Category Archives: Community/Charity

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Royal Windsor Horse Show

Household Cavalry Foundation Announced as Official Charity for Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023

Royal Windsor Horse Show is delighted to announce the Household Cavalry Foundation as its official charity for the 2023 edition of the event, which will be held from 11-14 May.

Set up in January 2013, The Household Cavalry Foundation is the official charity of the Household Cavalry. The Foundation exists to provide charitable and pastoral support to all the members of Household Cavalry family including serving Soldiers, Operational Casualties, and Veterans. The Foundation also supports the protection and development of the rich Heritage that surrounds the history of its Regiments, The Life Guards, and The Blues and Royals, as well as the welfare of their retired horses.

The partnership with the Royal Windsor Horse Show will provide financial and material benefits to the Household Cavalry Foundation, including the opportunity to raise donations at the show and have a physical and branding presence at the Show to help communicate key messages to the visiting public.

In addition, the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be part of the spectacular schedule of equestrian action across the four-day Show. As the only mounted ceremonial soldiers who also serve as fighting soldiers, the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is unique globally as it demonstrates exceptional horsemanship and the very best of British tradition. The drills, which are based on movements mounted soldiers would have historically used in battle, are carried out to music and performed in a routine that is strongly focused on precise timing and coordination.

Director of the Household Cavalry Foundation, Giles Stibbe, said of the partnership: ‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the Household Cavalry Foundation to explain to the public our welfare support to our soldiers who both guard our Sovereign and fight wars for our nation; and our help to our serving and veteran soldiers, their dependents, and our retired horses; and for protecting our 363-year heritage.’’

Royal Windsor Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, added: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is delighted to name the Household Cavalry Foundation as our official charity for the 2023 edition of this special Show. The work that they do, not only for their Soldiers, Operational Casualties, and Veterans, but also the heritage of their Regiments and the welfare for their retired horses, is remarkable. The Show is honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause.”

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of Royal Windsor Horse Show will feature four days of world-class equestrian action. The return of CDI4* Dressage to the private grounds of Windsor Castle means that Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023 will feature equestrian action from four international disciplines: Dressage, Jumping, Driving, and Endurance. The Show will also feature a range of exciting performances including the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National and the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the luxury shopping village, with an array of fashion, lifestyle, and equestrian boutiques, as well as a selection of delicious food outlets.

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)7757 554 168

Community/Charity, Dressage

Ellie Brimmer Represents Para Dressage with Elected Seat on USEF Board of Directors in 2023

Ellie Brimmer and London Swing by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2023 – Ellie Brimmer of Wellington, Florida was named to the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Board of Directors in January 2023. Brimmer, a current USEF Para-Dressage Development athlete representative, is also on the board of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA). She will serve on the USEF Board of Directors for a four-year term. Brimmer, a sixth-generation equestrian, has been an athlete in the international Para-Dressage world since 2011 and a spokesperson for athletes with disabilities her entire life. Brimmer has traveled the world not only as an athlete but as a friend, volunteer, and supporter of Para-Dressage. She has advocated for the Paralympic discipline helping trainers, riders, and press understand the parallels of Para-Dressage and Dressage as a high-performance sport. Brimmer was a daily call and friend of Hope Hand (1949-2022) who pushed Para-Dressage into the mainstream equestrian world and made it what it is today. Brimmer was there when the term Para-Dressage was in its infancy and she was there when the first U.S. para-dressage rider, Roxanne Trunnell, earned two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics along with the team bronze medal for the USA, and then once again at the 2022 ECCO FEI World Championships where U.S.A earned a team bronze, an individual silver, and an individual bronze, earning a berth for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Brimmer is looking forward to her four-year term with USEF.

Brimmer expressed, “I’m honored to have been voted onto the USEF Board of Directors as an active athlete representative by my peers. Hope Hand and Lloyd Landkamer, who have both passed away, were my biggest mentors and really pushed me from being a competitor to the national volunteer realm. Both Hope and Lloyd had illustrious service careers, and I think of them often as I’m finding my own voice on this board. Hope spent a lot of time advocating for the para-equestrian board seat and I’m glad I can fulfill this role. My personal goal as a board member is to spend time getting to know the leadership from other breeds and disciplines and find ways to create more interest in and understanding of para-sport. As a board member, I want to serve my small para dressage community and the larger equestrian well.”

