This past week, I had the privilege of being on a conference call with The Dressage Foundation. I was impressed by how well the Foundation seems to run (the conference call and project we were discussing was organized, tested and managed by the best possible players). It made me very excited for the sport, to know that they were involved in the growth of dressage.

More importantly, I was left with an even greater appreciation for the dressage community. Organized education in our sport is more than just learning – it is a chance to get everyone on the same page. The Dressage Foundation – as well as the USDF, USEF, FEI, GMOs, Intercollegiate Dressage, etc. – bring education to the members of the dressage world AND the members together.

Throughout my life, organized education has been like putting wheels on my dressage career. The people I have met at these events have been the oil that keeps those wheels going. Whether it is at the FEI Young Riders, USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference, USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program, USDF Instructor Certification,USDF “L” Program, Recognized Shows, GMO events, Intercollegiate Dressage or countless other programs.

What is so wonderful about these organizations, is that they bring funding and support to the most essential aspects of dressage – organized education – so that we can learn from and connect with each other.

So, next time you are at USDF “L” Program, Instructors Certification, Young Rider Clinics, etc… Think about the funding and support your GMO, USDF, USEF, FEI, The Dressage Foundation, etc. has put into this event.

Thanks to them, we are all growing together – as riders and in the sport. Our dressage (and the entire equestrian) community relies and thrives on this.