What's Happenin'

Gordonsville, VA (June 18, 2013) – Biostar EQ and Tigger Montague will be hosting “Understanding Ingredients in Supplements and Feed- A Path to Better Health and Performance,” a free webinar open to the public. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 25th, at 8PM EST. Tigger will be discussing and answering questions related to  reading labels, deciphering and understanding ingredients, explaining those ingredients, finding out where those ingredients come from and supplement labeling. Signup is not mandatory, but we encourage live attendance as it offers the opportunity to ask questions and be part of the live discussions. All details for the event can be found on Biostar EQ’s website. Questions will be taken during the event, but those submitted prior to the event would be most welcome. Please submit questions and any other inquiries to kat@biostareq.com.

 

Tigger Montague will be leading the discussion on the labeling of supplements and feed. Her background is extensive in nutrition including thirty years in the human and equine supplement industry, and a focus on Ayurvedic Medicine.   “Feeding horses doesn’t have to be difficult,” said Tigger. “My goal is to help break down the barriers of confusing labels and feeding programs so that individuals can provide better health to themselves and their horses. Not to mention, improved performance in the show ring.”

 

About Biostar EQ: Whole Food Supplements For Best in Class Health and Performance

Biostar EQ holds the belief that non-synthetically derived ingredients, aka whole food has positive effects on health and wellness. They support the whole food and organic food movement, and strive to bring products to horses and dogs alike who don’t have a lot of alternative options in terms of what they are being fed. Biostar EQ uses a unique system that dehydrates food into tasty bars that provide a tremendous amount of nutrients and vital food factors. Using this unique process, Biostar EQ dries their formulas at an extremely low heat, allowing for the nutrient levels to be as close as possible to eating the real thing. Taking this step into a brand new market with profound results that are organic, GMO (genetically modified) free, coal tar derivative free, petrochemical free and absent of artificial sweeteners and synthetic ingredients, Biostar EQ leads the way into natures best formulas. For more information on Biostar EQ, visit their website, or you can also connect with them on Facebook.

Dressage with Mind, Body, and Soul

A 21st-Century Approach to the Science and Spirituality of Riding and Horse-and-Rider-Well-Being 

Linda Tellington-Jones with Rebeccca M. Didier

Trafalger Square Books is pleased to announce the publication of Dressage with Mind, Body, and Soul by Linda Tellingtion-Jones with Rebecca M. Didier.  Linda Tellington-Jones has worked with top dressage competitors and horses from all over the world during the course of her amazing career, which now spans more than 40 years. Through the Tellington Method, Linda has provided tools riders and trainers can use to better a horse’s attention span and ability to learn; surmount behavioral and training challenges; improve flexibility, balance, and way-of-going; and recover from injury or illness.

In the pages of this very unique book, Linda combines her understanding of horses, her world famous TTouch bodywork, her proven groundwork techniques, and her innovative methods undersaddle with exciting ideas specifically for the dressage rider and trainer. Her intriguing ways of looking at the Classical Training Scale, her tips for harnessing horses happy, healthy, and performing their best.  To demonstrate how the Tellington Method can be practically applied to the dressage horse, linda shared more than 20 problem-solving stories, featuring the world-class riders, trainers, and horses with whom she has worked.

LINDA TELLINGTON-JONES is the internationally recognized equine expert who developed the Tellington Method approach to healing, training, and communicating that can be learned and practiced by horsemen and women of all levels. She was honored as the 1994 Horsewomen of the Year by the North American Horsemen’s Association and presented with the ARICP Lifetime Achievement Award, given annually to a person who profoundly affects the equine world in a positive manner.  Linda has worked with many top dressage riders from around the world over the course of her career, including Klaus Balkenhol and his daughter Anabel; Ingrid Klimke and her father, the late Dr. Reiner Klimke; Nicole Uphoff; Kyra Kyrklund; Robert Dover; and Charlotte Bredahl-Baker, to name just a few.  REBECCA M. DIDIER is an editor and author, and a copywriter, blogger, and graphic designer, as well as a lifelong horsewomen.

