The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is thrilled to announce that its Dream Program will once again return to Aachen, Germany, for the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in the summer of 2025. This prestigious program is a cornerstone of TDF’s commitment of education for dressage riders in the United States.
Thanks to generous donors, TDF’s Dream Program is a fully funded experience for riders, aged 21-25 years old. The purpose of the program is to enhance participants’ understanding of dressage theory and upper-level training by spending time at the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival. Participants will observe, discuss, and absorb all things dressage during the week, led by a dressage professional as a chaperone. Applicants must have experience training and competing at Fourth Level or above. For participants, the Dream Program will provide an incredible introduction to international dressage, significantly impacting their dressage careers.
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel, TDF worked with Wellington, FL trainers, riders, and judges to create a similar Dream Program held within the United States in 2021, 2022, and 2023. While very successful, TDF’s goal has been to return to the “Wimbledon of Equestrian Sports,” CHIO Aachen. TDF also plans to return to Wellington, FL in 2026 and rotate between Aachen and Wellington in the coming years. The Wellington version of TDF’s Dream Program is for riders aged 18-22, training at Third Level or higher. Wellington Dream Program participants are welcome to apply to the Aachen Dream Program when/if they meet the age and level requirements.
Applications to participate must be submitted by January 15, 2025. Riders from across the United States are encouraged to apply. Selected participants will be announced in early 2025, and the program will culminate with the trip to CHIO Aachen in July. The application and additional information can be found at www.dressagefoundation.org
The Dream Program was conceived by Olympic medalist and TDF Director Emeritus, Michael Poulin, in 2000 in order for young riders to enhance their understanding of dressage theory through European experience. Since 2000, 84 participants have taken part in the program. The vast majority of past participants are still active in dressage, and many have gone on to become dressage professionals, including Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
The return to CHIO Aachen has been made possible by many donors, especially Margaret Duprey and her Cherry Knoll Farm. In 2023, Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm issued a Matching Gift Challenge which raised over $174,000, ensuring the continuation of the Dream Program. TDF extends its thanks to Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm for their support of the Dream Program.
For more information about the Dream Program, contact Sara Weiss at (402)434-8585 or sara@dressagefoundation.org.
About 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.
