The Dressage Foundation (TDF) announced the four participants for its Dream Program trip to the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, in July 2025.
The Dream Program participants will be chaperoned by former Olympian and U.S. Dressage Development Coach, Charlotte Bredahl (CA), and FEI-Level rider and trainer, Jessica Jo (JJ) Tate (SC).
Tessa Holloran (FL), Genevieve Oliver (PA), Quinn Ridgeway (NJ), and Paige Zimmerman (PA) were selected to participate in this year’s program. The selection committee based their decision on candidates’ merit, riding proficiency, history of volunteering in the dressage community, and commitment to training in the sport of dressage.
Aachen Dream Program
The Aachen Dream Program has been made possible by many donors, especially Margaret Duprey and her Cherry Knoll Farm. In 2023, Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm issued a Matching Gift Challenge that raised over $174,000, ensuring the continuation of the Dream Program.
The Aachen Dream Program is a fully funded intensive educational opportunity for riders who are 21-25 years old and riding at Fourth Level and above. The group will attend the World Equestrian Festival Aachen in July to watch some of the top riders in the world train and compete. They will have the chance to discuss training with judges, coaches and riders, and watch the warmup as well as the competition rides.
The European Experience
TDF's Dream Program was created in 2000 by Olympian Michael Poulin as a trip to Europe for four top U.S. Young Riders. Since then, the program has given 84 participants the chance to be immersed in the international dressage scene. The vast majority of past participants are still active in dressage, and many have gone on to become dressage professionals, including Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
Covid Break
After nearly 20 years of the program taking place in Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic compelled TDF to make changes to the program. From 2022-2024 the Dream Program took place in Wellington, FL.
In future years, the Dream Program will alternate between visiting Aachen and Wellington because both locations provide valuable educational experiences. In 2026, the Dream Program will take place in Wellington and is open to riders ages 18-22 riding at Third Level or higher. Applications for this program are due October 7.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
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The Olympic Dream Program for Advanced Young Riders Funded by The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation's Olympic Dream Program for Advanced American Young Riders
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