December 21, 2008 (Lexington, KY) - "The Campaign for the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) National Education Center (NEC) has been a big success.  We have also made a very good start towards building a long-term endowment," announced USDF President Sam Barish, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, held in Orlando Florida, November 27-December 2.

          USDF has been tremendously successful in its first capital campaign effort, having secured campaign commitments of over $4.1 million that, when paid, will fully satisfy all financial obligations to the USDF NEC building project by 2011.  Completing the building project substantially below original cost projections contributed to this achievement. 

          "Being debt free and establishing a substantive endowment fund will be the gift that keeps on giving, and will result in significant annual operating cost savings that will be directed to improved services, education, and programs for our members," stated Stephan Hienzsch, USDF's executive director.  

          The NEC is located at the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  It houses the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, the organization's national headquarters, and the Lendon F. Gray Bookstore.  Equine art, donated by individuals and on loan from artists, grace the building throughout and enhance the dressage and equestrian ambiance.  Historical posters of USDF personalities, events and programs line the hallways, bringing nostalgic memories and emotions to visitors.  

          During 2007, USDF hosted its first education program, utilizing the Grand Prix Seminar Room. This was a series of USDF Instructor Certification Workshops held in cooperation with the United States Pony Clubs.   USDF staff has been meeting regularly with its neighbors, the United States Equestrian Federation, to cooperatively provide improved services to the dressage community, and partnering with the American Association of Equine Practitioners to bring additional horse health education opportunities to USDF members.  USDF's location has positioned it well to further its mission of education, recognition of achievement and promotion of dressage.

          Many improvements to the Horse Park are under way in preparation for the games, including a new 7,000 seat indoor stadium, a 250 room hotel, and a 35,000 seat outdoor stadium, located 200 yards from the USDF headquarters.  The dressage competition at the WEG will be held in this stadium.   Also located at the park are 33 other equine organizations, creating an equine community unlike any other in America. 

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.