The board would like to thank everyone who submitted an application this year to ISSO for the Liberty Side Saddle Network $250 Scholarship. We had the largest number of submissions to date which is very exciting to see a growth in the sport we all love. The candidates were all highly motivated, made compelling arguments, had well written submission and great plans for uses of the money which made it a really tough decision for the board. We wish we could have chosen them all but only have the one scholarship that was so generously donated by LSSN so if you would like to donate in the future to further the education and impact and improve the live of more aside riders, please consider starting a scholarship or donating funds for additional ones. In the end, we chose Geisha Elsea as the 2019 recipient. She is a self-professed "sidesaddleaholic" that has been riding aside for three years, enjoys trail riding, foxhunting, and even the occasional medieval game aside, and loves to share all she has learned by educating and encouraging newcomers to the sport (she even allows others to hop up on her side saddle when out on her adventures to encourage new converts to give it a go as she is the only aside rider in her area). I am sure if you are active in the side saddle Facebook groups you have seen her sharing excerpts from "Riding For Ladies" and sharing tips and tricks for sewing projects. She plans to use the funds to further her riding education by attending Camp Leaping Horn in 2020. Please join us in congratulating Geisha on this years scholarship!