Thanks to the generosity of Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm, The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is thrilled to be able to boost the strength of its Young Rider Dream Program. Beginning in October 2022, the funds raised for the Program—up to the $100,000 mark—will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Duprey.
TDF's Young Rider International Dream Program was created in 2000 by Olympian Michael Poulin to give top young U.S. riders an introduction to international-level dressage through a tour of European training facilities and competitions. In 2022, due to the uncertainty of global travel, the Dream Program was held in Wellington, Florida. The program was a resounding success and will return to Wellington in 2023.
Throughout the years, participants have learned from top riders, instructors, and judges including Carl Hester, Hubertus Schmidt, Kyra Kyrklund, Christoph Hess, Monica Theodorescu, U.S. Olympians Sabine Schut-Kery and Adrienne Lyle, as well as top U.S. sponsors Betsy Juliano and Margaret Duprey herself. Dream Program groups have attended the CHIO Aachen, the European Junior/Young Rider Championships, and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
Since its beginning, the program has given 69 young riders the chance to be immersed in the international dressage scene. Over 81% of the past participants are now dressage professionals, including Olympian Adrienne Lyle. Lyle was selected for the 2005 trip to Europe and said, “I was immediately impressed by the polished presence of the European young riders and how boldly they rode in the ring. This was the first time it really clicked that to be competitive, you can’t stay conservative and in your comfort zone.”
The 2005 Young Rider Dream Program group in Germany. Left to right:
Chaperone Rachel Saavedra, Christina Beal, Monica Theodorescu, George Theodorescu,
Ashley Peterson, Kate Fleming, Adrienne Lyle, Chaperone Kate Poulin
Duprey believes that the Program has the power to instill dreams, confidence, and success in young U.S. riders. She said, “The Dream Program is a great opportunity for young adults to be able to learn from the dressage community all around the world. These young riders are the future of the dressage world, and what a way for them to see, speak with, and talk with top trainers and sponsors.”
Margaret Duprey and Diaz at Cherry Knoll Farm
Photo by Annan Hepner
Beth Baumert, TDF President & CEO and administrator for the Program shared, "The power of the Program is clear. Participants emerge with clear-cut visions of future career paths, and they march forward with confidence and lofty goals. By now, it’s clear that these young riders emerge as leaders of our sport."
Please rise to this unique challenge. Donations for the $100,000 Matching Gift Challenge can be made online at www.dressagefoundation.org, by calling TDF at (402) 434-8585, or mailing a check to:
The Dressage Foundation
1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305
Lincoln, NE 68508
For information about additional ways to give, including through donor-advised funds, stock gifts, or IRA contributions, please contact Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.
More information about TDF’s Young Rider Dream Program can be found at:
https://www.dressagefoundation.org/grants-and-programs/apply/young/dream.html
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.
