About USDF
USDF Mission Statement
Dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.
The United States Dressage Federation is the only national membership organization dedicated to dressage, a method of horse training in existence since ancient Greece and an Olympic sport since the inception of the modern Olympics in the late 1800's.
Dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage, USDF is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization with over 100 affiliate local or regional clubs, supporting more than 130 educational programs, and issuing more than 2000 annual awards for excellence in competition.
The national levels, Training Level through Fourth Level, are governed by the United States Equestrian Federation. The international levels are governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
USDF Statement on Equality and Inclusivity
The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is proud to represent all of its members, be a resource for the dressage community, and to support inclusivity in all aspects of sport.
As the world comes together during this pivotal time for civil rights, so too must the equine community. USDF stands firmly in support of the principles of equality and inclusivity in the organization and sport. Any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, etc. is in direct opposition to these principles and has no place within the organization. USDF supports our members, barn family, fans, and followers of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and sexualities.
In a sport where the goal is constant and progressive improvements, we must strive to do the same in our personal lives and within our organization. In every ride down the centerline, every group of friends gathering for dressage education, every tragedy and triumph, the dressage community is stronger together.
To this end, USDF has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce. The mission of the taskforce is to expand USDF’s inclusionary efforts to dispel preconceived notions, highlight the diversity that already exists, and grow interest and participation in dressage through initiatives developed to address concerns related to inclusion, equity, and diversity at all levels of the organization and sport. Some concepts developed by the taskforce have already been shared with Group Member Organization leadership, and there are more initiatives to come, which will be communicated directly to vested parties and through the USDF website. To contact the DEI Taskforce, e-mail DEI@usdf.org.
Report: USDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Climate Survey
USDF Horse Welfare Statement
As those engaged in equestrian sport, we are committed to ensuring our horses receive the best possible care to the best of our ability. We acknowledge that we are the caretakers of our horses and as such we are committed to always, without exception, treating our horses with dignity, fairness, kindness, and understanding.
We realize that horses, whether in a herd or as an individual, will communicate contentment, fear, pain and confusion in the only way they can, which often takes the form of physical reactions that can be misinterpreted and misunderstood.
Therefore, we believe it is our obligation to seek to understand our horses with the goal of providing care and training methods that are never the manifestation of anger, frustration or cruelty. We are committed to these principles at all times, whether on or off the show grounds.
We are committed to humane treatment and application of these principles on behalf of all animals including but not limited to horses, donkeys, mules, companion animals, and pets. Lack of humane treatment, whether the result of actions taken, or by care withheld, will not be tolerated.
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