The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is excited to announce that applications for the 2023 Young Rider Dream Program trip to Wellington, Florida, are now being accepted.
The Dream Program is a fully funded opportunity for riders who are 18-22 years old, riding Third Level and above, and who have never trained or competed in Wellington. The program will take place January 24-29, 2023. Applications are due October 7, 2022, and the application is available online at dressagefoundation.org.
During their week in Wellington, TDF’s Dream Program group will be led by a dressage professional as a chaperone and will have the opportunity to meet with some of the top riders, coaches, and judges in the world. The group will also attend competitions at Adequan Global Dressage Festival. While traveling, the young riders will record their observations in daily journals and chronicle the events with photos and video to share.
2022 Participants at Adequan Global
TDF's Young Rider International Dream Program was originally created in 2000 by Olympian Michael Poulin as a trip to Europe for four top U.S. Young Riders. Since then, the program has given 69 young riders the chance to be immersed in the international dressage scene. Most of those riders have become dressage professionals, including 2005 participant and Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
Following the resounding success of the 2022 Dream Program in Wellington, and with the continued uncertainty of global travel, the 2023 program will once again take place in Wellington instead of traveling abroad. You can read more about the 2022 participants and their experiences here.
“TDF’s Young Rider Dream Program trip to Wellington opened my eyes to the brilliant quality of dressage we have right here in the United States. The trip renewed my outlook on what is possible for my career and has motivated me to go ‘all in’ while following my heart and passion for dressage. If you’re not sure what is next for you in dressage as you transition out of your junior years, this program is sure to inspire you,” said 2022 Dream Program participant, Ruby Tevis of Lexington, KY.
2022 Participants with Sabine Schut-Kery
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities to support the Young Rider International Dream Program are welcome. For more information, contact TDF’s Executive Director, Jenny Johnson, at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.
For more information about the Dream Program or how to apply, contact Sara Weiss, Director of Grants and Programs, at (402) 434-8585 or sara@dressagefoundation.org.
The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advancing the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high-performance teams, nonprofit equestrian organizations, and more. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