Tina Wentz, interim President of the USPEA, stated, “Hope would be so proud to see Ellie fulfill this role with USEF. Hope knew it meant a great deal for the discipline to be represented in this manner and she worked hard to create future seats for the para-equestrian discipline. Ellie will do a fantastic job on the board and we look forward to her representation over the next four years.”

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.

Community/Charity, Competitions, Show Jumping

An Entire Community Inspired to #BeTheChange

Photo © Wellington International.

Over $1.5 Million to Be Distributed at 14th Annual Great Charity Challenge

Wellington, Florida – February 2, 2023 – After a record year for the 2022 Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), donors, riders, and charities are at the edge of their seats to see what this year holds. Inspired by this enthusiasm, this year’s event aims to motivate the community to #BeTheChange and empower individuals to get involved locally!

As J. K. Rowling reminds us, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided,” and the GCC is an incredible example of how unity amplifies impact. On Saturday, February 4, people from all walks of our community will come together as one at Wellington International to cheer the night away. Home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the venue will transform into Candy World and the night will feature an exciting relay style show jumping competition with horses and riders alike decked out in their most creative candy themed costumes.

Founded by father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 13 years, distributing a phenomenal $17.7 million to 294 local non-profit organizations. This united community effort will set out in its 14th year to help build a path to a sweeter future for our Palm Beach County neighbors in need.

Thirty-four non-profit organizations, who were randomly selected at our first annual Charity Drawing Party and leading up to the event, will meet their paired equestrian teams and sponsors as they compete for a share of the $1.5+ million purse. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive $100,000 while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000. To view the full list of participating charities (listed alphabetically), CLICK HERE.

“Our community never fails us when it comes to the GCC. This year, especially, we want to extend this generosity beyond just that night and inspire more people to get involved with the amazing organizations this event highlights,” comments Kelly Arani, GCC Event and Marketing Coordinator.

To contribute to this community effort, visit https://unitedwaypbc.org/great-charity-challenge/.

Children of all ages will be back again this year for the Pet Parade and Costume Contest, generously presented by the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation. By dressing up with their favorite pet, children will represent pre-selected non-profit organizations and celebrate the power of doing good at any age! Exciting news this year: thanks to matching sponsor The Wedell Family Foundation, the 15 pre-selected non-profit organizations will share $50,000 in prize money.

Each year new and recurring donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, equestrians, and more, ranging from $5 to $100,000, are the key to reaching our fundraising goal of more than $1 million.

Equestrian Sport Productions, the Wellington International operating organization that oversees equestrian events at the venue throughout the year, and Wellington International owner Global Equestrian Group donate the facility, staff, and infrastructure to ensure the success of the charitable event and guarantee that 100% of the funds raised are redistributed in the community.

The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Wellington International during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights.” Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.

For the latest event information, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.

Wellington International | (561) 793-5867
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance

We Need Your Clothes! Help Make Dreams Come True for Deserving Riders

We’re just coming through the busiest season ever for The Rider’s Closet, and we’re putting the word out to our equestrian friends that our inventory could surely use some replenishment before the next rush of requests comes in. We get many heartfelt notes from recipients letting us know just how much receiving equestrian gear from us free of charge means to them, and we have YOU, our kind and giving riding community, to thank for it!

The Rider’s Closet accepts donations of new and gently used riding attire and provides it to equestrians in need around the country. We serve individuals of all ages and at every level of horsemanship.

If you’re switching out your seasonal gear or have items you no longer need or have outgrown, we will ensure that they will go to a happy new home. We accept all show and schooling apparel/boots for adults and children. For safety reasons, the only items we cannot accept are helmets and protective riding vests.

We currently are most in need of tan show breeches in all sizes, show coats in ladies’ sizes 0-6, youth schooling breeches/tights and tops, and paddock boots. Children, tweens, and teens are the largest groups we serve, and smaller ladies’ sizes and youth sizes are always in the highest demand. Please know, however, that anything you send will be of help and is greatly appreciated.

