Category Archives: Symposiums

Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium Energizes U.S. Riders and Trainers

Coaches Kai Handt and Wes Dunham demonstrate working together with rider Sydney Collier and horse Wentworth. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

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. Riders’ 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 and Mabel
Derrick Perkins and Mabel

Derrick Perkins of Texas, who rides with U.S. Paralympic trainer Kai Handt, was one of the newer Para-Dressage athletes. 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 US 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/.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, 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.

2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium Motivates U.S. Riders

Ben Harper and Maggie work with Catherine Haddad Staller. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

Lyman, Maine – May 30, 2013 – The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium kicked off on May 29th with a “Train the Trainer” program and “SmartPak Coaches Forum”. Trainers, riders, and auditors were enlightened on Para-Dressage topics including the use of compensating aids, the classification process, and collaborative coaching techniques. FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen, National Classifier Tina Wentz, USPEA President Hope Hand, and Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director Gil Merrick discussed each of these topics in a formal atmosphere at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. Riders then headed to the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine for their first lessons with Clive Milkins. Clive Milkins coached the 2012 gold medal winning Great Britain Para-Dressage Team. On the following day, May 30th, equestrians put on their tall boots, stepped into their stirrups and participated in a demonstration ride with Hanneke Gerritsen and lessons with Clive Milkins and Catherine Haddad Staller. The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium is the first in a series of educational events across the United States. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak to make the symposium an educational package.

Throughout the day riders were treated to exceptional trainers present in the world of Dressage. United States Para-Dressage equestrians included current high-performances riders and horses in addition to a few green Para-Equestrians. Many riders did not bring their own horses due to logistics creating exciting opportunities for the rider. Clive Milkins enjoyed each aspect of the symposium weekend. He noted, “It’s fantastic to see a group of like-minded people all pulling together, in the vastness of this country, to help disabled riders become proper athletes and sportsman.”

When Clive Milkins received the phone call that he was requested in the U.S. a day before the European National Selection Trials, he was game.

“I was really excited,” expressed Milkins. “My main belief in life is to help anybody that thinks they want my help or my input. The experience I have gained over the last 20 years of doing well in Great Britain is invaluable. I will help anyone who wants help. Anybody that wants me and feels I can make a difference to their riding or their horses, I am there.”

After a full weekend of viewing the United States Para-Dressage riders, Clive Milkins was impressed. He stated, “Give yourself some more experience, work on the small items, especially what everyone is developing over the last few days. It will not be much longer until the U.S. sees another medal.”

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, is looking towards the next medal opportunity, which is the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. This symposium is inserted within the high-performance schedule to help benefit each rider. With the logistics involved, not every rider could transport their horses to Maine for the symposium.

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, brought her own horse Wentworth to the symposium. She commented, “It’s so valuable to get the trainers feedback with you and your own horses. When you borrow a horse, you are getting feedback on you and on a horse you may not have ever ridden before. It may not translate back to your own horses. I was excited to bring Wentworth this year. I like seeing what the other trainers feel about him and what they think we can do to improve our partnership. It is invaluable to be able to have both of us here at the same time.”

She continued, “It’s also crucial to have my very gracious coach Wes Dunham on the grounds to gain feedback from the symposium. I want to thank Wes, my parents, and Carlisle Academy for hosting this amazing event.”

Ben Harper of Virginia experienced this one of a kind educational event and was thrilled with the outcome. He explained, “This is a special event and a great team building symposium.”

Ben Harper is relatively new to the sport of Para-Dressage and found himself enjoying the opportunity to ride in front of the internationally acclaimed panel. For new riders like Harper, the experience of having trainers in one location beside educators, professionals, and fellow teammates is essential.

Mary Jordan and Sebastian
Mary Jordan and Sebastian

For veteran Para-Dressage, riders the ability to work on specific tasks and sharpen techniques could change the outcome at the next international competition.

The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium continues May 31 – June 1, 2013 with the accomplished trainer Catherine Haddad Staller, clinician Gil Merrick, and expert judge Hanneke Gerritsen.

Equestrians, trainers and coaches who have questions and who would like more information on the symposium can contact Carlisle’s Training & Leadership Program Director Joyce Brown at jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com, or at 207.985.0374. Questions can also be directed to USPEA President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, 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.

Announcing the 2013 US National Para-Dressage Training Symposium “A Team Approach”

Lyman, ME – Join the USPEA for a four day Para-Dressage Training Symposium. World-class trainers and practitioners will be at Carlisle Academy for an educational and interactive program packed with information and training for para-dressage riders, trainers and coaches.

The Training symposium is presented in two parts, with a theme of “A Team Approach.”

Train the Trainer Workshop ~ May 29-30
Para Rider Symposium ~ May 30 – June 1

This is a U.S. Para-Equestrian Association sanctioned event and is organized and hosted by Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, a leading nationally accredited program in Lyman, Maine.

