Category Archives: Seminars

Seminars

Equine Veterinary Virtual Summit to Features Top Experts in Equine Medicine and Sport

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The Internet (January 11, 2021) – In a 2-day virtual event slated for February 13-14, 2021, the first Equine Veterinary Virtual Summit (EVVS) will deliver top equestrian and veterinary experts directly to your device of choice. From world-renowned vets to international show jumpers, the EVVS will harness this wealth of equine knowledge into a valuable package for any rider, trainer, or owner. Sponsored by VetWorld, a line of veterinarian formulated equine supplements, the EVVS is currently offering early bird discounts on all levels of access through February 10th.

One of the headline veterinarians, Dr. Sue Dyson, will address diagnosing equine discomfort in the ridden horse, a key early warning sign for treating and preventing lameness. Dr. Dyson is a MA, VetMB, PhD, DEO, and FRCVS, a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Specialist in Equine Orthopaedics, and is an Associate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. A world-renowned expert in equine orthopedics, Dr. Dyson focuses particularly on lameness and performance in sports horses. Highly skilled in the diagnosis of both subtle and complex lameness cases, she is also an expert in diagnostic imaging, including radiography, ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Sue has lectured internationally and published more than 230 refereed papers in scientific journals, relating to lameness and diagnostic imaging in the horse. Sue is co-Editor and major author of ‘Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse,’ ‘Equine Scintigraphy,’ and ‘Clinical Radiology of the Horse.’ In 2013 she received the American Association of Equine Practitioners Frank J. Milne Award.

Another headliner, Dr. John C. Godbold, Jr., will expound upon his expertise in laser therapy in equine patients, and how Equine Photobiomodulation Therapy has helped treat and prevent injury as well as reduce pain, inflammation, and accelerate healing.

Since 1999, Dr. Godbold has pursued a special interest in the use of light‐based modalities in small animal practice. He has extensive experience with surgical and therapeutic lasers, has developed new surgical and therapeutic techniques, and assists equipment manufacturers with the development of new laser and light-based technologies. In 2016 Dr. Godbold expanded his interest to include digital thermal imaging and has worked in depth in the development and delivery of educational content about thermal imaging and its application in veterinary practice.

Dr. Godbold has published numerous papers, articles, and chapters about the use of lasers in small animal practice. His publications have appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Clinician’s Brief, Laserpoints, The Feline Patient, The Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, and the Newsletter of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society. He also published the internationally distributed Atlas of CO2 Laser Surgery Procedures in 2002, with a new edition each year since. In 2009, Dr. Godbold published the Atlas of Class IV Laser Therapy – Small Animal, also updated with a new edition each year. He is co‐editor and a chapter contributor of the textbook Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine ‐ Photobiomodulation, 2017, Wiley.

In high demand as a continuing education speaker, Dr. Godbold has led over 600 laser workshops, wet‐labs, and continuing education meetings throughout North America and in over 25 countries around the world.

Meet our other speakers and register now at https://go.eque.st/.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Seminars

Plans Announced for 2020 Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports

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Horsemen in Northern Nigeria circa 1970.

Green Creek Township, North Carolina (USA) – Wednesday, October 14, 2020 – The 2020 Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports will be presented via video conference on Saturday afternoon, November 14 from 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (20:30:00 UTC). The virtual meeting will examine issues relating to diversity in a) domestic and b) international arenas.

Launched in 2019 as part of the 2nd Annual Day of the African Equestrian (DOTAE), the 2020 seminar takes place against a backdrop of social and political turmoil in the United States – in a year where the equestrian community has been forced to reckon with many of its own contradictions and activist riders of color including Brianna Noble and The Compton Cowboys have achieved international notice – in part through the use of horses in public protests inspired by the global Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

A legendary American Saddlebred trainer, Tom Bass (1859-1934) was born enslaved in Columbia, Missouri. He played a prominent role both in the establishment of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City and in the promotion of the city of Mexico, Missouri as the ‘Saddle Horse Capital of the World.’ Highlights of his extraordinary career include championships at two World’s Fairs and more than 2,000 blue ribbons. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal. The Tom Bass bit, developed to give the rider control without causing pain to the horse, is still in use today.

During his lifetime, Bass performed before such luminaries as Queen Marie of Romania, William Jennings Bryan, P. T. Barnum and U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Calvin Coolidge. His more prominent clients included Mr. Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, and Will Rogers.