WASHINGTON (June 13, 2013)—The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has voted to block funding for inspections at prospective horse slaughter plants, which if it survives the entire legislative process, would halt any effort to resume slaughter for these animals on U.S. soil. The committee backed, by a voice vote, an amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill offered by Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., and Bill Young, R-Fla., to forbid spending by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on inspections U.S. horse slaughter plants in Fiscal Year 2014. A similar spending prohibition was put in place in 2005, however, it was not renewed in 2011, leading to the opportunity for horse slaughter plants to reopen in the U.S at the estimated annual expense of 5 million taxpayer dollars.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following response:

“American taxpayers don’t want their money wasted on the inspection of horse slaughter plants that trade in the tainted meat of our former show, race and work horses. The federal budget is already strapped, and we thank the House Appropriations Committee for recognizing that this is one expenditure we will all do better without. Horses belong on the range or in the stable, not on a foreign dinner plate.”

Background:

• President Obama’s proposed FY 2014 budget included a request for Congress to prevent tax dollars from supporting horse slaughter.
• Currently, there are no horse slaughter facilities operating in the U.S., but USDA confirms it had received at least six applications from prospective abattoirs.
• American horses are raised to be companions, athletes and work horses. They are often treated with drugs, both legal and illegal, that can endanger the food supply. There is currently no system in the U.S. to track medications and veterinary treatments given to horses throughout their lives to ensure that their meat is safe for human consumption.
• “Kill buyers” gather up horses from random sources and profit by selling horsemeat from healthy horses that bring the best price per pound for their meat. USDA reports show that approximately 92 percent of American horses going to slaughter are healthy and would otherwise be able to go on to lead productive lives.
• The methods used to kill horses rarely result in quick, painless deaths, as horses often endure repeated blows to make them unconscious and are sometimes remain conscious during the slaughtering process. When horse slaughter plants previously operated in the U.S., the USDA documented severe injuries to horses in the slaughter pipeline, including broken bones and eyeballs hanging from a thread of skin.
• The Safeguard American Food Exports Act, H.R. 1094 / S. 541, introduced this year by U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Reps. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., is a bipartisan measure that would outlaw horse slaughter operations in the U.S., end the current export of American horses for slaughter abroad, and protect the public from consuming toxic horse meat.

Media Contact: Stephanie Twining, 240-751-3943, stwining@humanesociety.org

Subscribe to Wayne Pacelle’s blog, A Humane Nation. Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “Humane TV” app.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty – on the Web at humanesociety.org.

Wellington, FL – June 7, 2013 – It was a busy five months for JustWorld Ambassadors, but the numbers are finally in for the 2013 JustWorld Team Challenge. It was Team Guatemala who won the challenge this year, raising more than $31,000 through hard work, fundraisers and generous donations. Three teams representing JustWorld projects in Guatemala, Honduras and Cambodia raised over $87,000 in total–an unprecedented amount raised by young rider fundraising initiatives. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit humanitarian organization that funds life-changing nutrition, health and hygiene, education, and leaderships and cultural development programs for impoverished children in the three represented countries.

 

The Team Challenge began January 1st and ran through May. Two co-captains, one based on the West Coast and one on the East Coast of the United-States, led each team. The teams were comprised of JustWorld Ambassadors consisting of Juniors, Amateurs, Professionals and Technical Officials. The Team Challenge opened a new outlet for JustWorld Ambassadors; teaching them about raising awareness of the JustWorld projects and raising funds for these projects by utilizing e-mail, phones and social media to capture the technology of today, and in doing so, raise awareness of those in need. The teams created their own innovative ideas to raise funds for their country’s project. They created their own Facebook Groups and websites, and provided up-to-date information about their mission to spread the word about JustWorld.

 

In total, the Team Challenge was nothing short of a phenomenal success. With over $87,000 raised for the ongoing projects in the three countries, Ambassadors from 15 different countries across the globe united. In North America over 27 of the United States and five provinces in Canada were represented.

 

Team Guatemala raised $31,221 through their efforts. With West Coast co-captain Morgan Dickerson and East Coast co-captain Kira Kerkorian, Team Guatemala worked to raise funds to continue providing scholarships to attend school, educational reinforcement lessons, and access to a healthy community kitchen and free medical clinic. Guatemala is an impoverished Latin American country, where three quarters of the country lives below the poverty line. For Guatemalan children, this means many of them do not have access to health care, proper nutrition or education. JustWorld partners with Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) Los Patojos to establish a safe learning environment for more than 180 children in the dangerous community of Jocotenango. Team Guatemala would like to specifically thank the Ziegler Family for their generous donation to their team.

