Donor Support = Lasting Impact

Elizabeth Youatt (WA) spent years as a successful Pony Club youth member. Now as an adult and dressage professional, she is giving back to that organization as an instructor and a club and regional level examiner. When Elizabeth received our Trip Harting Fund Grant for Pony Club Members and Graduates, she was thrilled with the chance to focus on her education as an instructor.

Over the last several months, Elizabeth used her grant to take lessons with instructor and 4* Judge, Kari McClain. She said, “As a professional wearing many hats and running on thin margins, it is easy to get lost in running a training, boarding, and sales barn. The support from the Trip Harting Fund allowed me to specifically focus on my continuing education and shine a light on my goals with reduced financial pressure.

“I cannot thank the donors of The Dressage Foundation enough for their generosity in providing funding to the dressage community. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected and trusted with the opportunity to further my education. These lessons leave a long-lasting impact on my continuing development. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my students and community.”

A Strengthening Passion for Dressage

Youth rider, Sage Smith (OK), received a $1,000 grant from our Cynthia Aspden Youth and Young Adult Development Fund to participate in the Dressage4Kids Winter Intensive Training (WIT) Program this winter.

Sage shared, "I have always loved the process of training horses, the day‑to‑day learning, the small breakthroughs, and the partnership that develops over time. WIT strengthened that passion. Every lecture, ride, and hands‑on session helped me build the foundation I need to develop horses correctly and thoughtfully, whether I am working with my Gypsy Vanners or my FEI warmblood. The program also gave me the tools to continue building a career in dressage, from understanding horse care at a deeper level to learning how to present myself professionally, manage challenges, and set bigger goals for the future.

"None of these experiences would have been possible without the support of The Dressage Foundation. Your grant allowed me to immerse myself fully in this program, learn from world‑class professionals, and continue building the skills I need to grow as a rider, trainer, and a future professional in the sport. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and will leave WIT excited to carry everything I learned into the season ahead."

Will We See You in Texas?

The countdown is on! We invite you to join us April 8-12th in Fort Worth, Texas, for the 2026 FEI World Cup™ Finals!

The Dressage Foundation's booth will be in the main concourse of Dickies Arena. There, TDF staff will be on hand to share information about grants and programs that support dressage education across the United States.

Visitors to TDF's booth can also learn more about how to help riders of all ages and levels reach their goals and realize their dreams through TDF.

We Welcome Our Newest Corporate Partner

We are pleased to welcome Marc Ulanowski, a Broker Associate with Sotheby’s International Realty, as a new Corporate Partner.

Marc shared, “I decided to support The Dressage Foundation because its work helps keep the sport in reach for many riders. When I started riding dressage 25 years ago, it was expensive, but not like it is today. TDF’s grants are helping alleviate the financial burdens of dressage education for so many riders across the country.”

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Don't miss out on the opportunity to apply for funding for your dressage education:

3/25 -- Trip Harting Fund for Current and Graduate Pony Club Members

4/1 -- Amelia's 'Dressage for All' Youth Fund

4/10 -- Jane Savoie Fund for Adult Amateurs

5/15 -- Military Grant Fund

5/20 -- Region 4 FEI Adult Excellence Fund

75 days before the event -- Many grants are available for dressage clubs/groups to host educational events.