Tag Archives: United States Para-Equestrian Association

Support the Future of Para Equestrian Sport

Photo (c) United States Para-Equestrian Association.

United States Para-Equestrian Association Mission Statement  

To Help Develop, Promote, Support, and Sustain all USA Para Equestrian Athletes for Regional, National, and International Competition with a focus on Paralympic Equestrian Sport.

United States Para-Equestrian Association Vision Statement  

The vision of the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America for athletes with an eligible physical impairment, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Paralympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national Para Equestrian Association in the world.

About USPEA

The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) includes every recognized equestrian discipline that is practiced by athletes with an eligible physical impairment with a focus on Paralympic Equestrian Sports. The USPEA is a network of current and past athletes, owners, officials, event organizers, and equestrian enthusiasts. The Association assists athletes to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Disciplines of Para-Equestrian.

USPEA was created to fill a need to assist Para Equestrian disciplines when they came under the governance of the FEI. While Para Equestrian disciplines were originally segregated, they now are integrated in international sport. As each individual Para Equestrian discipline develops, it is USPEA’s mission to always serve as an advisory resource with the ultimate goal that the established able-bodied discipline affiliate will integrate within their organization.

In 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status and became a recognized International affiliate association of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) working together to grow the FEI recognized disciplines by helping to provide press, educational information, symposiums, and competition opportunities for athletes with eligible physical impairments.

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.

The USPEA is a USEF Recognized National Affiliate. The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members. For more information please visit US Equestrian at https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/para-equestrian.

United States Para-Equestrians Prepare for WEG Debut at Kentucky Equine Research

Mary Jordan and Paxton Abbey. Photos © 2010 Kentucky Equine Research.

Lexington, KY – September 29, 2010 – Excitement fills the atmosphere at the Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Facility in Lexington. The KER/United States Para-Dressage Team fielded by the United States Equestrian Federation is in their last week of preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Riders have been practicing their tests, working with their horses and mentally getting ready for the challenge. As the week moves along, the riders will proceed with a mock jog and a mock show judged by Janet Foy.  On September 30, 2010 the KER/United States Para-Dressage team will officially be named for the world to see.

The facilities at KER have given the riders a place to work together.  Hope Hand, Executive Director of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, commented, “KER is like horse heaven; it is unbelievable.  We are in a brand new barn with beautiful big stalls that even include automatic sensors to tell us the amount that each horse drinks. There is a beautiful indoor and an outdoor ring, turnout pastures and the typical Kentucky rolling hills.  The setting for them to train is very calming and a wonderful place to be before entering the park.”

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United States Para-Equestrian Association Recognizes Para-Equestrian Horse Owners of 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Rebecca Hart and Kazan. All photos were taken at USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Thousand Oaks, CA – August 23, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to thank the owners of each horse that has been named to the nominated entry for the 2010 United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team.  These horses will have a chance to compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (2010 WEG).

As September approaches many equestrians are making their last preparations before their trip to Lexington, KY.  One of the Para-Equestrian Team members is Becca Hart who has been riding her own horse Norteassa and Kerri Sowers’ talented gelding Kazan over the last year.  Both horses have led Hart to the 2010 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and reserve championship titles.  At this point, the horse that Hart will be riding at the 2010 WEG has not been decided.  Hart and Kerri Sowers friendship began at Blue Hill Farm riding under Jessica and Missy Ransehousen.  Not long ago Hart was given the opportunity to ride Sowers’ horse Kazan while Norteassa was resting. Together Hart and Kazan have made a great team.  Sowers noted, “I have been very proud of Becca and Kazan.  Kazan has proven himself in competition time and time again over the years and always has his best performances when the competitive pressure is the greatest! I would like to wish Becca the best of luck competing at WEG regardless of which horse will be chosen.”

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Announcing the USEF Para-Dressage Team Nominated Entries for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Mary Jordan and Paxton Abbey at USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Thousand Oaks, CA – July 21, 2010 – On June 27, 2010 the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games concluded. Riders then headed home as they waited in anticipation to hear who would be selected for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  The Para-Dressage team will be lead by Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen whose international experience on and off a horse will be an outstanding resource for the Para-Dressage riders.  Selectors of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Para-Dressage Team are Laura Sheer, Lynn Seidemann, David Schmutz and Sandy Raferty.

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United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces Riders for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Selection Trials

Missy Ransehousen is Chef d'Equipe for Para-Dressage at 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Photo © 2010 C. Mike Tomlinson.

Thousand Oaks, CA – June 21, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to announce their qualified riders for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Selection Trials scheduled for June 24-27, 2010.  The amount of Para-Dressage participants has tripled in one year, which means more Para-Equestrians are challenging themselves to international competition.  The riders making their way to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois for the Para-Dressage Selection Trials include equestrians that, despite their disabilities, have overcome and adapted to showcase their athletic abilities.

