Tag Archives: Centers of Excellence

Open Letter to All Interested in Para-Equestrian Dressage from USEF

Lexington, Kentucky, September 17th, 2015,

Dear Supporter of Para-Equestrian Dressage,

USEF AND USPEA PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

I am writing this Open Letter as it appears, from some of the feedback we have received, that we have not been completely successful in communicating the aim of the Centers of Excellence (COEs) or what we are asking facility owners to commit to.

The primary aim of COEs is that they are the focus for the development of Para-Equestrian Dressage in the U.S. As a Federation, we cannot reach out to all potential para-equestrian athletes, we need Centers around the U.S. that are recognized and promoted as the primary “referral” point for athletes and for support staff, especially coaches.

We are certainly not asking COEs to fund USEF High Performance courses; quite the opposite – we want to, where possible, channel resources in to COEs, we want to run High Performance courses at COEs (of course we hope for preferential rates!), we want to use the COEs as our High Performance development centers across the U.S. We want to work with COEs in order to help them attract investment, whether that is through sponsorship or through philanthropic donations. We also want to use the full range of the Federation’s media and marketing resources to promote COEs. We have asked for a small admin fee from COEs ($3,000) to be paid over three years and in order to seal a two way commitment but we plan that our investment back in to COEs will be far in excess of $3,000.

We also hope that through the COE scheme we will encourage Centers that may, currently, only specialize in dressage to reach in to the para-equestrian dressage world and promote the development of para-equestrian dressage athletes.

In summary, we have to grow the athlete numbers in Para-Equestrian Dressage, we have to up the professionalism of the support we provide as a Federation and the support athletes receive. We have to show those that enjoy therapeutic riding that there is also a competition pathway that could lead to them representing their Country at the Paralympic Games. In order to do this we need enthusiastic and driven training center owners and managers who we can promote and support and who will be at the epicenter of growing the sport in the U.S.

If you have any questions about the COE program or suggestions as to how it can grow or be better communicated, please contact me or Laureen Johnson (lkjohnson@usef.org).

Kind regards,

Will Connell
Director of Sport
United States Equestrian Federation
wconnell@usef.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 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.