United States Dressage Federation

What United States Dressage Federation does

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1973 and headquartered at 4051 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky. It functions as the recognized national governing body for dressage in the United States, operating in partnership with US Equestrian (USEF) and aligned with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). USDF serves individual dressage competitors, instructors and trainers, licensed officials, youth riders, Group Member Organizations (GMOs), and equestrian business members, organized across nine regional affiliates with a combined base of approximately 30,000 individual members and 280+ business members.

USDF's core products span competition management (sanctioning of USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions, US Dressage Finals, regional championships), official dressage tests (Introductory through FEI levels), and a digital platform portfolio including USDFScores.com for performance data, USDF University for online education, the USDF Online Store, and the US Dressage Tests mobile app via TestPro. Its certification stack includes the L Education Program, Instructor Certification Program, Technical Delegate Program, and Sport Horse Education seminars. The federation publishes USDF Connection monthly magazine and operates multi-channel marketing through Facebook, X, Instagram, Vimeo, and the Dressage Radio Show podcast.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid of recurring membership dues (Participating, Youth, Education, GMOs), advertising and sponsorship sales (USDF Connection, Member Guide, digital rotation, Adequan title-sponsoring the Annual Convention), transaction-based competition/horse registration fees, $1,200 instructor certification exams, data reports ($80–$125), and online store merchandise. USDF sells its services directly through usdf.org, phone, in-person at the Annual Convention and youth clinics, and via a self-service model on USDFScores and USDF University.

Name

United States Dressage Federation

Legal name

United States Dressage Federation

Website

https://usdf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The United States Dressage Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1973 that serves as the recognized national governing body for dressage in the United States, providing competition management, education, certification, and awards programs to roughly 30,000 members, 280+ business members, and nine regional affiliate organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equestrian Sport Federation and Dressage Governance

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Amateur Sport Governing Bodies & Federations (National/Regional) (MPAKACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sport/Show Horse Training & Performance Programs (AFAEAGAF), Equestrian Teams & Stables (Racing/Show Jumping/Eventing) (MPAKABAG), Livestock Showing, Training & Performance Support Services (Non-veterinary) (AFAEALAM)

Keywords

• Equestrian federation services
• Dressage competition management
• Equestrian education programs
• Instructor certification training
• Non-profit membership organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Lexington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: USDF generates revenue through various membership types including Participating Members, Youth Participating Members, Education Memberships, and Group Member Organizations (GMOs). The federation has different membership tiers and receives annual dues from individual members and organizational members.
2. Advertising - USDF Connection Magazine: Monthly publication mailed to all federation members containing American dressage news, educational articles, calendar of events, and feature stories. Revenue generated from advertisers targeting the dressage community.
3. Member Guide Advertising: Annual guide sent to participating members containing dressage tests, award program information, and membership details. Additional advertising revenue stream.
4. Sponsorship Programs: USDF offers multiple sponsorship levels to work with the 30,000 member base. Custom sponsorship programs designed to fit business goals. Contact Director of Marketing for sponsorship opportunities.
5. Data Reports and Custom Queries: Revenue from custom reports, queries, and statistics. Category 3 pricing: $80 for members/$125 for non-members for up to 30 minutes of IT time; $35 members/$55 non-members per each additional 15 minutes. Category 4: negotiated arrangements.
6. Competition and Horse Registration: Fees for competition management, horse registration, transfers, and related competition services including Omnibus listings, score corrections, and results management.
7. Education Programs and Certifications: Revenue from instructor/trainer certification exams ($1,200 per exam), USDF University courses, and educational materials. Dressage Development Seminars and Professional Development Assessments.
8. USDF Online Store: Sales of merchandise including dressage tests, videos, educational materials, and USDF-branded products through the online store.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

The United States Dressage Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership federation that serves as the national governing body for dressage in the United States, affiliated with US Equestrian and FEI. It provides membership services, dressage competition sanctioning and management, official tests, instructor and judge certification programs, education through USDF University, horse registration, awards programs, and the USDF Connection monthly magazine to a community of approximately 30,000 individual members and 280+ business members.

Product overview

United States Dressage Federation (USDF) offers a comprehensive suite of member services centered around dressage competition management, education, and recognition. The organization operates as a membership-based federation providing a unified platform of products including USDF Connection magazine, the USDF Online Store, the US Dressage Tests App by TestPro, USDF Streaming Videos, and USDFScores for competition results. USDF's education ecosystem comprises USDF University (online learning platform), the Instructor Certification Program, L Education Program, Technical Delegate Program, and Sport Horse Education programs. Youth development is supported through Youth Outreach Clinics, FEI Youth Clinics, and recognition programs including the Youth Convention Scholarship and USDF Youth Shining Star Program. Competition support includes various awards programs (Year-End Awards, All-Breeds Awards), dressage tests at all levels, and official licensed officials education in partnership with USEF and FEI.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• USDF Connection: Official monthly publication magazine of the United States Dressage Federation, providing news, education, and member information.
• YourDressage
• USDF University
• USDF Scores

