European Dressage News

Mia von Essen, First Recipient of Ajax Stipend

April 20, 2006

Swedish young rider Mia von Essen has become the first recipient of a stipend from the "Ajax Fund," which has been initiated by former international dressage rider Ulla Håkanson. Together with Swedish show jumping rider Ann-Sofie Oscarsson, Von Essen will receive 200,000 Swedish Kroner for one year which she can spend on furthering her dressage career.

Mia von Essen comes from a very horsey family, in which especially her sister Ebba von Essen has been in the spotlight on the international dressage scene. Mia von Essen herself is successfully competing young horses in Sweden and at the World Young Horse Championships and is currently training her own horse up to Grand Prix level with trainer Kyra Kyrklund.

The Ajax Stipend is an exceptional opportunity for talented young riders to get financial support for their equestrian career. Swedish riders up to 30 years of age can apply for the Ajax stipend. They have to have genuine interest for horses and rider and have a large amount of talent or produced good show results.

Swedish riders who wish to apply for an Ajax stipend can do so by applying before May 15, 2006. Send you application to:
Ulla Håkanson
Framnäsvägen 265-32
291 97 Gärds Köpinge
Sweden

Photo copyrighted: Dirk Caremans

Related Links
Ulla Håkanson Pays It Forward with "Ajax Fund"
Mia von Essen at the 2005 Global Dressage Forum
Ebba von Essen and Rambo