While both organizations were established by Nebraska native, Lowell Boomer, there are fundamental differences between the two. The United States Dressage Federation was formed in 1973 apart from the American Horse Show Association (now known as USEF) to give the discipline of dressage more attention it needed to flourish in the States. USDF became the governing body for the sport, developing the standards and providing the educational information for judges, instructors and riders. From the first meeting in November of 1973 in Lincoln, NE, USDF continues to educate dressage enthusiasts, promote the sport and recognize achievements. The USDF offices are located in Lexington, Kentucky. Visit www.usdf.org for more information.

The Dressage Foundation, a non-profit tax-exempt corporation, was established in 1989 by Lowell to provide financial support to the sport of dressage. TDF provides funding to USDF, its Group Member Organizations (GMOs), other non-profit organizations and to individuals for dressage-related education. These grants are possible because of tax-deductible contributions made by donors and through earnings on funds and reserves. Unlike USDF, we have no paying members - TDF can only give away what generous donors give to us. Since its beginning, TDF has awarded millions of dollars in grants to improve dressage in the United States.

TDF has no dues-paying members and depends solely on support from charitable contributions and earnings from investment reserves. These financial contributions can come in all sizes, even the smallest donation helps! Visit our Support page to make a financial contribution.

Another way you can contribute to TDF is by promoting the organization through your local Group Member Organization (GMO) or dressage club. Spread the word by writing an article, hosting a fundraiser, distributing brochures or holding a TDF Benefit Class at your next show! If you have a creative idea, let us know how we can help!

TDF awards grants to all sorts of dressage enthusiasts; young riders, amateurs, judges, instructors, GMOs/clubs, breeders, high performance riders, and more. You can refer to our Index of Grants page, found under "Grants and Programs," which categorizes our grants in an easy to understand chart. Each program has its own webpage that states the requirements to apply.

Receiving a grant from TDF is dependent on receiving your application on time! Don’t miss the due dates; check out our Grant Deadline Calendar page and click on the link "Add To My Calendar!" Each application should also state the deadline.