Topics to be explored during the 2020 Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport include:

  • Demystifying horse sport – not for rich kids only! Reviving equestrian heritage in lower and middle income communities
  • Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
  • Building sustainable programs that support diversity in the horse industry
  • Incorporating the lessons gleaned from social activism into the ways in which we do business
  • Leveraging (new and traditional) media in horse focused education and promotion
  • Developing stories that more accurately reflect the life experiences of equestrians of color
  • Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities (including African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native-American, Romani, South Asian, and others) into our shared equestrian narrative

The seminar is presented by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. in association with SportsQuest International, LLC.

Linkage to the video conference will be available from the following websites:

Organizers of the Tom Bass Seminar point out that horses are big business in the United States and in many regions of the world.

According to the American Horse Council, the horse industry contributes approximately $50 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy, supporting almost one million jobs on a full-time basis1. According to statistics presented at the 2013 FEI Sports Forum — held at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland — the horse industry has a €100 billion ($128.151 billion) annual economic impact within the European Union. The economic impact in the United Kingdom is estimated at being over £7 billion ($10.643 billion)2.

A major challenge for an Olympic sport that promotes itself as being truly global, “clean”, and fully inclusive, is a conspicuous lack of people of color. People of color are underrepresented in the ranks of riders, owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, sponsors, spectators, and members of the equestrian media. Conversely, there is an overrepresentation as grooms, nannies, hot walkers, and stall muckers.

To remedy this situation, equestrian sports promoters and organizations representing all facets of the industry are being urged to understand that it is good business to spend advertising dollars in minority communities. “Developing a more diverse fan base involves supporting equestrian sport training programs in those communities and working in concert with ethnic media outlets in educating members of the public about horse sport. Cultivating cooperative alliances with minority owned businesses will yield tangible benefits,” wrote seminar moderator Melvin Cox in a 2017 editorial published by HorseNation.com.

Mr. Cox, a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is the Founder and Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC – a media production and consulting business focused on the equestrian industry. Mr. Cox foresees an explosion of interest in equestrian sports throughout the United States and in other countries — reaching across all socioeconomic strata. But, he warns, “the outreach to new market segments will have to be done correctly — from a position of true humility and respect, and not from one of blatant arrogance.”

“Much as motorsport has successfully built a loyal following among fans with little if any opportunity (or desire) to own a Formula One racing car,” wrote Cox, “the horse sports can be proactively marketed to all demographics. Just as Major League Baseball attracts millions who will never hit a curveball, the equestrian disciplines can find deeply loyal and very knowledgeable aficionados among persons representing all manner of humanity.”

The solution proposed by seminar organizers targets a more equitable distribution of the scholarships, internships, jobs, contracts, investment opportunities, and profits associated with the global horse business. A key component of this effort is to increase awareness among young people in cities, suburbs, and rural communities regarding the opportunities for successful and fulfilling careers available in the horse business. Cox believes that America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and her Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) represent an untapped “gold mine” of talent and opportunity.

About the AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc:

A nonprofit 501(c) organization, ACREF was created in direct response to the numerous distortions, half-truths, and omissions seen almost daily in the popular media regarding Africa, her people, and the African Diaspora.

The principal mission of the organization is to illuminate, educate, and provide a balanced viewpoint that celebrates genuine achievement and service to humanity.

Sources:

1 2017 National Economic Impact Study – American Horse Council

2 Graeme Cooke. “Trends in Growth of Equestrian Sport.” FEI Sports Forum, 8 April, 2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2017.

Contact:
SportsQuest International, LLC
marketing@SportsQuestInternational.com

Community/Charity, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Seminars

Armed Forces Day a Success

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Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins with NTEC Hans. Photos by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wylie, TX – May 23, 2014 – On May 17, 2014, the first Wounded Warrior Introductional Seminar at North Texas Equestrian Center in Wylie, TX occurred. It was Armed Forces Day, a chance to honor all those who serve or have served. This seminar was an opportunity to reach out to veterans to educate them about a Paralympic sport whose roots are deeply connected to the military. In attendance at the event were veterans and their family members, USO volunteers, Para Dressage sponsors, as well as those interested in learning more about the discipline of Para Dressage.

Kai Handt, the U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Coach and Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe, showcased demonstrations by Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins on horse NTEC Hans and Para-Dressage athlete Roxanne Trunnell on her own Touché. Both Perkins and Trunnell will be competing at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship in Gladstone, NJ June 2-5, 2014. Trunnell will also be competing at the Selection Trials (held concurrently with the National Championship) for a spot on the U.S. Para-Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.

Handt explained to those in attendance what is required to be a competitive Para Dressage rider and how veterans can qualify for the United States Olympic Committee and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Assistance Program for Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes. In addition to Handt’s informative presentation, Tina Wentz, FEI Classifier and USPEA Board member, explained the FEI Para Equestrian Classification system and how to get started in Para Dressage. They also went over the history of the Paralympic movement and the dressage sport in the military.

