Overview

TDF’s Dream Programs provide young riders with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of dressage theory and upper-level training through immersive, educational experience. Dream Program: Aachen is open to riders aged 21–25 and takes place at the renowned CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Germany. Dream Program: Wellington is designed for riders aged 18–22 and is held during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. Both programs are non-riding and focus on education, observation, and inspiration at the highest levels of the sport.

The Amanda Johnson Freestyle Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 2020 by Amanda’s family and friends, in memory of her dedication to the sport of dressage. The goal of this Fund is to provide two annual grants of up to $1,500 to a young professional between the ages of 20 and 30 to pay for the costs of creating a professionally prepared musical freestyle for competition.

With funding provided through the Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund, The Dressage Foundation is pleased to offer grants of up to $500 each to individual participants to attend the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program.

The Carolyn Van Cise Fund for Michigan Youth and Young Adults grant is awarded annually to a youth or young adult rider who is a current Michigan resident. This $1,000 grant can be used to cover the recipient’s expenses associated with attending a specific educational dressage or eventing event (Western dressage riders are welcome to apply).

The purpose of the Cynthia Aspden Youth and Young Adult Development Fund is to provide financial assistance to youth and young adult riders (age 25 and under) to aid in their development in dressage.

Grants of $3,000 - $5,000 are available for instructors aged 25-35 (at the time of the application) who have an established business, to obtain training and education as a rider and instructor.

The Karen Skvarla Fund provides grants enabling emerging dressage professionals to pursue training or educational opportunities. Up to two grants may be awarded annually.

The Dressage Foundation’s Military Fund provides financial support for dressage-related education to riders who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States military and their dependents. The Fund is open to all branches of the military including active duty, reserves, and veterans. To apply, applicants must be an Amateur or youth rider and/or Amateur or youth para-dressage rider.

The Para Dressage Fund provides financial support for Para Dressage riders, riders with disabilities, and Visually Impaired riders. The purpose of this support is for riders to attend educational events such as clinics/seminars at the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence, lessons with a trainer of choice, or other educational opportunities that will enable the riders to improve and reach their goals. 

The purpose of this Fund is to provide financial support to obtain further dressage training for riders who train and compete a Pure Spanish Horse/P.R.E. in the sport of dressage.

The purpose of this Fund, established by Lynn Palm, is to support Western dressage riders to receive additional training outside of the horse and rider's typical training plan (camps, clinics, additional lessons) in Western dressage.

The Trip Harting Fund provides an annual grant to a current or graduate dressage rider with U.S. Pony Club experience to attend an educational event.

The USDF FEI Youth Clinic Series is an educational opportunity for youth riders striving to compete at FEI levels. The goal of this series is to promote hardworking, talented youth riders who want to rise to the top of the discipline.

The USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program is a two-day educational seminar that focuses on crucial topics that young adults, ages 20-28, need to know to prepare for a professional career in the equine industry. Topics include goal setting, sponsorship, international competition and business subjects such as contracts, insurance and tax practices. The Dressage Foundation helps make this event possible with a grant to USDF.