TDF's Dream Program

The Dressage Foundation’s Dream Program is returning to CHIO Aachen!

Thanks to the generous $100,000 Matching Gift Challenge from Margaret Duprey, her Cherry Knoll Farm and many donors, the Dream Program will return to the prestigious CHIO Aachen (Germany) World Equestrian Festival in 2025! This exceptional program allows young dressage riders the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most iconic and historic dressage events in the world.

An Unforgettable Experience

CHIO Aachen, often referred to as the "Wimbledon of Equestrian Sports," is renowned for its exceptional competition and world-class riders. In 2025, a select group of young riders will travel to Aachen, where they will:

• Observe Top-Level Competition: Witness the world’s best dressage riders and horses as they compete at the highest level. This experience will provide invaluable education into what it takes to excel in high-performance dressage.
• Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with influential figures in the dressage community, from seasoned professionals to fellow young riders from around the globe. Building these relationships can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.

Program Information

Dates TBD (between June 27 – July 6, 2025)

TDF’s Dream Program: Aachen 2025 will allow riders who are 21-25 years old the opportunity to enhance their understanding of dressage theory and upper-level training by spending time at the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival. Participants will observe, discuss, and absorb all things dressage during the week, led by a dressage professional as a chaperone. No riding will take place during the program.

Applicants must have experience training and competing at Fourth Level or above. Selection will be based on merit, riding proficiency, a history of volunteering in the dressage community, and commitment to training in the sport of dressage.

This program is not for every youth/young adult rider. Those selected must be at an advanced level of experience and commitment to their riding. For those who are, this introduction to international dressage will be an incredible experience, and the riders will come home more seriously committed than ever, knowing what they need to work on to advance and excel in the sport.

This program is not a vacation, but an intense group experience with a total focus on dressage education. Expect very full days and evenings watching training and competition, discussing theory, keeping journals for TDF, and writing an article for publication.

Thanks to generous donors, TDF will cover the costs of the program. TDF staff and Board will organize all details of the program.

Applicant Criteria

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be age 21-25 during the dates of the program.
• Must be training and competing at Fourth Level or above.
• Have a history of volunteering within the dressage community
• Commitment to further education in dressage

The online application form and all required documents must be submitted to The Dressage Foundation on or before January 15, 2025.  A final decision will be announced by the end of February.

History of TDF's Dream Program

In 2000, Olympian Michael Poulin proposed a new program idea to take four top young American dressage riders to Europe for an introduction to European dressage trainers, riders, facilities, and events.

The concept of the program was to allow Young Riders the opportunity to enhance their understanding of dressage theory through this European experience. The Young Riders observed, discussed, and absorbed the European training system. They watched their peers compete in shows and championships and they visited with top European trainers and riders.

The program was open to Young Riders aged 16-21 and 22-year-old riders who participated in Young Riders the previous year, who were riding at Fourth Level or above. Selection was based on merit, riding proficiency, a history of volunteering in the dressage community, and commitment to training in the sport of dressage.

This program was not for every Young Rider. Those selected were at a highly advanced level of experience and commitment to their riding. For those who were, this introductory excursion into European dressage meant everything, and the riders came home more seriously committed than ever, knowing what they needed to work on to advance and excel in the sport.

From 2022-2024, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Young Rider Dream Program visited Wellington, Florida. Each year, five Young Riders took their first trip to Wellington and met with top industry professionals including instructors, trainers, judges, and facility owners. This amazing experience opened their eyes to what is possible for them and their future involvement in our sport.