The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce the five young rider participants for its Dream Program trip to Wellington, Florida, in January 2026.
The five participants are Tayla Damyanovich (MN), Grace Davis (CO), Hailey Jones (TX), Finn Kriess (WA), and Abigail Siever (CA).
The selection committee based its decision on candidates’ merit, riding proficiency, a history of volunteering in the dressage community, and commitment to training in the sport of dressage.
Thanks to generous donors, the 2026 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. 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. Bobbi Carleton (CT) will be the program chaperone in 2026.
The group will also attend competitions at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. While traveling, the young riders will record their observations in daily journals and chronicle the events with photos and videos to share.
After being selected to participate in the Dream Program, the participants said the following:
Photo by Susan J. Stickle
Tayla Damyanovich said, “I’m deeply honored to have been selected to participate in the 2026 Dream Program. I’m looking forward to the incredible opportunities for learning, growth, and connection within dressage that this experience will bring. Thank you to The Dressage Foundation and its generous donors for their commitment to supporting riders’ education— your investment truly means so much.”
Photo by Una Schade Photography
Grace Davis said, “I am beyond grateful to The Dressage Foundation for selecting me for the Dream Program. For me, this opportunity represents more than just a trip, as it is a glimpse into the future I'm working so hard toward as I chase my dream of becoming a professional. Opportunities like this aren’t always accessible, so being given the chance to learn and see this level of competition up close is incredibly meaningful and inspiring. I am beyond excited for the adventure that awaits in January!”
Photo by Hope Meinen Photography
Hailey Jones said, “Being chosen for the Dream Program is a fantastic opportunity! It will lead to experiences that would have been difficult to obtain on my own. I am beyond excited to receive first-hand insight from leading industry trainers and instructors, fully engage with their expertise, and cultivate meaningful, long-term connections through this educational experience.”
Photo by Ella Chedester Photography
Finn Kriess said, “Being selected for the Dream Program feels surreal. Horses, professionally, are something I never imagined would become my future, and to have this opportunity means so much. I’m excited to learn from top professionals, gain insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, and bring that knowledge back to strengthen not only my own riding and the partnership I share with my horses, but also the people and communities around me.”
Photo by Tamara with the Camera
Abigail Siever said, “I’m honored to be selected for the TDF’s Dream Program in Wellington. This opportunity is such a milestone in my dressage journey, and I’m excited to learn, grow, and deepen my understanding of the sport I love.”
TDF's Dream Program was 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 88 young riders the chance to be immersed in the international dressage scene in Europe and Wellington. Most of those riders have become dressage professionals, including 2005 participant and Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
Support for the Dream Program can be made by credit card online at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling TDF’s office at (402) 434-8585. Donations by check can be mailed to The Dressage Foundation at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508.
For more information about The Dressage Foundation, visit www.dressagefoundation.org, call (402) 434-8585, or email info@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.