The unique relationship between the military and the Paralympic sport began with Sir Ludwig Guttmann, known as the Father of the Paralympics. He used wheelchair sport as a way to physically and psychologically rehabilitate soldiers who had suffered spinal cord injuries in WWII. The first competition in 1948 started small with one sport but caught the eye of the Olympic organizers. Twelve years later in 1960 the first Paralympics were held with 9 sports and twenty-one countries participating.

Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch
Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch

Dressage roots go as far back as Xenophon (430-355 BC) in Greece who developed a training method for complex military movements for their cavalry horses. Later in the late 18th century and early 19th century with the shift from heavy to light cavalry, dressage was developed to keep their horses fit, agile, and ready for battle.

These two movements came together in the 1970s with the development of Para Dressage and the inclusion of this discipline into the Paralympics in 1996 in Atlanta.

For anyone interested in future Wounded Warrior Informational Seminar, Handt will host a second seminar towards the end of 2014. Handt looks forward to introducing more veterans to a discipline whose roots are deeply embedded in the military.

For more information about the United States Olympic Committee and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Assistance Program for Para-Equestrian Dressage Athletes, please go to: https://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/paralympic/AthleticEligibilityRequirementsforVAFunding.pdf.

Written by Tina Wentz

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

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.

Community/Charity, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Seminars

North Texas Equestrian Center to Showcase Para-Equestrian Demonstrations on Armed Forces Day

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U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins (Lindsay McCall)

Lexington, Ky. – In support of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 17, Kai Handt, the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, will be showcasing demonstrations by Air Force veterans and other para-dressage athletes starting at 12:00 p.m. CDT at the North Texas Equestrian Center in Wylie, Texas. An introductory seminar on the exciting sport of para-equestrian dressage will be facilitated to the new members of the Wounded Warrior Project. All branches of the military and the general public are welcome to attend this informative seminar and exciting demonstration.

The location of this event is:
North Texas Equestrian Center
1765 Southview Dr.
Wylie, Texas, 75098

For more Information, please call: (972) 442-7544.

One Armed Forces veteran who has quickly arrived on the scene of the para-equestrian discipline of dressage is U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins of Sugar Land, Texas. Perkins was injured in 1988 while on active duty resulting in a significant loss of use of all four extremities. After rehabilitation he was classified as having C7 Asia D Tetraplegia. Perkins is actively involved in several organizations including Paralyzed Veterans of America, TX Chapter, Air Force Wounded Warrior, USEF, USDF, and U.S. Equestrian Team. He is eligible for international competition as a 1A classification, allowing him a chance to represent the United States in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2016 Paralympic Games under the coaching instruction of Kai Handt.

To learn more about the para-equestrian discipline, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allpara.aspx.

Dressage, Events, Jane Savoie, Seminars, Training/Clinics

Did You Know I Gave a Clinic in the Midst of Hurricane Sandy? by Jane Savoie

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Last month I taught a 4-day workshop at the USET headquarters in New Jersey right in the middle of “Frankenstorm”. I’d like to share a video from that event and mention that next Tuesday, Dec. 4, I’m going to be doing a free teleseminar to kick off an exciting “Surviving Sandy” promotion.

You can watch the video and sign up for next week’s teleseminar here: http://savoiedressageacademy.com/program/leg-yielding/.

But as far as that workshop went, my goal was simple — to give riders and teachers a clear, step-by-step system for training and problem solving.

Sometimes it seems that you need an advanced degree in rocket science just to be an effective rider, doesn’t it? Some teachers even give you the feeling that unless you’re some kind of gifted genius or have been riding since you could walk that you’ll never really get anywhere.

Continue reading Did You Know I Gave a Clinic in the Midst of Hurricane Sandy? by Jane Savoie →

Community/Charity, JRPR, Products/Services, Seminars

Cunningham & Cunningham Founder Speaks to Veterinarians at Tufts University Seminar

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Tom Cunningham, the founder of Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc., recently used his expertise in the equine insurance industry to speak at Tufts University. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Harriman, NY (May 15, 2012) – Tom Cunningham, the founder of Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc., recently used his expertise in the equine insurance industry to speak at Tufts University. Cunningham spoke at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which is part of Tufts University and is the only veterinary school in New England.

Cunningham, who has been in the livestock insurance business for 39 years, presented a program to over 60 veterinarians and veterinarian students on the relationship between the veterinarian, the insurance company, insurance agent and insurance adjuster. “It was a great experience speaking to this group at Tufts. They were very receptive and we were really able to discuss the importance a veterinarian plays in helping their patients take care of paperwork so claims can be filed,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham is well respected in the livestock insurance field and has spoken at other schools, regional events and seminars, as well as at New Bolton, the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school. “I am the only insurance agent ever asked to contribute to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines with respect to insurance,” he said.

Continue reading Cunningham & Cunningham Founder Speaks to Veterinarians at Tufts University Seminar →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Equestrian Assistance, Events, Seminars

College Preparatory Invitational Competition and Seminars to Be Held at the 2012 WEF

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Wellington, FL – December 22, 2011 – The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) will be a feature event on January 13-15 during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The second annual CPI Horse Show will be larger, allowing more riders to compete, and will include dressage classes and more educational opportunities for participants. Equestrian Sport Productions is proud to be a sponsor of the College Preparatory Invitational and looks forward to welcoming new and returning riders to this year’s event.

In addition to increasing the number of riders accepted at the CPI, organizers are also pleased to announce that the number of scholarships for the 2012 horse show has increased. A total of five scholarships will be awarded this year, rewarding the young riders on their social conduct and academic success, as well as competitive success. In total, there will be five scholarships awarded to eligible CPI participants, including: CPI Horsemanship Test Award, CPI High Point Hunt Seat Equitation Rider, CPI Essay Contest, CPI Champion of Service Award, and CPI High Point Dressage Rider.

Continue reading College Preparatory Invitational Competition and Seminars to Be Held at the 2012 WEF →

Community/Charity, Events, Jennifer Wood, Seminars

IHSA, ANRC, IDA and NCAA Representatives to Speak at Seminars during 2012 College Preparatory Invitational

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Eddie Federwisch

Wellington, FL – December 16, 2011 – Coaches representing the four main governing bodies of collegiate riding will host seminars for the young riders at this year’s College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show. Representatives from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), American National Riding Commission (ANRC), Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will all be on hand. Presenting its second annual event, the 2012 CPI will be held January 13-15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Everyone is invited to attend the seminars and meet the college coaches at this year’s CPI, not just riders entered to show. On the website, www.collegeprepinvitational.com, you can sign up by purchasing the “Seminar Only”. In addition, if you purchase the seminar only, you can also purchase the “Rider Bio” to post bios, photos and videos online for coaches to see. The “Rider Bio” can only be purchased through attending the seminars. Volunteers are also welcome at the event; please contact Heidi Lengyel at heidiL@collegeprepinvitational.com to sign up.

Continue reading IHSA, ANRC, IDA and NCAA Representatives to Speak at Seminars during 2012 College Preparatory Invitational →

Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Seminars, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts George H. Morris Educational Seminar

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The esteemed George Morris conducted an educational seminar hosted at the Buffalo Therapeutic Center from November 11-13, 2011. Photo © Lauren Fisher

Buffalo, NY – November 18, 2011 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) hosted a popular and insightful clinic this past weekend, conducted by the world renowned trainer, rider and Chef d’Equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, George H. Morris. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable to students attending the clinic for years, working to further each rider’s skills both in the aspects of horsemanship and riding. The clinic not only acted as a learning experience for riders, but it also raised funds to continue the progressive work of the BTRC.

A renowned horseman, Morris has played a crucial role, not only in the growth of countless notorious horses and riders, but also in the development of the current equestrian sport. He has often been referred to as the “founding father” of hunt seat equitation. Second to none, his teachings, technique, and style are admired around the world. His clinics are a rare and exceptional opportunity for riders of all levels and ages to learn from the finest.

Continue reading Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts George H. Morris Educational Seminar →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Seminars

KY Horse Council Leads Strategic Planning Session for Equine Industry

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Lexington, KY, July 21, 2011 – Kentucky’s horses are often referred to as a “signature industry”, providing the Commonwealth with an identity that goes beyond state and national borders.  Horses provide Kentuckians thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue to the Commonwealth, and hours of pleasure for Kentucky horsemen and women.

Despite the size and impact of the industry, Kentucky does not engage routinely in long-term strategic planning of initiatives to benefit all breeds and equestrian disciplines.

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) hosts a Kentucky Equine Strategic Planning Session on September 24, 2011.  KHC seeks the involvement of all equine associations throughout the Commonwealth for this important process.

“This planning effort to develop initiatives for the benefit of all owners, riders, and breeders is something that is a natural fit for the Kentucky Horse Council”, says Anna Zinkhon, President of the KHC Board.

“The event will not only support the industry and the Commonwealth, but will also help to unify the community, which has been known to be fragmented into different interest groups.  When we all work together and speak as one voice, we are much more effective,” Zinkhon continued.

Continue reading KY Horse Council Leads Strategic Planning Session for Equine Industry →