 

“The Team Challenge was probably one of the best things I have done with JustWorld. I have only been an Ambassador for three years, and the support and energy I witnessed from the Team Challenge was great. I was so thankful to be a part of such a dedicated team,” Dickerson described. “It really brought all of the Ambassadors closer together, and we worked a lot to try and coordinate different things. I was so amazed by the amount of supporters and the dedication; it really gave Team Guatemala a fighting spirit.”

Madison Bradshaw on the West Coast worked in tandem with East Coast co-captain Max Beaumont to raise awareness and funds for Team Cambodia. Cambodia is still recovering from the national trauma of Pol Pot’s brutal regime and genocide from roughly 35 years ago. The country now struggles with a lack of free education and extreme poverty-particularly in rural areas where 92 percent of the impoverished population lives. JustWorld partnered with the People Improvement Organization in Phnom Penh to address this problem and has built two schools and funds the education of 800 children. Team Cambodia was able to raise $28,608 and had a generous donation from the Rizvi Family. They also saw great success from International Donors and saw repeated donations from several donors.

 

“As a Co-Captain I realized that we needed a lot more organization on the West Coast, where we don’t have the same level of support, adult guidance and leadership,” Bradshaw explained. “I was trying to get the other Ambassadors to create their own initiatives, try new thing and get more kids involved. A lot of them want to gain more involvement, but they don’t necessarily know how. The Team Challenge gave them a concrete way to do that-it gave them ideas and tangible goals. We had ambassadors that really rose to the occasion.”

“We had really creative ideas involving golf carts at the horse shows, cup cake sales, belt sales, and even made our own swag bags that were really popular. One of the best things we did was the Million Dollar Grand Prix project where we had all of the riders sign a JustWorld saddle pad, and then raffled it off. You can also see many of our supporters wearing bracelets that the kids from Cambodia made themselves, it was such a group effort,” Bradshaw said. “I would like to see more involvement next year from Ambassadors in other Zones and countries; I think that the Team Challenge has even more potential to make an impact.”

 

West Coast Captain Sarah Abdi and East Coast Captain Ali Lieberman represented Team Honduras. These co-captains raised awareness for the second poorest country in Central America. Honduras suffers from extraordinarily unequal distribution of wealth and high unemployment. JustWorld has worked throughout Honduras to address the education, health and nutrition of children in impoverished communities. JustWorld currently works with local NGO Compartir to bring education and social development to children through the mobile library, which reaches 2,500 children in slums around Tegucigalpa. This team raised $27,196 to help JustWorld continue their mission in Honduras. Katie Quirk generously donated to their cause, and Team Honduras had the most International Donors.

“The Team Challenge was a really awesome experience, definitely hard work, but so rewarding,” Lieberman said. “I think the greatest thing I will take away is the feeling of making a difference for them. You are doing philanthropy for them, but the work you are doing also helps you to become an even better person. It is such satisfaction to know that you have helped them. This is something I never would have had if I hadn’t been involved with JustWorld, this challenge has opened my eyes to so many possibilities.”

 

Lieberman concluded, “Such a fabulous experience, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the team and work with the JustWorld staff. I am so glad I was able to help the kids in Honduras, even if it was only in a small way.”

 

If you are interested in becoming involved in the 2014 Team Challenge, please contact JustWorld Ambassador Coordinator Amber Warren at awarren@justworldinternational.org. Although the program does not begin until January, you can start fundraising initiatives in your own community, work to spread the word through friends and family, and begin raising donations to help JustWorld continue to make an impact in impoverished countries. Know that you are able to help make a change in the world with the JustWorld Team Challenge.

Founded in 2003 by Jessica Newman, JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization, which funds life-changing nutrition, health and hygiene, education, as well as leadership and cultural development programs for impoverished children in Cambodia, Honduras and Guatemala.  There are currently more than 500 Rider and Technical Official Ambassadors representing 40 different countries, whose efforts to support JustWorld’s projects have raised in excess of $6 million to date.  For more information on JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

 

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France both for which donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. In addition, tax-deductible donations are accepted in Canada and Switzerland. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

 

Double Dan Horsemanship’s Dan James to compete at Mustang Million.