Symposium Banquet & Keynote Address
All participants (clinicians, trainers, and riders) are invited to a symposium banquet at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine on Wednesday, May 29th. Featured guest Gil Merrick will kick off the symposium theme of “A Team Approach” in his keynote address that evening. There will be time for fellowship and networking.

Featured Symposium Clinicians
Hanneke Gerritsen ~ FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate from Holland
Catherine Haddad Staller ~ International Dressage Competitor & Trainer
Clive Milkins ~ 2012 Paralympic Gold Medal Team Coach for Great Britain
Gil Merrick ~ Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director and National Clinician

Symposium Lecturers & Specialists
Hope Hand ~ President of United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA)
Lora Dow ~ Fundraising & Marketing Expert
Tina Wentz ~ National Classifier and USPEA board member
Susan Grant, OTR/L, HPCS ~ Licensed Occupational Therapist; Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist
Janet Smaldone, PT, HPCS ~ Licensed Physical Therapist; Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist

Facilities
The workshop portion and Symposium Banquet will be held at the classic, waterfront Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. We have reserved a block of rooms at a group rate for any Symposium participant. All hands-on and riding portions of the Symposium will be held at Carlisle Academy, which is centrally located in Southern Maine, just 30 minutes from Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH. Fly into Portland, Manchester or Boston airports. The Academy, located on 150-acre Spring Creek Farm in Lyman, Maine, USA, provides an ideal environment for training. With two indoor arenas, two outdoor arenas, a therapy room and classroom, individuals and horses alike will find the space comfortable, peaceful and conducive to a productive learning experience.

Registration Due Date: Friday, May 10, 2013

Please note – there is no limit on enrollment for the Train the Trainer’s portion. However, due to the intensive nature of the Rider Symposium, space is limited to 10 riders and an unlimited number of active auditors. Carlisle Academy will hold space for 2 alternates in the event of rider cancellations. Preference will be given to Horse & Rider combinations.

Download the Registration Form Here.
Download the Information Packet Here.

Please contact Joyce Brown, Training & Leadership Program Director of Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, at 207-985-0374 or jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com with questions or concerns.

Contact the USPEA by emailing President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org.

Global Dressage Forum North America Treats Participants to Two-Day Educational Event

Ingrid Klimke demonstrates training the young horse. Photo by Susan J. Stickle

Wellington, FL – January 29, 2013 – The second day of the Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA) was packed with lectures, demonstrations and interactive panel discussions presented by a “Who’s who” of dressage clinicians, experts, judges, riders and competitors. The GDFNA, held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center January 28-29, was presented by DressageClinic.com and Wellington Classic Dressage.

Tuesday’s clinicians included Stefan Stammer, Bo Jena, Ingrid Klimke, Dr. Hilary Clayton and Wolfram Wittig. Dressage superstars Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebling, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel, Christoph Hess, Stephen Clarke, Wim Ernes, Gary Rockwell, Lendon Gray and Sue Blinks were featured panelists.

“I’m honored to be part of the first annual GDFNA and to welcome so many top international riders, trainers and panelists,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, Managing Partner of Wellington Classic Dressage.

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Global Dressage Forum North America Kicks Off Two-Day Educational Experience

Steffen Peters kicks off the teaching portion of the clinic. Photos by Susan Stickle

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2013 − The Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA) launched the first day of the premier educational dressage experience in at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Palm Beach County, presented by Wellington Classic Dressage and DressageClinic.com.

Andreas Stano, Executive Director and Founder of the GDFNA and DressageClinic.com, welcomed top international professionals from the U.K., Germany, Holland, Denmark and Canada, as well as spectators from as far away as Canada, Europe and New Zealand.

The program began with George Williams, president of the United States Dressage Federation, outlining the issues facing dressage in the U.S. today. “We need to protect dressage for the future,” Williams said, “and we must make it sustainable.”

He emphasized the importance of supporting the highest level of the sport and the key aspect education plays in the future.

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2013 Global Dressage Forum North America: Dressage’s Most Significant Educational Experience

Wellington, FL – December 1, 2012 – The 2013 Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA), the world’s largest and most important educational symposium for international dressage, will be held January 28-29 at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL.

Dressage trainers, riders, officials and serious dressage enthusiasts from around the globe will gather at this first annual event immediately following the CDI5* World Dressage Masters/Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*.

The Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA) will feature the world’s top dressage educators presenting training demonstrations by international and Olympic champions, revealing an in-depth insight into what makes their methods so successful.

