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Ali Dasher- 2019 Winner
" I am such an advocate of paying it forward, the thought and basis behind the Give Back to Go scholarship speaks to me. Being awarded this scholarship inspired and motivated me to stay on track with my goal of participating in the RRP and making the trek from California to Kentucky. I am looking forward to watching this scholarship grow and assist others in the pursuit of their goal to join the RRP in promoting the talents of off track Thoroughbreds. "
Megan Waelti - 2019 Co-Winner
"Emily Daignault-Salvaggio's Give Back to Go Scholarship means so much more than a paid entry to RRP. To me, it is the most important reminder for all of us in this sport to do our part; to contribute to our community and to be thankful everyday that we get to spend our time doing what we love. It was not only a great opportunity to supplement the expenses of my show season with Tiger's Tip (Tiger), but for me, it was a way to achieve one of my personal goals to volunteer more. I spent time this past season volunteering at more shows, whether I was competing at them or not. And I rallied my teammates to join in alongside me. We had an incredible time and learned and APPRECIATED our sport even more. It was a great reminder to me of what we should strive to be and do, to give back to our communities, to the sport, and most importantly, to the horse.
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While the Makeover is the big, exciting event that we all set our sights on, it's important to remember it is not the end-all. We don't stop after that. We continue on with our horses. Paying it forward helps to not only give back, but to cultivate relationships you might not have otherwise had the opportunity to have. I've met some amazing people through this and I am forever thankful. Be thankful for what you have, for the people you meet, for the horses that come across your path. Every part teaches you something and if you embrace it you never know where it will take you.
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While I will not be participating with a horse at RRP this year (I'm keeping Tiger He's just incredible and I look forward to growing him), I plan to continue to pay it forward and promoting RRP, OTTBs, and be involved at a higher level in Eventing, both in the saddle and on the ground (I recently accepted the USEA Area IV Adult Rider Coordinator position to be more involved)."
Kallie Zeinstra - 2019 Co-Winner
"Receiving this scholarship gave me the ability to not only participate with my mare Lola (JC: Southern Diva) at the Makeover but I was then able to donate my entry fee to our recently started non-profit Jacob’s Lighthouse Inc. named for my 2017 Makeover graduate Jacob’s Lighthouse. Our non-profit uses equine assisted therapy in West Michigan through Miniature Horses and OTTBs. The funds were used toward supplies for the horses in our program and to purchase gifts for the residents we visit. Lola and I had a blast training for the Makeover where we competed in the Field Hunters division. She was a great representative for the small and quirky OTTB! This past Makeover will be my last for a few years as I will be focusing on building our non-profit and continued training and competing with Lola and Birdie (JC: Kodiak Ridge) my 2018 graduate. This scholarship meant a great deal to me and has impacted many lives. I can’t wait to see who it impacts next as more thoroughbreds’ transition into new lives after the track."
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