In 2025, the Blind Equestrian Community (BEC) received a grant from The Dressage Foundation (TDF)‘s Michael Poulin Fund for Innovative Events and Programs. According to a recent TDF “impact story,” this led to one of the first-ever dressage clinics solely for blind and visually impaired riders. 

Besides helping to support this innovative event, TDF helped to support the creation of the video below. It is the work of Mia Boccella of Boccella Productions; Boccella also happens to be a blind rider.

Strengthening the community

Clinic participants included four TDF Para Dressage Fund and/or Blind or Visually Impaired Riders Fund grant recipients. The instructor, Michelle LaBarre, recently received TDF’s Team Tate Mentorship and Leadership Fund grant.

Through educational events and grants like these, TDF celebrates innovation, inclusion and the opportunity to strengthen the dressage community for all.

Support for The Dressage Foundation’s Para-Equestrian Dressage Fund or The Dressage Foundation is always welcome. Click here to learn more about helping to grow TDF grants and programs.  

About The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Its mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States.

In 1989, Lowell Boomer founded TDF with a vision: to empower dressage across the country. Since then, it has awarded millions of dollars in grants, These have helped people across the sport and across the country achieve their dreams. From grassroots initiatives to high-performance endeavors, TDF aims to create a strong, inclusive and vibrant dressage community.

TDF strives cultivate dressage excellence by reducing some of the financial barriers of dressage training and education. It is the Foundation’s belief that every aspect of the sport deserves help.

About the Blind Equestrian Community

The Blind Equestrian Community (BEC) is open to blind and visually impaired equestrians, instructors, coaches and trainers interested in working with blind riders. The group is also open to anyone else, blind or sighted, who wants to learn more about the sport.

The group’s goal is to expand awareness of and create opportunities for all blind riders and those who support them. BEC members also seek to encourage any blind or visually impaired individuals to try riding.

“We ride at all levels and in all disciplines, some of us compete at top levels and others enjoy a quiet trial ride,” the group’s Facebook page explains. “We are very excited about the potential to thrive and grow as we connect and support one another in our riding adventures.”

Landing page image from The Dressage Foundation website