Fifteen United States Para-Equestrians have scores that will allow them to compete at the Selection Trials.  Out of those 15, ten of the riders will be selected for WEG.  Out of the ten riders, four will make the team, and six will ride as individuals.

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The United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces 501(c)(3) Status

Para-Equestrians at CDI at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Photo ©2010 C Mike Tomlinson DVM.

Thousands Oaks, CA – June 7, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to announce that it is now a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization.  The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities.  Riders compete under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport. Becoming a 501(c)(3) was a momentous occasion for the USPEA. This status will encourage donors, supporters, and equestrian enthusiasts to supply funding for the United States Para-Equestrians.

The show season of 2010 is going to be exciting for the USPEA as it will be the first year that the Para-Dressage discipline will compete on the world stage at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.  As the number of Para-Equestrian participants expands and more of the public becomes aware of this unique equestrian discipline, the Para-Equestrians will continue to need more support.  The USPEA would like to see this type of benefaction continue through the World Games, the 2012 London Olympics, and beyond.

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Horse Radio Network: Tune In Tonight & Support ParaEquestrian Team

*****Please Tune In Tonight to This Live Video Event and Donate*****

Please Support These Incredible Para-Equestrians on Their Journey to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Date:  June 8, 2010

Time:  7:00 – 9:00 PM Eastern

Where: http://www.horseradionetwork.com/para-webathon

Why:  The Horse Radio Network (HRN) and the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) will host the first ever Para-Webathon on June 8, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Eastern) via multiple websites.  The purpose is to raise money and awareness for the United States Para-Equestrian athletes who are aiming to compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  All monies will be channeled through the United States Para Equestrian Association to offset the costs of the 10 United States Para-Athletes and their horses.

The Para-Webathon will be a live video event streaming to websites all over the horse world using web video technology that is viewed just like on television. You can watch this event on our website at www.horseradionetwork.com.  The call-in number and website address to make donations will be on the website.

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Para-Webathon – Help Support the ParaEquestrian Team

Horse Radio Network Hosts Two Hour Live Web Televised Event to Raise Money for Para-Equestrians on their Journey to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Watch it live Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7 PM Eastern at www.horseradionetwork.com.

The Horse Radio Network (HRN) and the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) will host the first ever Para-Webathon on June 8, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Eastern) via multiple websites.  The purpose is to raise money and awareness for the United States Para-Equestrian athletes who are aiming to compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  All monies will be channeled through the United States Para Equestrian Association to offset the costs of the 10 United States Para-Athletes and their horses.

The Para-Webathon will be a live video event streaming to websites all over the horse world using web video technology that is viewed just like a telethon. The Horse Radio Network website will be just one online destination where the show can be watched.  The call-in number to make donations will be on the websites, including HRN at www.horseradionetwork.com, that carry the live show.

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The United States Para-Dressage Riders Earn Top Honors at WindReach International Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*

WindReach International Para-Dressage CPEDI3*

Thousand Oaks, CA – June 2, 2010 – This year is the most exciting calendar year for the United States Para-Equestrian Team in history.  It will be the first time ever that the Para-Dressage team will compete with all of the equestrian disciplines at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, KY.  The hopeful WEG riders first stop this summer was May 28-30, 2010, in Ashburn, Ontario, Canada.  While in Canada riders earned top scores for their performances including the Silver Medal for the United States.  Riders used this show as their last big qualifier for the 2010 World Equestrian Games Selection Trials scheduled for June 24-27, 2010 held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois.

The Para-Equestrian’s journey to Ashburn, Ontario, Canada was to compete at the WindReach International Para-Dressage CPEDI3* and WindReach EC Gold Para-Dressage Competition.  This FEI event was an official qualifier for WEG.

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The United States Para-Equestrian Association Joins Phelps Media Group, Inc.

Logo of the United States Para-Equestrian Association. Photo © 2010 Logo created by Deb Phillips at MagnumCreative.com.

Thousand Oaks, California – May 4, 2010 – Phelps Media Group, Inc. International (PMG), a leading public relations firm specializing in the equestrian industry, is pleased to announce that the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) has joined the expanding list of clients. The USPEA includes every equestrian discipline that is practiced by athletes with physical disabilities specifically dressage.  Each rider or driver competes under the eighth discipline, the Para-Equestrian discipline, of the United States Equestrian Federation.  This year at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games the Para-Equestrian discipline will make history.  The USEF High Performance Para-Equestrian Dressage team will compete as an FEI sport for the first time at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, KY.

The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities.  Riders compete under the USEF rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport.

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