Founded by Georgina Bloomberg in 2006, The Rider’s Closet became an EQUUS Foundation program in 2019. All donations to The Rider’s Closet are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Recipients of Rider’s Closet apparel include equestrians from scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, veterans’ programs, therapeutic riding centers, equestrian camp programs, equine charities, programs for disadvantaged youth, and individual riders in need. Our list of recipients grows every year, and our ability to serve them is only possible because generous riders and equestrian apparel companies keep the donations coming!

Donors can mail their donations directly to us. CLICK HERE for details and a donation form (required only if you would like an acknowledgement for taxes). We also have year-round donation collection at Brennan’s Bit & Bridle in Bridgehampton, NY and Manhattan Saddlery in NYC.

Donors local to our workshop in Westchester County, NY are welcome to make an appointment to drop off a donation. To schedule an appointment, check with us regarding what we can accept, or learn more about the program, contact us at riderscloset@equusfoundation.org.

On behalf of the thousands of riders who ask us to help make their equestrian dreams come true, thank you in advance for your generous and much-needed support!

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity

Stand for Freedom This Giving Tuesday!

Ginger and Cloud’s little brother, Sax. @TheCloudFoundation.

As you know, we’re in the midst of a long, desperate battle to save our wild herds from those who would see them destroyed — and we need your help.

This year has been one of the WORST for wild horse and burro herds in the West, as unprecedented numbers were rounded up and taken from the homes they knew. So many now sit in holding pens. Help us to STOP this from happening.

Your contribution enables us to continue our fight to protect and preserve wild horses and burros on public lands, keeping them WILD and FREE where they belong.

If you can’t donate, please SHARE this message!

Help us spread the word about what is being done to our cherished wild horses and burros — living symbols of freedom and the “pioneer spirit” of the West.

As always, thank you for your incredible support!

Ginger and the Cloud Foundation Team
www.thecloudfoundation.org

Community/Charity

More Mustangs Rewilded by Wild Horse Fire Brigade and an Extended Team of Great People

Leave a comment

Photo: William E. Simpson II.

Here is the latest video posted on our Twitter page about 6 more mustangs that were saved from the kill pens and are now safely rewilded in a wilderness area:

https://twitter.com/OfficialWHFB/status/1593724583462539264

Please help us grow the Wild Horse Fire Brigade (‘WHFB’) plan to save our forests, wildlife (and habitat), and watersheds, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and humanely save wild horses, all in one move using our novel, proven plan (tested by actual wildfire in 2018).

More about WHFB here: https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/589827579/national-media-coverage-details-new-plan-to-reduce-wildfire-called-wild-horse-fire-brigade.

As time permits, we will be producing a short video showing the process and the dedicated, selfless people it takes to monitor kill auctions, raise money, bail horses out, transport, and arrange for quarantine (QT) and vet health certificates for horses, feeding during QT (30-45 days), evaluating horses to determine which ones are properly suited to rewilding, and finally transportation to a suitable wilderness location for rewilding.

Working with an extended team of amazing selfless dedicated volunteers, our nonprofit is providing our overview and guidance that has helped return what was stolen from these wild horses/mustangs: their freedom. At full scale using our plan and experience, with proper support and funding, we can do the same for thousands of wild horses/mustangs, and in the process, reduce catastrophic wildfires.

Through our larger vision and regional/national plan, we intend to scale up our rewilding program into several counties and states on the American west coast, where rewilded wild horses will reduce wildfire fuels and thereby reduce the frequency, size, and intensity of catastrophic wildfires.

Unlike any other nonprofit wild horse and burro org. in America today, our organization is uniquely qualified for this mission. Our team and Advocacy Board is made up of dedicated volunteers, each with specialized real-world empirical experience, which is absolutely required for the proper outcome.

The Wild Horse Fire Brigade plan incorporates multiple disciplines in natural resource management and science.

