The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is proud to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2024 and its impact on dressage in the U.S. Since TDF was established in 1989 by Nebraskan Lowell Boomer, it has consistently worked toward its mission of providing support for dressage education at all levels. In the past 35 years, countless dressage enthusiasts from every corner of the country have been positively affected by grants that helped fund their dressage education.
Since its beginning, TDF has awarded over $4 million through its many grants and programs. TDF is home to three FEI-level Grant Funds that have impacted the sport at the highest levels of competition, including supporting the training of Olympians and other Team USA members. Notable recipients of these $25,000 grants include Adrienne Lyle, Laura Graves, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Jennifer Williams amongst others.
In addition to these FEI-level grants, TDF is proud to offer grants for nearly every aspect of our sport, including for instructors, trainers, judges, adult amateurs, youth, breeders, and more. Each year TDF awards over $50,000 to dressage professionals and over $25,000 to adult amateurs to receive dressage training. TDF also annually awards over $100,000 to support educational programs such as clinics and camps. Past grants have been awarded to events organized by the United States Dressage Federation and its Group Member Organizations, US Equestrian, and the United States Pony Club. With grants from TDF’s group education Funds, thousands of riders and dressage enthusiasts can participate in clinics across the country at reduced costs.
This support of the U.S. dressage community—from youth riders to adult amateurs to professionals and more—has only been possible because of the generosity of thousands of donors through the years.
“As we commemorate our 35th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey of TDF, the countless people who have been touched by our grants and programs, and all the donors who make it possible year in and year out. We are immensely proud of the impact TDF has made over the years and remain committed to our mission of advancing the sport of dressage for generations to come,” said Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director.
TDF invites members of the dressage community to be a part of the 35th anniversary celebration by sharing their stories of how TDF has impacted their dressage journeys. Visit https://www.dressagefoundation.org/celebrating-35-years/ to learn more about TDF’s 35-year history and share stories to inspire others to become part of the TDF community. Other events, fundraising initiatives, and special recognitions will be shared throughout the year.
For more information about TDF and its grants and programs, please visit www.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 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.
