The Dressage Foundation’s 5-Year Strategic Vision at a Glance
2019 – 2023

Our Mission
To cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the U.S.

Our Vision
That the generosity of many will allow the financial barriers of our sport to be removed, so that every aspect of U. S. dressage will grow and succeed locally, nationally and internationally, through the help and guidance of individuals and organizations who are passionately promoting classical dressage principles.

Background
In 2018, our Board of Directors developed a strategic vision for the next five years.  In preparation, they spent a great deal of time reviewing and considering the responses from the nationwide survey conducted at the end of 2017.

Through that feedback, the following key ideas emerged for how our organization can continue to support the growth and improvement of U.S. dressage.

Increase the accessibility of our sport and proactively cultivate grassroots participation in dressage by amateurs, youth and all levels of professionals

There is concern among our constituents about the viability of our sport if current riders do not stay involved, and if the sport doesn’t bring in new enthusiasts and fans.  Dressage may seem far-removed from the experiences of most Americans, but the systematic training of horses has been a significant part of U.S. history and culture.

Dressage is a sport defined by connection and harmony with the horse, which can be promoted at all horse sport venues and is evident in all disciplines.  Therefore, it provides a natural meeting ground to reintroduce Americans to their equestrian roots.

Goals include:
1.  Focus on increasing engagement of grassroots amateurs, youth and professionals.
2.  Evaluate current grants for possible expansion of criteria that will enable more people to apply.
3.  Streamline the application and review process.

Strengthen our financial position by increasing fundraising capacity and endowment

The costs to breed, own, train and compete dressage horses continue to increase, preventing many from reaching their true potential.  As an independent organization separate from the governing bodies of the sport, we are in a unique position to work with donors who want to grow and improve any aspect of U.S. dressage – riding at all levels and for all ages, instructing, training, judging, breeding and more.

We will work to strengthen our financial position so that we may expand our reach and program offerings, making dressage possible for a wider audience.

Goals include:
1.  Increase grant funding by building relationships with more people who want to help our sport.
2.  Establish a Legacy Society for donors making gifts to TDF in their estate plans.
3.  Expand our presence in the dressage community through our State Representatives and by attending more key events.

Increase awareness of grants and programs

To reach more riders, horses and fans, we will focus on increasing communication with our constituents and engaging new friends to achieve our mission together.  We hope to have your help along the way!

Goals include:
1.  Strengthen social media presence.
2.  Promote TDF through a revamped Benefit Class program at shows.
3.  Work with equestrian media to regularly reach a broader audience.

Strengthen operations and engagement of our Board and volunteers

We will work to ensure that our processes and procedures continue to keep us accountable to our donors, grant recipients and the dressage community.  Processes will be implemented or updated to clearly track objectives and key results.

We will also make an effort to seek new members for our team with unique backgrounds and skill sets that will strengthen our organization and challenge us to expand in new and exciting ways.

Goals include:
1.  Seek Board members with varied perspectives and skill sets.
2.  Review and streamline internal procedures to ensure preparedness and effectiveness.
3.  Add staff members in order to increase grant-making and fundraising capacities.

Would you like to support your dressage community by joining our efforts as a donor or volunteer?  Contact Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director, at (402) 434-8585 for more information.