelby’s most recent acclaim was being awarded the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Here he is shown with his dear friend, Sylvia Rizzo.

Congratulations, Kelby!  You just won the GDFNA 2014 Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship Award.  We wish you well in reaching your goals of competing as a Para-Dressage Rider.

Written by Sharon Packer
(Photo Credit: Sharon Packer)