Products and services

• USDF Membership Program Annual membership program for individual dressage enthusiasts, instructors, youth riders, and Group Member Organizations providing access to member services including competition management, score verification, horse registration, magazine subscription, and member discounts.
• USDF Connection Magazine

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• US Equestrian (USEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDF operates in partnership with US Equestrian, the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States. USEF licenses dressage judges, technical delegates, and sport horse breeding judges. Only USEF-licensed officials may officiate at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions.
• FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDF aligns with FEI international dressage standards and tests. FEI officials (judges and stewards) are required at international FEI dressage competitions. FEI tests including Prix St. Georges, Intermediate, Grand Prix, and Para-Equestrian are incorporated into USDF offerings.
• Akiko YamazakiflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCreated Ravel Education Grants in partnership with Akiko Yamazaki (Ravel's owner) as part of the USDF Shining Star Award program. The grants honor Ravel, an Olympic dressage horse, and support youth education in dressage. Up to four $500 grants awarded annually.
• Jane Heart JewelryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRavel Education Grants are supported through proceeds from sales of licensed Ravel jewelry designs. Grant recipients also receive jewelry pieces in the likeness of Ravel.
• USPC (United States Pony Clubs)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDF partners with USPC to offer the USPC/USDF Dressage Recognition Program recognizing Pony Club members who compete in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions and rallies. Levels include Blue Ribbon Club, Medallion Club, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal Clubs.
• The Dressage FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Dressage Foundation offers grants and funding opportunities for dressage education and development. USDF references The Dressage Foundation as a resource for those working toward licensing, including technical delegate training support.
• Amber Wiseman - Advertising Sales RepresentativeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUSDF has an advertising sales representative handling ad placements in USDF Connection magazine and other federation publications. Contact: (859) 971-7828 or [email protected].
• SmartPak EquineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSmartPak is an advertising sponsor on USDF website and publications, promoting horse supplement products including Contribute omega-3 fatty acid supplement to USDF members.
• Kentucky Performance Products (KPP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPP is an advertising sponsor promoting Contribute omega-3 fatty acid supplement products to USDF members through the federation's digital platforms.
• Hilltop Farm, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHilltop Farm, a Hanoverian stallion station featuring Salvino (US Equestrian's International Horse of the Year), advertises breeding services to USDF members through the federation's website and publications.
• Zalkin Mirror - Mirrors for Training USAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArena mirror manufacturer advertising training equipment products to USDF members through the federation's digital advertising rotation.
• United States Lipizzan Federation (USLF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUSLF participates in USDF's All-Breeds Awards program and promotes Lipizzan horses and breeders. Cross-promotional advertising relationship.
• AdequanflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAdequan is the title sponsor of the USDF Annual Convention (Adequan/USDF Annual Convention). Major annual event sponsorship providing significant funding and visibility.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• US Equestrian (USEF): USEF is the national governing body for all equestrian sport in the US and USDF's federation partner. It is highly comparable as the umbrella body that licenses officials and sanctions competitions across multiple disciplines including dressage.
• FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale): FEI is the international governing body for equestrian sport and USDF's international counterpart. Comparable as a higher-tier federation that sets standards, certifies officials, and sanctions international dressage competition.

Regional players

• British Dressage: British Dressage is the UK national governing body for dressage. Directly comparable as an analogue federation serving a single national market with membership, certification, education, and competition programs.
• Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN): FN is the German national equestrian federation, a close international counterpart to USDF for dressage specifically. Comparable as the leading national dressage federation in Europe with membership, certification, and competition programs.
• Canadian Dressage Owners & Riders (CDOR): CDOR supports Canadian dressage riders and owners. Comparable as a country-equivalent dressage organization with overlapping mission of promoting dressage education, recognition, and community.

Direct peers

• United States Eventing Association (USEA): USEA is the US national affiliate for eventing, a sister equestrian discipline organized in the same federation style as USDF. Comparable as a discipline-specific US equestrian membership organization with competitions, education, and recognition programs.
• United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA): USHJA is the US national organization for hunter/jumper disciplines. Directly comparable as a peer equestrian membership federation offering similar member services, education, and competition support structures.
• American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA): AQHA is the largest US breed registry and equestrian membership organization, participating in USDF's All-Breeds Awards. Comparable as a major US equine membership body with similar federation-like member services, education, and competition support.

Others

• The Dressage Foundation: The Dressage Foundation funds dressage education and development through grants. Comparable as an adjacent nonprofit in the same dressage ecosystem supporting education and rider development, though focused on grantmaking rather than federation services.
• United States Pony Clubs (USPC): USPC is the national youth equestrian organization partnered with USDF for recognition awards. Comparable as a partner organization serving youth riders across disciplines including dressage, with shared membership audiences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/usdf
• YouTubevimeo.com/search/ondemand?q=USDF
• Facebookfacebook.com/United-States-Dressage-Federation-Official-Page-113430362040
• Instagraminstagram.com/USDFOfficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United States Dressage Federation