 

Nicholasville, KY — Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship and Smart Little Mustang make their run at one million dollars in cash and prizes at Mustang Million on September 17-21, 2013. Smart Little Mustang is known as Punk around the barn, named after James’ longtime mentor and cutting horse trainer, Punk Carter. The competition will be held in the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Mustang Million is the richest, wild horse training event produced by the Mustang Heritage Foundation, the creators of the Extreme Mustang Makeover.

 

Due to over population and declining resources many Wild Mustangs are relocated into government wild horse holding facilities. More than 42,000 horses are housed at the Bureau of Land Management holding corrals in need of adoptions; the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s mission is to find positive homes for each wild mustang.

 

“As a trainer, I have always been intrigued by the intelligence and agility of Wild Mustangs,” says James. “Punk shows incredible potential, he picked up the Double Dan training methods extremely quickly.”

 

James has been selected by ABC Big Picture Productions as a possible reality television personality to document his experience through Mustang Million. James and Punk have already formed a resilient bond. Can’t wait to see James and Punk on TV? Follow their progress on the Double Dan Horsemanship Facebook page and website, www.DoubleDanHorsemanship.com

 

About Double Dan Horsemanship

Since their debut as “The Dan and Dan Show” in 2008, Double Dan Horsemanship is quickly becoming a household name in the equine industry. The duo have been noted for performing at every major Royal show in Australia and many large equine events in the United States, earning championships at the “Way of the Horse” at Equitana Asia Pacific in 2008, Road to the Horse International 2012 and the Mane Event 2012 Trainer’s Challenge. They have been crowd favorites in the opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games, Australia’s Got Talent, Australian National Cutting Horse Futurities, Equine Affaire and many others. As one of the hottest-selling equine acts in the industry, they continue to expand their horizons.

 

Dan James and Dan Steers have spent their time traveling the world sharing their unique brand of horsemanship and inspiring horse owners.  Double Dan has teamed up with Taylor Made Farms in Lexington, Kentucky to invite riders of any skill level to push the boundaries of horsemanship. Dan and Dan instruct horsemanship clinics and produce training tools to simplify the training process.  Learn more about Double Dan Horsemanship at www.doubledanhorsemanship.com.

Nonprofit dedicated to natural horsemanship to give away $1M in educational materials

 

Scottsdale, AZ –June 5, 2013— Parelli Education Institute, a non-profit dedicated to natural horsemanship education, announced today the launch of the Grand Educational Giveaway. A generous gift from Parelli Natural Horsemanship has enabled Parelli Education Institute to give away $1,000,000 in educational materials to therapeutic horsemanship centers, horse welfare organizations, individual youth under age 19 and youth programs.

 

The Parelli Program of horse behavior teaches people to become fluent in the way horses relate and communicate with one another in their natural world and purpose that understanding towards success in forming a human-equine partnership. The program teaches students to master communication with the horse through four levels of skill improvement, from basic to advanced and across four separate areas of study, or Savvies (OnLine, Liberty, Freestyle and Finesse). The Parelli Education Institute was founded to advance natural horsemanship through educational programs and opportunities. The Institute also offers educational assistance to those focused on youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship, and equine welfare.

 

The Grand Educational Giveaway is now open and applications are being accepted until November 15, 2013.  The giveaway is open to therapeutic horsemanship centers, horse welfare organizations, individual youth under age 19 and youth programs.  Individuals and organizations must complete an application for an educational grant. Throughout the grant period, The Parelli Education Institute will award educational materials including CDs, DVDs and printed materials to qualified grant applicants. In addition, 12 grand prize education collections, worth over $3,000 each, will be announced on December 14, 2013 at the Jacksonville, Florida Heart and Soul Tour Stop and on the Parelli Education Institute web site.

 

“We are committed to supporting individuals and organizations that are working to make a difference for young horsemen, horse welfare and therapeutic horsemanship,” said Lori Northrup, President and Executive Director of Parelli Education Institute. “This grant opportunity allows us to partner with dedicated individuals and organizations as we all work to create a better world for horses and humans.”

 

To register for a grant application or learn more about Parelli Education Institute visit www.ParelliInstitute.org.

 

About Parelli Education Institute

The Parelli Education Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that focuses on education for the natural horsemanship community. Our purpose is to support an advanced natural horsemanship education for students with the skills and aptitude to become extraordinary horsemen, educators, or both. We offer educational programs and opportunities to individuals who wish to create careers around horses. Further, we offer educational assistance to those focused on youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship, and equine welfare. To learn more visit http://www.ParelliInstitute.org/.

