Each new member receives a handsome pin with the MDA emblem on it. Numbered membership cards are issued to each member each year. MDA members are entitled to vote, ride in MDA Medal Classes, Year-End Awards, etc.

The MDA is a Group Member of the United States Dressage Federation. All MDA members are individual members of USDF and are eligible to apply for USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Rider Medals upon completion of the requirements. 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.
• An accredited Dressage Judges Program will rotate between USDF "L" and AHSA "r," "R," and "S" programs. Applicants for a license in the Dressage Division of the American Horse Shows Association must submit evidence of successful completion of this program and attend an official AHSA Dressage Judges Forum in the year of application for recognition as an AHSA judge. For acceptance into the MDA Judges Program, the applicant must show knowledge and proficiency at the Fourth Level through either riding, r-training, judging, or teaching. The Judges Program includes educational clinics with recognized judges.
• The MDA Educational Committee each year provides additional programs for its members which include a USDF Adult Camp, as well as clinics featuring international, national and/or local trainers and a scholarship program for Adult Amateurs, Jr/Young Riders and Professionals. The Scholarships are awarded by poinst earned, and must be used by the recipient to further their dressage education.. Under these auspices, the MDA has conducted clinics with Carol Lavell, Doug Mankovich, Charles De Kunffy; hosted the Judge's Roundtable; the USDF/Hopkins Seminar at Tristan Oaks, etc. In April of 1996, the MDA also hosted an Adult Camp featuring Max Gahwyler, in conjunction with local professionals. In 1997, the MDA successfully held its first schooling show in a number of years, at the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club – at least one show per year is now planned annually. A Pre-Certification workshop and an "R" certification program are scheduled.

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

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