On April 21, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the USDF National Education Center which will house USDF's permanent headquarters and Hall of Fame. 

The organization's new national headquarters will be located at the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games and next door to the United States Equestrian Federation, equestrian sport's national governing body. Stephan Hienzsch USDF's Executive Director said, "The USDF staff looks forward to cooperative efforts that close proximity with USEF will afford."

The upcoming ribbon cutting marks the first time in its thirty year history that the USDF will have a permanent home and a Hall of Fame where visitors can connect with horses and individuals who have shaped dressage in the United States.
 
Sam Barish, USDF President, commented "USDF will be prominently located in a world-class equestrian facility with other national organizations and will be positioned very well to serve dressage and USDF members into the future."

USDF is engaged in a $5 million capital campaign that will result in debt free home ownership and a $1 million endowment fund.  The Campaign for the USDF National Education Center has surpassed the halfway mark towards its $5 million goal with over $2.6 million in pledges raised to date.

Charles A Smith, National Campaign Chair says:  "We have achieved a great deal thanks to the support of many generous donors.  Two donors, the Roemer Foundation and Margaret Hamilton Duprey, have had a particularly significant impact, pledging $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.  The Roemer pledge was made in the form of a matching challenge which has been met, having an impact of over $1 million."  Charles goes on to say, "We have much to be proud of but we have some way to go to fully realize our goals.  I'm confident we will get there with the continued support of the dressage community."

For additional information about the ribbon cutting or campaign opportunities contact Charlotte Williams, USDF Campaign Coordinator at 859-971-7826, or [email protected]

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.