This is not about moving horses from one corral to another. Wild Horse Fire Brigade is about reestablishing wild horses as north American keystone herbivores into wilderness areas that are both ecologically and economically appropriate, and that takes the kind of experience that only comes from working in wildlife law, forestry, fisheries, wildfire, and with the wild horse ecology of free-roaming wild horses in wilderness.

Our nonprofit is the only one in America today with a team that has that aggregate of experience to see this through properly. Wild Horse Fire Brigade Org. is an all-volunteer California-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with our research station at Wild Horse Ranch in the mountain wilderness area on the California-Oregon border.

Your generous financial support will support our vision to save remaining American wild horses, and also help more mustangs regain their freedom. Please consider a one-time or monthly contribution to our work via our ‘CHIP IN’ page, here:

https://www.wildhorsefirebrigade.org/chip-in

Note: In 2019, Simpson was nominated to serve on the BLM’s WHB Advisory Board. He was not seated because he would not consent to the ongoing mismanagement of American wild horses. Some of his nomination letters of reference can be read at this PDF: https://www.wildhorsefirebrigade.org/_files/ugd/b50928_d4424087009e4d319c0915981ebcbf25.pdf.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

EAF Opens Disaster Relief Fund to Help Horsemen Affected by Hurricane Ian

Leave a comment

Wellington, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2022 – In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has opened its Disaster Relief Fund to help horsemen in the storm’s path with their most urgent needs as they work to regain stability.

“While the Equestrian Aid Foundation is fully operational after the storm, this one hit home for us because Florida is home,” said board member Robert Ross of the Wellington-based charity. “We were lucky, and now it’s time to get to work for those in our equestrian community who were not.”

Equestrians who are in immediate need of assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian are invited to apply for aid.

The emergency program will be funded through a $20,000 allocation from EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund. Created in 2018, the fund exists to assist equestrian communities in crisis due to unforeseen and dire circumstances. Disbursements are intended to help recipients with their most urgent and immediate needs. In recent years, EAF has activated Disaster Relief funds in response to hurricanes, wildfire, drought, flooding, and the 2020 industry shutdown precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more here.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Tom Struzzieri Steps Down as CEO of HITS LLC

Leave a comment

Saugerties, NY – September 8, 2022 – HITS LLC announced that as planned, founder Tom Struzzieri will be stepping away from his role as Chief Executive Officer at the end of the 2022 season, after more than 40 years at the helm of HITS LLC. Under Struzzieri’s leadership, HITS has become the premier brand known for producing world-class hunter/jumper competitions in the United States. HITS LLC will be led by their world class management team, while the Company actively engages in a search for a new CEO.

Struzzieri will remain a part owner and Director of HITS LLC, and will continue to provide strategic consulting to the Company as well as significant involvement in the launch of the Del Mar, California Showpark in 2023.

Struzzieri commented: “I have been extremely fortunate over the 4 decades of running HITS to have a terrific group of employees who have been by my side through some very hard climbs as we together have grown the company. I remain committed to those people and will be in constant touch as a consultant as we face the next challenges together. On a parallel course, I have also been blessed to have very loyal clients, and because of that loyalty they too can continue to count on me as a liaison to all things HITS related. The future of HITS is bright and I plan on doing what I can behind the scenes to help it shine.”

“It has been a pleasure to witness the industry through Tom’s eyes. He has been, and will continue to be, a guide and advisor to us all,” said Mortimer Singer, Managing Partner of Traub Capital Partners.  “Tom has built a great business and we look forward to continuing our work together as partners.”

With six locations in New York, Florida, Vermont, Illinois, Virginia, and now California, HITS will continue its mission of providing top quality competitions for riders at every level, while improving its facilities, technology and overall customer experience. Exhibitors can expect exciting new developments at the beginning of 2023 as the HITS Ocala Winter Show Series kicks off at Post Time Farm, as well as at Del Mar Showpark, where teams are already in place to begin renovations.

As Struzzieri steps away from his role as CEO, he is fulfilling his life-long goal of cycling across the United States, and will be supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) with Team Alpha. If you would like to consider making a donation, you can do so here: https://www.alphabikeride.com/team.

For more information, visit HitsShows.com.

