Who we are
The Debbie Haimowitz Horsemanship Foundation (DHHF) was established in 2025 to honor the profound and enduring legacy of beloved equestrian Debbie Haimowitz. Throughout her distinguished career, Debbie exemplified an unwavering commitment to the art of horsemanship and an insatiable desire for continual learning. She meticulously practiced all aspects of equine knowledge and care, constantly striving for excellence in classical training and rider development.
Debbie's legacy extended far beyond her personal achievements; she was a revered teacher and mentor whose patience and unique intuition transformed countless lives. She disseminated the spirit of meticulous horse care and classical horsemanship. Friends highlighted her extraordinary ability to teach, consistently coaxing students to new levels of understanding. Her exceptional ability to connect with and calm both horses and timid students made her an unparalleled educator.
The DHHF carries forward this holistic legacy, perpetuating her lifelong dedication to classical training, thorough horse care, and, most importantly, her profound human and animal connection, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire future generations in the equestrian world.
Our vision, mission and philosophy
The DHHF Board of Directors, comprised of Jonna Gaston, Gina Plantz, Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler, Sarah Segal, and Katie Hartmann, share a unified vision for the foundation. Their collective expertise and deep roots in the equestrian community guide the DHHF to honor Debbie’s enduring legacy by upholding her core principles of horsemanship, continuous learning, and compassionate equine care.
The Board envisions the Foundation as a pivotal force in nurturing the next generation of equestrians with a core mission to identify and empower aspiring young talents who demonstrate not only exceptional skill but also a profound commitment to the sport's highest ideals. This includes fostering future instructors, professional riders, and devoted equestrian’s who embody Debbie's work ethic and genuine connection to horses.
As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the DHHF was created with a singular, public-benefit purpose: to fund scholarships that provide exceptional continuing education opportunities for riders.
Our Scholarship Program
Our initial program is meticulously designed for emerging equestrians who possess the talent and profound ambition to forge distinguished careers within the competitive equestrian field. The unique, month-long immersive experience unfolds within a premier competition stable, offering unparalleled practical insight into elite show jumping. Selected recipients receive comprehensive training with Chris Kappler Inc., encompassing advanced daily horsemanship, professional riding, invaluable competition coaching, and complete immersion in elite facility operations
For the program's duration, recipients may bring their own suitable mount (subject to approval) or utilize a horse graciously provided by the DHHF. This cornerstone program is offered exclusively during the summer season at Chris Kappler Inc.’s New Jersey base, Chartwell, providing an ideal environment for intensive professional development.
As funding allows, we will expand this program to include opportunities with other esteemed trainers during the winter horseshow season in Wellington, Florida.
The Application Process
The selection of our scholarship recipients is a highly rigorous and meticulous process, personally overseen by Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler and ultimately approved by the DHHF Board of Directors. Our aim is to identify not just talent, but also dedication and potential for significant contribution to the equestrian community. The comprehensive evaluation includes several critical stages: a thorough written application submission, insightful personal interviews, and precise riding evaluations to assess practical skills and horsemanship. This is a rolling application process, and successful candidates will be notified when scholarships are available, and program dates are confirmed.
Central to the written application are a candidate's vision and ambition. We ask candidates to articulate their professional equestrian goals, inviting them to describe their aspirations and how they envision this scholarship furthering their career, encouraging them to outline the direct impact and strategic advantages they anticipate from this unique opportunity.
To begin your journey towards this transformative opportunity, you can access the application here:
Please join us in supporting Debbie’s legacy
As a 100% volunteer-driven organization, every scholarship we award is directly funded by the generosity of our donors.
Your contributions are not merely financial; they are an investment in the future of equestrian excellence and a direct continuation of Debbie’s selfless spirit. We deeply appreciate every contribution, regardless of size, as each plays a vital role in transforming aspiring equestrians' lives.
Click here to contribute to the scholarship fund
Your generous donation is tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
