Lexington, KY (April 1, 2009) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund at The Dressage Foundation (TDF) will be providing $13,000 in funding to support the Platinum Performance/USDF FEI Junior/Young Rider Clinic Series and TDF will provide $15,000 in funding support for the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program.  
          "We are very grateful for the continued support from TDF and the Renee Isler Support Fund at TDF," states Linda Schultz, Director of Marketing. "They have always been so supportive of our Jr/YR programs and that is critical to building the future of dressage."
          The Dressage Foundation's mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage. "We are pleased that TDF can make it possible for these two programs to continue.  Many of our advanced young riders become professionals and helping them to become better riders and competitors through the clinics and giving them direction through the graduate program should help make US Dressage stronger," said Lendon Gray, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation.
          FEI Jr/YR clinics are open to riders between the ages of 14-21 currently riding at Third Level or above.  However, auditors of all ages and levels are encouraged to attend as all can benefit from observing the training methods of these respected clinicians.
          The USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program is designed to assist riders ages 20-28 in making the transition from the Young Rider ranks to the professional levels of the sport as riders, trainers and judges.  The three day program will be held in January 2010 in the Wellington, Florida area.
          Clinic information, participant applications, and online registration will be available through the USDF Web site.  For more information, contact the USDF office.

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.