Community/Charity, Competitions, Equestrian Aid Found., Show Jumping

Aguilar Wins Tenth Annual EAF Grooms Class at BRCHS

Leave a comment

Jose Aguilar, Undeniable, and EAF board member and class sponsor Missy Luczak-Smith. Photo by Cathrin Cammett.

Blowing Rock, N.C. – August 3, 2022 – Jose Aguilar topped a field of 19 entries to win the $2,000 EAF Grooms Class at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show on Sunday. His victory with Ann Rice Ervin’s 2015 KWPN gelding Undeniable marks his return to the winner’s circle after previously winning the class in both 2016 and 2018.

Judge Scott Hofstetter had the difficult task of ranking the class’s entries. “It was hands down the hardest class at the show to judge because of the quality of the turnout and the effort that all the grooms put into horses and their setup,” he said.

In addition to prize money, class participants received supplies from Shapley’s Superior Grooming Products, along with gift certificates to BRCHS and Coffee by Design. Aguilar also received a custom silver belt buckle crafted by Kathy’s Show Equipment.

Amateur hunter rider and EAF board member Missy Luczak-Smith organizes and sponsors the annual EAF Grooms Class at Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. Now in its tenth year, the class has become a highlight for grooms and owners alike. “I remember our inaugural class in 2013 had 11 entries,” said Luczak-Smith. “In recent years, we’ve doubled that. These grooms hold themselves to such a high standard, and it’s wonderful that the BRCHS community commits to recognizing them each year.”

Luczak-Smith thanked Shapley’s for their continued commitment to both the Equestrian Aid Foundation and the industry’s working professionals. She also expressed thanks to Caroline Moran and Ellen Weaver for their generous support of the class.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Dressage

United States Para-Equestrian Association Remembers Organization President Hope Hand

Leave a comment

Hope Hand at the Tryon CPEDI3* in Mill Spring, NC. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Newtown, Pennsylvania – June 29, 2022 – Hope Hand, USPEA President, passed peacefully surrounded by family at age 73 on June 12, 2022. Surviving is her husband, Stanley Hand, daughter Amy Cappozzoli and son in law Eric and their children, Parker and Lincoln, a brother, Charlie Kean and sister-in-law Pamela Kean, and her westie, Finley.

Sleep may be the only thing Hope Hand did not do well, and it would be no wonder since she gave 110% of her boundless energy and time to Para Equestrian Sport and Para Dressage. Constantly promoting, recruiting, educating, and encouraging everyone she met as she traveled at her own expense to all US International and National Championship competitions and to numerous Para Dressage symposiums, clinics, and Centers of Excellence. Hope not only knew every US Para Dressage athlete from emerging to elite, but recruited many of them, and was available 24/7 to all to advise, encourage, and educate them on their journey to be the best. Hope is well known in the equestrian world globally for her tireless work in advancing Para Equestrian sport and has served on numerous boards and committees, all in the pursuit of bringing competition excellence to the US in Para Dressage.

Two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer and close friend of Hope remembered their time together. “Hope and I traveled many miles together. We were competitors first then became close friends. It was always an adventure when traveling with Hope. From flat tires in Germany to her being carried up two flights of stairs to the train by my Dad and the Mayor of the small town in Germany. She had a big smile and thrived on the adventures we had together. While we were in England, we decided to go to a safari park. While driving through the monkey area, a few came through the sunroof, making us laugh. Hope had a heart of gold and made sure everyone around her had a fantastic time. She became my mentor and then when my parents couldn’t make the international trips, she became my show mom. While I was horse shopping, I called her to tell her I found my dream horse. She didn’t like it when I informed her that Mibis was a chestnut mare. She came to love Mibis almost as much as I did. When Hope retired from competition, she took on yet another role as president of the USPEA. Without Hope the United States Para Dressage program would not be where it is today. In 2021, we had a watch party for the Tokyo Paralympics. We all stayed up all night cheering on the USA team. We both had tears of happiness when the team won the bronze and Roxie Trunnell won the gold medals for the United States. I enjoyed my time with the Hand family especially when I stayed with them for two summers before the Athens and Hong Kong Olympics. Their family was my family, and I watched her daughter Amy grow up, I watched Hope become a grandmother to two grandsons, and I met many of Hope’s dogs over the years. Hope was one amazing lady who never took no for an answer. She is greatly missed by her west coast family.”

