The Young Rider Dream Program started in 2000, takes five top young American dressage riders to Wellington, FL, for five days of intensive learning opportunities. Applications can be accepted from riders, 18-22 years of age, who are riding at Third Level or above, and who have never trained or competed in the greater Wellington area.

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 an annual grant of up to $2,000 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. Applicants must be current residents of USDF Region 2 or USDF Region 4.

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.

One $1,000 grant will be awarded annually to a youth or young adult rider (25 or under as of December 1st of the current year) who is a current Michigan resident and best exemplifies the qualities that Carolyn found most important in life, including exhibiting the characteristics that demonstrate positive sportsmanship principles.

The goal 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 awarded will typically be $1,000, to be used for educational experiences that are not within the horse and rider’s typical training plan.

The purpose of the Karen Skvarla Fund is to provide $1,500 grants enabling young dressage professionals to pursue a variety of training or educational opportunities. Grant applicants should be in the beginning stages of their dressage careers as instructors and/or trainers.

The Lynn Palm Western Dressage Fund was established in 2019 by Lynn in celebration of her 50 years as a professional equestrian and to give back to the sport she loves. Lynn believes that the classical training principles of dressage are applicable and beneficial to all levels of riders, breeds of horses, and riding disciplines. Grants in the amount of $1,000 each are available for riders who need financial help to continue their Western Dressage education.

The Military Grant Fund was established in 2022 by Colonel David and Sue Bender of Beech Island, South Carolina. Through their generous gift, the Benders wish to recognize the contributions of military members and dependents to our country and sport. Grants in the amount of $1,000 each are available for amateur or youth riders, to include para-dressage riders, who need financial help to continue their dressage education.

This fund will provide an annual $1,000 grant to a current or graduate rider with a Pony Club Rating of A, B, or C rating to attend an educational event of his/her choice. Preference will be given to riders with an A or B rating.

Young Dressage Riders, between the ages of 14 and 21, riding at any level, participate in clinics that are located throughout the country. Instructors are highly respected international high-performance athletes. This year, The Dressage Foundation will help make these clinics possible with a grant to USDF.

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 provides a $15,000 grant for the Program through the general operating budget and through the Captain John H. "Jack" Fritz Young Professionals Grants within the Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund.