Tag Archives: Carlisle Academy

Hanneke Gerritsen Para Dressage/Dressage Symposium and Schooling Show June 2-4

Lyman, Maine – May 22, 2017 – Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, recognized as a USEF/USPEA National Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence, will host a Para Dressage/Dressage Symposium and Evaluation Ride Schooling Show June 2-4, with Hanneke Gerritsen. Hanneke Gerritsen is a FEI 5* Paralympic Dressage Judge and Deputy Chair of the FEI Technical Committee. Gerritsen will offer an educational and interactive symposium packed with information and training for riders and coaches. The symposium will be held at the Carlisle Academy located in Lyman, Maine. Friday & Saturday, June 2-3, 2017, includes the Dressage & Para-Dressage Symposium, followed by Sunday, June 4, Dressage & Para-Dressage Schooling Show. Para-dressage athletes, dressage riders, and interested veterans are encouraged to attend. For more information about dates, activities, or biographies, please visit http://carlisleacademymaine.com/programs/sports-education/para-dressage-education-training/ or contact Sarah Armentrout, Head of School, at sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com or 207-985-0374.

This will be Hanneke Gerritsen’s fifth visit to Carlisle Academy. During the symposium riders will have 45-minute private mounted sessions each day along with lecture-based education. Trained program horses are available. PATH Instructors and Dressage Coaches are encouraged to audit lessons and participate in coach development sessions. A USEF National Classifier will be available for classification. A Sports Medicine Veterinarian will lecture and utilize horses for demonstrations. Veterans may participate free of charge and are encouraged to audit to learn more about the sport, in collaboration with to an Adaptive Sports Grant provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Participants will receive a bound manual on a variety of topics with accompanying lectures on Para-Dressage Classification Process, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, A Judge’s Perspective on Winning Rides/Video Analysis, Musical Freestyle Tips, Adaptive Equipment & Compensation Aids, Paralympic Military Program, and Common Equine Athlete Soft Tissue Injuries. Sunday’s schooling show is open to symposium participants, but is managed under a separate registration.

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

Introduction to Para-Driving with Scott Monroe, November 18 at Carlisle Academy

Are you a disabled veteran looking for an exciting adaptive sport?

Para-Dressage and Para-Driving are internationally-recognized, elite sports for individuals with permanent, measurable physical disabilities. Carlisle Academy, in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation, was recently awarded an Adaptive Sports Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to support growth and participation of disabled veterans in para-equestrian sports. Full tuition support for veterans is available for this camp, as well as federal allowances to support ongoing training. Eligibility requirements apply.

Come learn more about these opportunities for disabled veterans and their coaches at Carlisle Academy.

Introduction to Para-Driving with Scott Monroe
Friday, November 18, 9am – 4pm
Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine

For more info on the Para-Equestrian Training Camp, contact Carlisle Academy Head of School, Sarah Armentrout, at 207-985-0374, sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com, or visit carlisleacademymaine.com.

For eligibility in Para-Equestrian Sports and the Paralympic Military Program, contact Laureen Johnson, Para-Equestrian Director of the United States Equestrian Federation, at lkjohnson@usef.org or (908) 326-1155.

Carlisle Academy is a recognized PATH Premier Accredited Center and a USEF/USPEA Para-Equestrian Center of Excellence.

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

Carlisle Academy Receives Federal Grant to Coach Disabled Veterans in Para-Equestrian Sports

Lexington, Ky. – Carlisle Academy, New England’s premier integrative riding school, has received a federal grant of $52,100 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program. This grant was awarded in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) to increase and expand para-equestrian sport opportunities to disabled veterans and their coaches at the community, regional, and national levels.

The USEF and the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) recently designated Carlisle Academy as one of three International Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence for fostering growth in para-equestrian dressage.

“This grant is a testament to the success of Carlisle Academy and the vision of Sarah Armentrout and all who work with her,” said Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport. “Equestrian has so much to offer those with disabilities, whether it be therapeutic or the opportunity to excel as an elite athlete on the international stage. As a former member the British Armed Forces, I have complete admiration for, and fully support, those that seek to provide opportunities for our disabled veterans. This grant will expand opportunities for veterans and I hope will allow more to experience all the noble horse has to offer.”

Carlisle Academy has been a long-time leader in its field and offers a range of equine-assisted therapy and sport programs. Since 2008, the Academy has provided services to disabled veterans, and this grant will expand on these offerings to build a national coaching and training pathway for eligible veterans to pursue their Paralympic sport dreams.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant which will allow us to bridge the therapeutic horsemanship and para-equestrian communities, while creating greater access for veterans and their coaches to these growing adaptive sports,” said Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy. “I would like to thank our congressional leaders, U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins, U.S. Senator Angus S. King Jr., and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, for their ongoing support.”

Carlisle Academy has invested considerable resources in para-equestrian experts who complement its staff of therapists and instructors to help athletes and their coaches lay the foundation for success in para-dressage and para-driving. Clive Milkins, Paralympic Coach from the United Kingdom with over 20 years dedicated to the sport of para-dressage is on staff at the Academy, actively training athletes, coaches, and their horses from the grassroots through high-performance levels. Scott Monroe, a carriage driving national champion and PATH Level 2 Therapeutic Driving Instructor is an affiliate coach for driving clinics and lessons. As a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Monroe has a keen interest in working with wounded service men and women to develop their competition skills in Para-Driving.

“Carlisle Academy is staffed with highly trained and enthusiastic personnel who are respectful, caring, creative, and accommodating of the varied needs and concerns that many veterans have,” said Amy L. Marcotte, Team Leader, Sanford Vet Center and a veteran. “Many veterans have reported back to us that through participation in the Carlisle Academy programs, they have found a sense of purpose and connectedness to others. To date, we have received nothing but positive feedback from our veterans and their family members.”

Learn more about Carlisle Academy

Learn more about USEF/USPEA Centers of Excellence

From the USEF Communications Department

Riders and Coaches Enjoy Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp and Three Day Clinic

Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland works with a developing rider.

Lyman, Maine – September 15, 2015 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders enjoyed the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp August 25-28, 2015, with 5* Olympic and Paralympic Judge Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland and International Para-Dressage Coach Clive Milkins. Following the camp Clive Milkins, Trainer-in-Residence at Carlisle Academy, conducted a three day Para-Dressage clinic, September 1-3.

Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine, a Premier Accredited PATH Center and national leader in grassroots development for para-equestrian sports, has been the educational link for developing athletes and coaches. Experienced international para-equestrian clinicians, therapists, and coaches with their riders gathered for training and education primarily focused on para-dressage. Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) developed these hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition.

Hanneke Gerritsen and Clive Milkins each taught daily mounted lessons to both riders and coaches and offered their particular areas of expertise in several presentations including a musical freestyle primer, athlete development plan, and adaptive equipment information.   Additional workshops and lectures featured New FEI Classification Rules, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, Video Review of Para-Dressage Tests, and a Coaches’ Forum. Hope Hand of the USPEA shared information on the emerging para-equestrian disciplines as well as regional and national competitive opportunities within the U.S. The Unites States Equestrian Team Foundation also participated hosting the “Ride to Rio” Banquet Dinner, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Nonantum Resort, where Bonnie Jenkins and Sara Ike of USET joined Keynote Speaker Tina Wentz in sharing the inspiration behind the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge Fund.

Following the camp was the three day Para-Dressage clinic with Clive Milkins, Trainer-in-Residence at Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine. This was the first of many solo clinics in Maine that Milkins will be conducting. Carlisle Academy has recently completed the international work visa process so that Clive may be on site several months out of the year. He is also available for off-site clinics under the Academy’s sponsorship in 2016. Throughout these solo clinics, coaches of athletes are encouraged to attend in order to collaborate on training approaches and strategies for para-equestrians as well as use of adaptive equipment. Clive Milkins is a talented international para-dressage coach with 25 years of experience coaching para-equestrians as well as able-bodied riders in dressage and jumping. Milkins was the personal trainer of Sophie Christiansen, Great Britain’s triple gold medal winning rider at three Paralympics, and has coached several other para-equestrians competing at the international level.

Marci Bender, Equestrian Programs Manager The National Ability Center, attended the Camp as a Coach. She noted, “The Para Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp at the Carlisle Academy was a wonderful experience from start to finish. As a coach of a developing rider, I enjoyed the opportunity to network with other coaches and their riders, as well as gain valuable feedback on how to better prepare horses for my rider. Working with Hanneke and Clive was invaluable. They each bring a unique perspective to rider development and have a genuine interest in helping each person learn and grow. I appreciate the holistic approach of this camp, addressing needs of the rider not only on horseback, but also with comprehensive physical and occupational therapy assessments. Many thanks to the entire team at Carlisle Academy for facilitating a wonderful experience.”

Equestrians and coaches both developing and experienced took part in the clinic. 2014 World Equestrian Games athlete Annie Peavy used the opportunity to work with one of the best in the para-dressage world. She explained, “I had such a good experience at Carlisle Academy. The facility is so friendly and well run. I am glad I had the opportunity to be there and clinic with Clive Milkins. He offered valuable training tips, made me feel comfortable in asking questions, and helped me with my horse Ozzy Cooper.”

Clive Milkins is looking forward to additional clinics. He commented, “I am delighted to be taking on this new position at Carlisle Academy, where they integrate both equine therapy and sports. Para-equestrian sport has its roots in therapeutic riding, and I am thrilled to be involved in such an exciting new challenge. The future is bright.”

More about Clive Milkins:
Clive Milkins is a leading para-equestrian dressage coach from Great Britain. He began work with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled) in the late 1980s after volunteering at Moreton Hall Group while at Warwickshire College. Clive was the trainer for the British team at the 1990 World Championship and Games for disabled riders. He has since coached riders competing at Paralympic Games (Athens and Beijing), European Championships and World Championships. Clive coached triple gold medal winning rider, Sophie Christiansen, at the 2012 Paralympics. Clive has been nominated for numerous awards since his career began: Groom of the year, 2005; The Queen’s Award for Equestrianism, awarded for ‘Outstanding Services to Equestrianism’; and the Kuster BEF Groom of the Year in 2006. Milkins currently travels around the world working with both able-bodied equestrians and para-dressage riders.

More about Hanneke Gerritsen:
Hanneke Gerritsen, 5* Olympic Para-Dressage Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate, FEI Chair of the Compensating Aids Committee, Program Consultant for Carlisle Academy. Hanneke began her career with horses at her father’s farm while continuing a career as an interior designer. Now she spends all her time coaching, judging and performing a number of executive functions in the Para-Equestrian disciplines, including acting as FEI Chair of the Compensating Aids Committee. In addition to judging international qualifier competitions worldwide, Hanneke coached the Dutch Para-Equestrian Team from 2000 to 2004. From 2005 through 2010 she was a member of the ground jury at a number of international championships including the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong. She was the Technical Delegate at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In addition to her Para-Equestrian pursuits, Hanneke is a Grand Prix judge and a selector and trainer for new dressage judges at all levels. She has bred several talented dressage horses and is a trainer and coach to several talented students in Holland. Hanneke gives clinics all over the world.

For additional information on Carlisle Academy or the educational camps and clinics, contact Sarah Armentrout at sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com or by phone at 207-985-0374.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

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 Fédération 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.

Riders Prepare for Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp

Clive Milkins works with U.S. riders. Photos (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

Lyman, Maine – August 18, 2015 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders are looking forward to Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled August 25-28, 2015. Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine, a Premier Accredited PATH Center and national leader in grassroots development for para-equestrian sports, has been the educational link for developing athletes and coaches. Experienced international para-equestrian clinicians, therapists, and coaches with their riders will congregate for training and education primarily focused on para-dressage. Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have been developing hands on workshops that address areas, such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition. Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. In addition, USPEA 501(c)(3) is offering tuition reimbursement grants of $250 to those that participate in all three riding days of the Para-Dressage Camp. If a rider only participates in one day, he or she may apply for a $75 tuition reimbursement grant. Riders at the August Camp include: Alanna Flax-Clark, Calif.; Deborah Stanitski, S.C.; Marsha Cullen, Okla.; Sarah Lewis, N.C.; Rachel Kennelly, Va.; Susan Epstein, Utah; and Suzanne Ament, Va. Trainers include Marci Bender, Utah; Lehua Custer, Calif.; and Carole Laulis, Md.

Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy, noted, “We are delighted to once again offer 5* Olympic and Paralympic Judge Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland and International Para-Dressage Coach Clive Milkins from the U.K. Each will teach daily mounted lessons to both riders and coaches and offer their particular areas of expertise in several presentations including a musical freestyle primer, athlete development plan, and adaptive equipment information. Additional workshops and lectures will feature New FEI Classification Rules, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, Video Review of Para-Dressage Tests, and Coaches’ & Parents’ Forums. Hope Hand of the USPEA will be present to share information on the emerging para-equestrian disciplines as well as regional and national competitive opportunities within the U.S.”

Hanneke Gerritsen 5* and Holly Jacobson.
Hanneke Gerritsen 5* and Holly Jacobson.

The Unites States Equestrian Team Foundation will generously host the “Ride to Rio” Banquet Dinner, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Nonantum Resort, where Bonnie Jenkins and Sara Ike of USET will join Keynote Speaker Tina Wentz in sharing the inspiration behind the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge Fund.

The focus in these camps is on the grassroots pipeline programs. Carlisle Academy’s Para Pipeline Camps are recommended by the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Para-Equestrian Association for rider and coach development. Continuing Education Units are available to all coaches who complete the 4-day Camp towards a Para-Equestrian Coaching Certificate Program (in development).

President of the USPEA, Hope Hand, noted, “The Carlisle Training Camps provide our developing athletes the opportunity to experience what it takes to get ready for the competition arena. USPEA and USEF recommend and support Carlisle’s progressive program tracks that encompasses all aspects of the physical and mental components in becoming successful in reaching one’s equestrian goals. For the athlete or the professional that wants to learn more about the equestrian para sports or become a member of our training and coaching staff, Carlisle along with the USPEA and the USEF have been developing hands-on workshops that address areas, such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses that are suitable for each grade. These camps are a wonderful opportunity for the Para Equestrian enthusiasts to learn from the experts.”

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sarah Armentrout at sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com or by phone at 207-985-0374. Please return registration forms to Carlisle Academy, Attn: Sarah Armentrout via email, fax, or postal service.

Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp

August 25-28, 2015 – Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled

August 26, 2015 – Banquet Dinner at the Nonantum Resort

August 26, 2015 at 12:30 PM – Veteran Information session

Scholarship Support:

$250 “Zoe Fund” Tuition Support

The Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. A scholarship funding request can be made through the “Zoe Fund” of Carlisle Charitable Foundation. More information is available at www.carlislecharitablefoundation.org. (207-467-3242).

$250 USPEA Tuition Reimbursement

The United States Para-Equestrian Association 501 (c)(3) is providing $250 Tuition Reimbursement for Para-Dressage participants in both the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp and the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders. The grant of $250 at the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp is for those that participate in all three riding days of the Para-Dressage Camp. If a rider only participates in one day, he or she may apply for a $75 tuition reimbursement grant. Please contact President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org for more information.

For more information about Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp, please contact Carlisle Academy Head of School, Sarah Armentrout at 207-985-0374, or sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com.

Eligibility requirements and more information on the various para-equestrian disciplines can be found at the United States Para Equestrian Association (www.USPEA.org), the United States Equestrian Federation (www.usef.org), and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (www.FEI.org).

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 Fédération 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.