The dressage horse community enjoys a camaraderie based around the elegant athletic ability of horses trained to ride, trot and test in dressage competitions. A variety of organizations, Web sites and local groups keep enthusiasts abreast of competitions, regulations, veterinary care, breeders, where to buy dressage clothing, chat rooms and more.

United States Dressage Federation

The United States Dressage Federation (www.usdf.org) is the national membership organization that recognizes achievements in dressage riding, trains members in dressage, and educates and promotes dressage to the public.

The USDF offers information on:

• National conventions and symposia where USDF members conduct business, network with other members and professionals, take classes and listen to lectures;
• National contests, competitions and championships
• Clinics for adults and children to learn riding techniques, instructor certification programs and judge training
• Calendar of educational programs and national events
• USDF awards, including preliminary awards standings, year-end awards, and all-breed awards standings
• Veterinary clinics
• Young riders' education and competition
• Personnel changes and promotions in the organization

United States Equestrian Federation

Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (www.usef.org) is the governing body of equestrian sport in the country for Training Level through Fourth Level. (Higher levels are governed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.)

USEF trains the U.S. Equestrian Team that competes in international competitions, including the Olympics. It also licenses equestrian competitions at all levels in the United States, passes rules and regulations, encourages young riders, provides rescue for horses in natural disasters and supports federal and local equine organizations.

The 91,000 members enjoy:

• Eligibility to compete in USEF competitions
• Eligibility to become a USEF judge or steward
• Eligibility to participate in USEF awards programs
• Insurance coverage
• Amateur certification

Dressage.com

Based in Catoosa, Okla., Dressage.com (www.dressage.com) is an informal Web site for the dressage community. Membership is required to view the site, which features:

• News of U.S. and European competitions
• Articles and interviews
• Photo classifieds selling foals and dressage-ready and hunter/jumper horses
• Shopping for DVDs, videos and books
• Members’ blogs and photos

Local Dressage Groups

Within the USDF, states, cities and local affiliate organizations provide information and networking on a local level to dressage enthusiasts, often offering more personalized help in the areas of education and training than the national organizations can.

Local dressage organizations feature:

• Monthly meetings and local membership information
• Local activities, shows, events, clinics and trips
• Classes and education programs
• Classified ads for horse sales or adoptions, classes, veterinarians and more
• Local show directory
• Photos and galleries to share

Dressage Community Bulletin Boards

UltimateDressage.com offers the dressage community discussion forums on everything from breeding and registration, training and musical freestyle programs to tack and supplies and even transportation of horses. Classified ads for horses, trailers, tack and even real estate and employment reach thousands of online readers around the world.

Dedicated to dressage, hunter/jumper, competitive driving and other horse sports, Sport Horse Network (www.sporthorsenetwork.net) provides a forum for sellers, breeders, trainers and riders. The site offers news, articles, events and information on clubs and clinics.