Members are eligible and encouraged to participate in programs offered by the MDA.  Members are entitled to vote for board members and on issues as they arise.  Members may compete for MDA, USEF and USDF year-end awards, etc.  Numbered membership cards are issued to each member each year.  Each new member receives a handsome pin with the MDA emblem on it.

The MDA is a Group Member of the United States Dressage Federation. All MDA members are group members of USDF and automatically benefit from their programs.  Upon completion of the requirements, members are eligible to apply for USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal rider awards.  An MDA official representative attends each USDF annual meeting and participates in the formation of national dressage policy.

MDA offers the following educational benefits to its members:

• A newsletter containing local and national news of dressage as well as a calendar of show dates and clinic information. There are also mailings about specific dressage activities.
   
• The MDA Educational Committee each year provides programs for its members such as USDF Adult Camps, clinics and seminars for its members.

• The MDA also stocks an extensive video library for the benefit of its members.
   
• The Midwest Dressage Association holds an annual awards dinner each year. This is an official annual meeting; reports are presented as well as years-end awards.

The Midwest Dressage Association received tax exempt status as a 501 (c) (3) in 1984.