Media Contacts

Kathy Giordano

Kathy@ParelliInstitute.org

855-687-7273

 

Lori Northrup

lori@lorinorthrup.com

716-474-7580

Gordonsville, VA (June 4, 2013) – Top show jumpers, Uceko and Voyeur, ridden by Kent Farrington are the most recent additions to join Team Biostar. Their decision to join with Biostar EQ came after a year of seeing promising results using their whole food supplements for horses. Biostar EQ relies on whole food ingredients of superior quality to deliver optimum health and wellness to equine athletes and canines alike.

 

Kent has enjoyed a lucrative career in the past decade as a United States show jumping rider. In more recent years, Farrington collected wins both stateside and abroad, winning the prestigious Longines King George V Gold Cup at the CSIO Hickstead. Farrington and his partner Uceko were also part of the Gold Medal winning U.S. team at the 2011 Pan American Games. The pair also placed sixth in the 2012 USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team which earned them a spot on the USEF Long List for for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Voyeur and Farrington made their own headlines in 2012 when their pair went on to win the $250,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix CSI-W4* at The Hampton Classic Horse Show. Coming back into the international spotlight in 2013, Kent has won major competitions in Wellington, FL , and with it came his announcement to become sponsored by Biostar EQ and represent their commitment to the whole food difference.

 

“With all of the traveling our show schedule demands, Biostar’s True Balance and Tum Ease give our horses the edge they need to be in top form for competition,” said Alex Warriner, Kent Farrington’s Stable Manager.

 

Biostar owner and chief formulator, Tigger Montague, is proud to support Uceko and Voyeur on their journeys as top international athletes, and towards their commitment to the whole food difference. “It truly is a special day when Biostar gets to join forces with these top level athletes, showcasing true sportsmanship, and total health from the inside out,” Montague stated.

 

Biostar focuses on the fact that horses who eat whole foods regularly spend less time digesting and absorbing feed and supplements, and more time utilizing key nutrients found in their food to help heal and repair their bodies. Biostar EQ calls this bioavailable nutrition, an important benefit of the whole food difference.

 

Biostar products use ingredients at the peak of their nutritional value, and combined with gentle dehydration techniques, they are able to maintain precious enzymatic activity and vital food factors found in raw foods. The supplements contain nothing genetically engineered, synthetic or artificial, no petroleum derivatives or other made-in-the lab vitamins, no fillers, binders or expounds – only pure, and the best-in-class whole food ingredients.

 

To see Biostar EQ’s complete line of whole food supplements and formulas free of petrochemicals and coal tar derivatives for top level athletes and performance horses, including Tum Ease and True Balance. Visit their website at www.biostareq.com.

Itapira, Brazil (May 31, 2013) – ‘You only live once,’ or YOLO, defines a decade that doesn’t just dream about doing what they love, they go for it. So if your personal pursuit of paradise includes the exhilarating connection to a noble horse or pair put to a fine carriage then Destination Lusitano is about as close to heaven as a combined driving enthusiast can ask for.

 

Destination Lusitano is hosted by Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Interagro is proud to announce an unprecedented opportunity for guests to hone their driving skills with champion driver and Lusitano horse trainer, Mauricio Delucchi. A longtime friend of Interagro, Delucchi has reestablished himself in Uruguay and is partnering with Interagro to provide an unprecedented opportunity to drivers from many countries and levels of expertise. Delucci also has three stunning Lusitano horses in training in Punta Del Este: Zamorim, Bailos (by Noblissimo), and Desordeiro Interagro, a sales prospect by Perdigueiro.

 

 

Interagro Lusitanos is known for their talented driving horses, and has proudly hosted expert driving horsemen since 1988, including Antonio Mariano de Souza, who began driving in 1994 in Portugal with Dr. Luiz Lupi at the Coudelaria de Alter. At Interagro, he tutors coachmen and harnesses teams of four-, six-, eight- and ten-in-hand.

 

Only 90 minutes from Viracopos Airport, where you can hop a flight directly to Uruguay and Delucci’s Punta Del Este driving facility, Interagro is a convenient and idyllic location to explore the ultimate equestrian driving experience. “I have experienced horse vacations and clinics in several European countries, but nothing comes close to my trip to Interagro Farm,” said Katie Hoog, an American equestrienne who recently visited Destination Lusitano.

