Lexington, KY (May 4, 2022) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce the new USDF Dressage Spirit Award, another recognition opportunity for youth in our sport, which took effect on April 1, 2022.  This new award recognizes USDF youth members who have made significant contributions to their local equestrian communities while promoting the sport of dressage in a variety of ways. These can include activities such as volunteering, helping to form new youth clubs, fundraising, or supporting local dressage-related events.

Any current USDF Group, Education, or Participating youth members are eligible to be nominated and any individual besides the nominee's parent or legal guardian, regardless of USDF membership status, is eligible to nominate a deserving youth for this award. Nominations may also be made by a USDF Group Member Organization (GMO). For award recipients nominated by a GMO, the GMO will be recognized alongside the recipient on the USDF website.

USDF National Youth Programs Committee Chair Roz Kinstler adds, “This new award is to honor those youth members who work hard to share the love of the sport of dressage with their local communities. Often, these people are working behind the scenes, helping at horse shows, or even within their own stables, so it's easy to overlook them. Many don't have their own horses or regular riding opportunities, but that doesn't stop them from sharing their excitement to be involved. It keeps the future of our sport bright.”

For more information about the Dressage Spirit Award, specific requirements, and the nomination process, as well as all of the other USDF youth offerings and programs, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org or contact youth@usdf.org.  

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 usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.