Help For Young Riders

Young Rider Olympic Dream Program

The Olympic Dream Program, started in 2000,  takes four top young American dressage riders to Europe for a two week introduction to European dressage.  Applications can be accepted from USDF Young Riders, 16-21 years of age, and 22 year old graduates of the Advanced Young Rider Program, who are riding at Fourth Level or Above.  

USDF FEI Junior/Young Rider Clinic Series

Young Dressage Riders, between the ages of 14 and 21, currently riding at Third Level or above, participate in nine clinics conducted each year (one in each USDF Region). Instructors are highly respected international high-performance athletes. This year, The Dressage Foundation will help make these clinics possible with a grant to USDF.

Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund

Established by Renee Isler, this fund was originally created to help applicants to the "USDF FEI Junior/Young Rider Clinic Series," who are in need of financial assistance in order to attend, if qualified and accepted by USDF. Renee's Fund has authorized nine annual grants of up to $800 each, one for each Clinic in each of the nine USDF Regions.

While the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund continues to meet this need, it has also grown in scope and funding available.  Funding is now available for a variety of uses for Young Riders and professionals. 

The Trip Harting Fund

Provides funding assistance for a Pony Club rider to attend the United States Dressage Federation ‘L’ Education Program or Instructor Certification Program.  Applicants must be current or graduate Pony Club members with a B or A rating.  Applications are due no later than February 1st of each year, for that year's award.

USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program

A weekend classroom educational seminar, this Program helps Young Rider graduates learn how to make a successful career in the adult equestrian world. The Dressage Foundation gave a $15,000 grant for this Program in 2012.

The Michael Poulin Dressage Fund

Established at The Dressage Foundation by friends and supporters of Olympian Michael Poulin, the purpose of this Fund is to provide funding support for programs and projects that enhance the quality of Dressage in the United States, through any and all of its component disciplines - riding, competing, training, instructing, and judging.  Grant applications should contain bold, creative, innovative ideas for the improvement and strengthening of Dressage.

Cheryl Finke Developing Rider Fund for CenterLine Dressage (IL)

This fund awards scholarships to help provide educational training for riders who are members of CenterLine Dressage (IL) and are riding at Fourth Level and above.  The Dressage Foundation is pleased to provide stewardship services for this Fund.

The Amanda Ward Legacy Fund

Established at The Dressage Foundation in 2007, in special remembrance of Amanda, to help Young Riders pursue their Dressage Dreams. The Fund will give an annual $1,000 Award to the Highest scoring Junior/Young Rider at Third Level and above, at the New England Dressage Association Fall Festival.