 

“Everyone can find something they enjoy at our farm,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, managing director of Interagro Lusitanos. Interagro offers villas on the farm where guests may lounge at a private pool and savor the Brazilian sunshine, healthy, exotic cuisine, explore more than 1200 acres of rolling hills and coffee bean fields, or experience the ‘living pedigrees’ of the Interagro Lusitano horses among the generations of sires, dams and offspring among this Brazilian utopia.

 

To learn more about Destination Lusitano or plan a trip and coaching experience with Mauricio Delucchi, visit www.lusitano-interagro.com, or watch a video about Interagro Lusitanos on YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXEVa6t0m6E.

 

Lyman, Maine-June 2, 2013- One term often used in reference to future medal winning U.S. high-performance equestrians, is the word ‘development’. By further educating and integrating the athletes, judges, trainers, and supporters from all levels will help develop and evolve each discipline. The 2013 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium created the platform to accomplish this task. At the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine, internationally acclaimed trainers and judges stepped forward to conduct a weekend of Para-Dressage education. From May 29-June 1, equestrians from Grade Ia – Grade IV received classroom training, lectures, video training, and live riding lessons. In addition to equestrian training there was the “Train the Trainer” program and “SmartPak Coaches Forum”. Subjects addressed at the symposium included training the coaches, teamwork, and building upon each athlete’s current skills. Expert leaders at the symposium were FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen of Holland, Gold medal Great Britain Paralympic coach Clive Milkins, international Dressage rider Catherine Haddad Staller, and former USEF High Performance Dressage Director Gil Merrick. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak for the first in a series of educational events across the United States.

 

 

For the past three years Hanneke Gerritsen has traveled to Lyman, Maine, as the original education leader. In 2013, Gerritsen was impressed with how far the event had come. She noted, ” I think it was a great event, very well organized, and a pleasure for everyone involved. I was delighted to see how the athletes improved in only three to four days. In a short amount of time they understood what we like to see as judges and trainers. Rider’s skills ranged from beginners to advanced and the up and coming ones I saw were really doing well. Equestrians I saw in the past have come back and each one has improved. The discipline; it’s growing slowly. It’s so important to be together, ride together, and see each other in one venue and informational atmosphere. I am seeing things that we hoped for years ago and now find on an everyday basis.”

 

Gerritsen continued, “The Symposium is a very good concept especially for the future. It was nice to see beginners react to this event in a positive way. It’s important for riders see more and hear more whether they are new to the sport or veteran athletes.

 

Derrick Perkins of Texas, who rides with U.S. Paralympic trainer Kai Handt, was one of the newer Para-Dressage athlete’s. He joked, “I have been getting flashbacks of boot camp. On a serious note, the weekend has been wonderful. A lot of little details can make a world of difference in my riding. I am excited to get home and back to work with Kai.”

 

 

 

Model, actress, and brand new Para-Dressage athlete Elle Wooley agreed, “I couldn’t have imagined the symposium being as beneficial as it was. It really helped my confidence. When I watch upper level able-bodied riders I get a little jealous, so being around Para-Equestrians who are incredible riders and other people with ailments almost evens the playing field. Everyone cheered for each other and was really encouraging over the weekend.”

 

When Wooley approached the ring for her session with Hanneke Gerritsen, Hanneke said Wooley looked elegant on the horse Clever, owned by Mary Jordan, and she noted that it was rare to see a match well suited for a rider so quickly. Wooley commented, “Hanneke was wonderful. She was really helpful with accuracy, working on advanced movements, and creating the total package.”

 

Wooley continued, “Catherine was also very helpful with teaching me a new way to hold the reins. I have trouble turning to the right because I don’t have enough motion in my body, so that was something Catherine gave me pointers to work with. Before the symposium, I did not let myself dream I could earn a spot on the team for the World Equestrian Games or Rio. Now with my confidence and competitive drive, I am aiming for it. I would love to thank Carlisle for putting on the symposium. It was an incredible opportunity and I couldn’t have imagined it going so well.”