Hope’s list of accomplishments and committee representations were always to help promote and grow the sport of Para-Dressage. Her achievements are as follows:

  • Established and served as President of the United States Para Equestrian Association 2010-2022
  • FEI Para Dressage Technical committee 2016-2020 & 2006-2010
  • USEF IDC member 2013-2022
  • USEF Para Dressage Sports Committee Vice Chair 2013-2022, Chair 2006-2013
  • Para Dressage Centers of Excellence panel 2017-2022
  • Path International Advisory Board 2018-2022
  • USEF Board member 11years 2002-2013
  • USDF Para Dressage Committee Chair 2006 up to restructuring ~2013
  • Instrumental in helping with the transition of Para Dressage into the USEF and FEI in 2006
  • Para Dressage Athlete representing the US at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics serving as Team Captain, 1999 World Dressage Championships Denmark earning a bronze, 1997 British Invitational earning a gold and bronze, and the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics
  • 1997 Bradshaw Challenge Cup at the Festival of Champions, competed with fellow team members Steffen Peters and Guenter Seidel
  • Spearheaded the first Para Dressage group fundraiser – webathon in 2010
  • Initiated clinics with high profile AB dressage clinicians stand alone and after CPEDI3* for PD riders, including Debbie McDonald 2011, Mette Rosencrantz 2012, and more
  • Initiated clinics/symposiums with FEI Para Dressage judges/trainers Hanneke Gerritsen 2011, Carlos Lopes
  • Worked to secure two spots for Para Dressage in Able-Bodied dressage clinics 2009-2011 with top clinicians Sue Blinks and Robert Dover
  • Has attended all US CPEDI3* to meet with new riders, parents, and clinicians for education information and recruitment.
  • Production of Para Dressage promo videos 2009 & 2011
  • Instrumental in the development of Para 101 for athlete education
  • Consistently works with show secretaries and regional dressage areas to include Para dressage classes at their licensed shows, and developed education sheet for how to include classes working with USDF
  • Recruitment of Para Dressage sponsors
  • Instrumental in working with show secretaries & USEF to hold CPEDI3* in the US
  • Initiated Train, the trainer program with FEI 5* judge & trainers Hanneke Gerritsen working with Carlisle continued developing symposiums for Train the trainer & developing HP athletes 2012-2014
  • Instrumental in working with USDF to establish Para Dressage year-end awards
  • Working with USEF to include Para Dressage in NAJYRC, and sponsor 2015 & 2016
  • Established & Developed the Para Dressage mentor program through USPEA
  • Worked with US Pony Club Association to mainstream Para Dressage riders

Tina Wentz who serves as interim President of the USPEA is also a mom of Jonathan Wentz who was a Para Dressage rider that rode on the U.S. Team 2010-2012. Wentz noted, “I had the incredible privilege of working alongside Hope since the time she first formed the USPEA, and I have yet to figure out how she was able to do the work of ten every single day, always with a twinkle in her eyes. I met Hope because of my son Jonathan. Hope and Jonathan, also a Paralympic equestrian, shared the same competitive spirit and independent mindset of never considering their disability but in developing their abilities. They saw themselves as parallel to able bodied athletes and fiercely promoted that to others. Para means parallel.”

Wentz continued, “The board of USPEA and all who knew and loved her will strive to continue her vision of Para truly being parallel, with ALL athletes focused and working together to improve their ability in equestrian sport and life. Hope was a remarkable and irreplaceable individual that I am so thankful to have known as a kindred spirit and friend. And I know she’d say to all of us don’t stop now, you must carry on!”

A memorial service is being planned later this year. Details will be published once confirmed. Follow United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) on Facebook to up to date on information.

USPEA accepts tax-deductible donations, and they may be sent to USPEA c/o Ellie Brimmer, USPEA Secretary, 12359 Westhall Pl, Wellington, FL 33414.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.