Announcing the 2023 van Schaik Memorial Dressage Scholarship Recipient
The American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust is proud to announce that Dr. Pamela Sorton of Brattleboro, Vermont was chosen to receive the 2023 van Schaik Memorial Dressage Scholarship. Congratulations, Dr. Sorton!
Dr. Sorton’s career and passion for Morgans began when she was in high school and received her first registered Morgan, Equus Spring Classic, as a weanling. She was hooked; and so began her lifelong dedication and commitment to our breed.
Her career in dressage began in the late 1970’s, riding with such notable instructors as Sally Swift, Lucile Bump, Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu, Suzanne Mente, and Miguel Anacoreta. Dr. Sorton and her current Morgan, Bay Run Encore (Corey), have started schooling fourth level movements. She also recently attended the 2022 NEDA Symposium with Carl Hester (who she said left her speechless). The weekend highlighted the many key points to achieve straightness, timing, and to assist Corey in his ability to carry himself which is key to achieving flying lead changes and canter pirouettes.
Plans are to use this scholarship to train with Joy Congdon to solidify Corey’s changes and advance through the upper levels. “My goal and greatest hope for myself and Corey would be to be awarded our AMHA Silver Medal and, if possible, to progress to Prix St. George to achieve our USDF Silver medal,” said Dr. Sorton. For now, she takes great pride in bringing light and awareness to the breed and enjoys hearing such comments as “that’s the Morgan who competes at 3rd level!” when she and Corey enter the show ring.
“Corey is a wonderful example of the Morgan breed, from his physique to his work ethic, to his versatility,” beams Dr. Sorton. In addition to excelling in Dressage, Corey competes successfully in carriage driving and hunter over fences, and loves riding out with their local hunt club.
The Review Committee had an exceptional pool of candidates to review this year. Congratulations, Dr. Sorton, on being selected. And thank you to all the other candidates. You are all wished continued success with your riding. Your hard work and diligence to master this beautiful and challenging discipline, and promote the Morgan horse, is much appreciated.
Learn about this scholarship by clicking here.