 

 

Para-Dressage rider Holly Jacobson brought her new horse George to the 2013 Symposium. “This was a great opportunity to bring my new horse, test out what I have been feeling, and receive feedback from Para-Dressage professionals,” articulated Jacobson. “This was our first road trip together and I couldn’t be happier with how mellow and well-behaved George was. I want to commend Carlisle for bringing in all different angles of Para-Dressage and working to gather this collection of riders new and old across the country. The energy a rider feels from this symposium makes you believe you can do things you didn’t realize you could.”

 

Catherine Haddad Staller agreed, “It was very helpful to the riders that they had a variety of clinicians that could help them. They also got to watch each other which was important as a learning experience. It’s always great when you can get a group of people together with similar goals. Good riding is good riding whether you are doing it as a Para-Equestrian or an able-bodied rider. What’s really fascinating to me is that there are a lot of riders that attended the clinic that have to ride one handed. I have done a lot of one handed riding in my life and I see how beneficial it is to the horse and how much it teaches people about correct contact. Overall, it was a really good experience and eye opening to see all of these people with their determination and drive. It is most moving for me to see how much horses really affect our lives at every level and how people, who have lost a lot of their motor skills, can still communicate on an extremely fine and high level with the horse. It’s fascinating for me.”

 

 

Athlete and Grade IV rider, Mary Jordan, said, “The symposium was a really wonderful

experience. Riding Sebastian at the symposium took nothing away from the training that I have had at Blue Hill Farm with my coach Jessica Ransehousen. It was a great experience to go to a new environment. I really got a lot out of it and learned some new techniques for my horse. I never thought I would get a chance to ride with Clive and that was a thrill. Trying to become supple is a ‘chicken before the egg’ thing. It was the first item both Clive and Catherine focused on with me. Catherine was amazing with the tools she gave me to improve Sebastian’s walk. He has a correct walk but not always the biggest walk. To go from over tracking to really over tracking felt amazing.”

 

Gil Merrick enjoyed working with each rider and learning more about the Para-Dressage sport. He explained, “I have learned so much about this sport and I recognize it is so different from able-bodied. I also felt the symposium allowed for all of the participants, friends, family, owners, auditors and the clinicians to be able to spend four days as a community all committed to education. I was pleased to see the camaraderie among the riders. I know the quest to make it as a high-performance rider is shared by all. Nowhere did I hear the attitude that there was a long way to go. What I heard was, ‘Here is where we are and here’s the plan on how we are going to get to our next point,’ There is so much room for growth within the U.S. in this country and through the Para-Equestrian movement.”

 

Coach Kai Handt from the North Texas Equestrian Center addressed the need for growth, “I think it’s great that we had Clive Milkins here in the United States. He’s the number one coach in the world for Grades Ia and Ib. We learned a lot from him, he had good ideas, and he knows what he is doing; Clive is awesome. I think we have a lot of very good riders in the U.S but they need to be in a planned environment for competition. I feel riders need to have a two-staged system including national riders with a national championship and international riders. This would get more people involved and create a broader base to choose from. In Europe the Para-Equestrians begin from their first riding lesson at a young age. They know straightness and precision first before they are allowed to move beyond that. We really need to grow the Para-Dressage discipline domestically and from the young potential equestrians.”

 

 

The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to thank all of the trainers, judges, athletes, auditors, sponsors, horse owners, and equestrian enthusiasts for being involved in the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium. President of the USPEA Hope Hand expressed, “On behalf of our organization we would like to thank USEF and Smartpak for partnering on this educational event. We would also like to express our gratitude to Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports. Extreme thanks go to Sarah Armentrout, the staff at Carlisle Academy, and everyone else involved within the symposium. We look forward to future collaborations.”

 

For more information on the symposium contact Carlisle’s Training & Leadership Program Director Joyce Brown at jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com at 207.985.0374. Questions can also be directed to USPEA President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org

 

WCSH News Channel 6 Portland, Maine Video about the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium

http://www.wcsh6.com/video/2426303275001/1/Maine-hosts-first-sponsored-Paradressage-event

SmartPak Blog Update Day 1 of the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium

http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2013/05/para-dressage-training-symposium-day-1/

SmartPak Blog Update Day 2 of the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium

http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2013/05/para-dressage-training-symposium-day-2/

 

Gallery:

 

 

 

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

 

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

 

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

 

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

 

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

 

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

 

To view an online version of this press release please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/

 

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