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Dressage Rider Lauren Sammis Wears “Role Model” Hat at Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium and Young Rider Graduate Program

Lauren Sammis, who always wears her helmet while riding and competing, recently took part in the Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium and the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program in Wellington. (Photo courtesy of Sue Stickle)

Wellington, FL (January 18, 2012) – International Dressage rider and Pan Am Gold Medalist Lauren Sammis is well known for wearing her helmet in the Grand Prix ring, and thanks to that important life decision Sammis put on her “role model” hat recently and took part in the Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium in Wellington. Sammis, who competes Sagacious HF, a KWPN gelding owned by Al Guden and Hyperion Farm, sat on a panel at the Riders4Helmets Symposium entitled “We Are All Role Models.”

In addition to being a role model for wearing her helmet while riding and competing, Sammis is also a role model for young dressage riders aspiring to have a successful dressage career. On the same weekend that Sammis appeared on the Riders4Helmet panel, she also took part in the USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program.

“It was a very busy weekend but I had a great time,” Sammis said. “Both programs were very important and it was an honor to be asked to participate. I am in Wellington for the winter dressage season competing Sagacious in the Grand Prix’s, but anytime I can do something that puts me in a position where I am helping other riders, I am glad to do it.”

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Riders4Helmets to Host 3rd Helmet Safety Symposium

Lexington, KY — The popular helmet awareness campaign Riders4Helmets will be hosting the 3nd Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium on January 14th, 2012, at the Hilton Airport Hotel, Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL (International Room), from 8.30am to 5pm. The symposium is being sponsored by Tipperary, Charles Owen, Samshield, Ovation, One K Helmets, GPA, Equine Risk Management Group LLC, Equestrian Collections and Point Two. For those who cannot attend the symposium in person, sessions will be available via live feed (details to be announced on the www.riders4helmets.com website shortly).

The Helmet Safety Symposium will bring together representatives from various corners of the equestrian world to discuss the importance of wearing helmets, rider safety and to improve helmet designs, rules and more. The event will provide a series of lectures and panel discussions throughout the day. Many in attendance will also sit on the panels, including equestrians, representatives from the helmet safety testing authorities, helmet manufacturers, equestrian organizations, and neurosurgeons. The chairs of the meeting will be Dr. Craig Ferrell, physician to the United States Equestrian Team and Chair FEI Medical Council, and, Lyndsey White and Chad Mendell of Riders4Helmets.

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Amerigo Sponsored Dressage Star Kyra Kyrklund Shines at NEDA Fall Symposium

Kyra Kyrklund was the featured clinician at the NEDA Fall Symposium.

Buena Vista, VA (November 29, 2011) – World-renowned dressage trainer and rider Kyra Kyrklund, a Finnish dressage icon from West Sussex in the United Kingdom, was the featured clinician at the NEDA Fall Symposium at the UMass Hadley Farm in Hadley, Massachusetts. Kyrklund has competed in six Olympics and is proudly sponsored by Amerigo Saddles, sold in the United States by World Equestrian Brands, LLC.

“Every year NEDA brings top riders and trainers to their symposium and all of the dressage enthusiasts who attend the NEDA Fall Symposium are thrilled to be learning from the best of the best. Kyra is certainly is all that, and she is such an inspiration. It was a fantastic experience for everyone at the NEDA Symposium to be able to learn from one of the best in the world,” said Robin Moore, President of World Equestrian Brands. “Kyra is well known for her training methods and also for riding in Amerigo Saddles. At World Equestrian Brands we carry Amerigo and Amerigo Vega products and we are pleased to represent a product endorsed by Kyra.”

Kyrklund’s book, Dressage with Kyra, details Kyrklund’s unique training system, a system that has enabled her to accomplish a great deal in the dressage world. Kyrklund said she is always interested in developing better ways to communicate with horses, and she shared that knowledge with those attending the NEDA Symposium.

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Rood & Riddle to Hold Sport Horse Educational Symposium during 2011 Alltech National Horse Show

Lexington, KY – October 21, 2011 – Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will hold an educational symposium for horsemen on sport horse health entitled “Achieving Peak Performance – A Whole Horse Approach” on Thursday, November 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. The seminar will be held in the North Exhibit Hall of the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and will be free to ticket holders for Alltech National Horse Show events on that evening.

The symposium will highlight a range of veterinary topics impacting sport horses of all disciplines and levels. Talks will include “How Dentistry Affects Performance” by Brad Tanner, DVM; “Neck and Back Dysfunction” by Alex Emerson, DVM; “Hind Limb Pain and the Use of Stem Cells” by Scott Hopper, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS and partner at Rood & Riddle; “Shoeing for Performance” by Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF and “Nutritional Supplements for Sport Horses” by Steve Elliott, Global Product Director at Alltech. The symposium will be moderated by Chris Newton, DVM, partner at Rood & Riddle.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is the official veterinarian, farrier and pharmacy of the Alltech National Horse Show, which is making its first appearance in Lexington, Kentucky this year. The 128-year-old show features a number of prestigious hunter and jumper classes, including the Double H Farm $75,000 International Grand Prix on the evening of the symposium.

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