Tag Archives: USPEA

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

International Dressage Trainer Sabine Rijssenbeek

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Sabine Rijssenbeek coach of Para-Equestrian Eleanor Brimmer at the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian National Championships in Saugerties, NY. Photo © 2011 Lindsay Y McCall

Tucson, AZ – November 3, 2011 – Warm winters, kind equestrians and the west coast competitions and clinics are what first attracted trainer Sabine Rijssenbeek to Tucson, Arizona.  In 2006 Sabine landed in Phoenix, Arizona to give a clinic at a Dutch breeding facility.  Her impressive background as a rider, manager, and trainer in Holland attracted many competitive equestrians to her clinic. Three months later Sabine was asked back for her second clinic where she met a rider looking for a horse from The Netherlands. It would not be long before Sabine landed in the United States with a horse in hand from the Netherlands and a suitcase to stay for three months in Tucson, Arizona. Sabine became popular for her training skills not only in Arizona but all over the United States including California, Texas, and Minnesota.  Since graduating with a Master’s degree from Deurne University in the Netherlands in 1975, Sabine has worked hard managing and training over 400 horses in Great Britain, Holland, and the United States. Her unique skills in both dressage and show jumping have created exciting professional paths for her including teaching a Para-Equestrian Dressage competitor in FEI events.

“What started as three weeks to help train this horse I brought to Arizona from The Netherlands, turned into a three month stay.  I loved Arizona, I was captivated by the equestrians, and I could not resist the horses; Of course I wanted to stay,” noted Sabine.

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Benefits, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show Graciously Benefits United States Para-Equestrian Association

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Eleanor Brimmer and Vadico Interagro at 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo © Lindsay Yosay McCall

Fort Worth, TX – October 14, 2011 – In 2010 the Para-Equestrian discipline debuted at their first World Equestrian Games, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games launched the Para-Equestrian sport and Para-Equestrians into household names.  The recognition let people know that Para-Dressage, like all equestrian disciplines, requires strength, drive, FEI level horses, and experienced athletes.  As like all equestrian sports it also requires strong support.  The 2011 International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Show Association (IALHA) decided their 2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show would benefit the United States Para-Equestiran Association (USPEA).  This is the biggest show of the year for the IALHA which is held October 11-16, 2011 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Ft. Worth Texas.  The IALHA and the United States Equestrian Federation present the National Championship.

“I brought the idea to our committee of having our last big show of the year benefit the USPEA and it was unanimous that it would happen,” smiled 2011 IALHA Show Chair Christina Cardenas.  Christina became captivated by the Para-Equestrians while in Lexington at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  She noted, “When I saw these riders dancing with their horses and making it look so effortless I knew in that moment I wanted to have a fundraiser for the cause.” Over the course of this week, the IALHA horse show holds a silent auction and has a clothing drive to add to their fundraiser.  It will be support of the patrons, the sponsors, exhibitors, IALHA members, and spectators who will contribute to supporting the USPEA.  As part of the fundraiser the USPEA will receive 50% of all profits.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, USEF

Wentz Obtains 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

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Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

USA Team Achieves First at CPEDI3*

Saugerties, NY – September 18, 2011 – Intensity, impulsion, power are three words that defined Sunday’s Para-Equestrian Individual Test competition at the 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. Sunday was the last day of the CPEDI 3* and it was the championship day for the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship. After Saturday’s Freestyle only a tenth of a point separated Jonathan Wentz and Dale Dedrick for the National Championship. Following an exceptional day of tests Wentz earned the scores he needed to earn the national championship. Only .308 behind Wentz was Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius who garnered the highest score of the day from Judge E, Anne Prain of France, a 75%. Dedrick’s percentage secured the reserve championship accolade. In the CPEDI3* Team competition Para-Equestrians from USA, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Bermuda competed in Grades Ia-IV under judges Anne Prain of France, Kjell Myhre of Norway, and Carlos Lopes of Portugal. The USA achieved the top ranking with team members Jonathan Wentz, Mary Jordan, Wendy Fryke, and Rebecca Hart.

Hart was the third place finisher in the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships in addition to supporting the USA Team competition. After three days of tests Hart was delighted with Lord Ludger. She noted, “I was really happy with LoLu; this was his first major competition where he had to be on it three days in a row.  He handled the pressure and he even stepped up to the plate for me.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, USEF

United States Para-Equestrians Excel at the 2011 Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*

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Mary Jordan (Grade IV) and Sebastian. Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

Saugerties, NY – September 16, 2011 – At 7:30 a.m. Friday morning it was a brisk but beautiful 46 degrees at the 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage and 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Twenty-four Para-Equestrians competed in the CPEDI3* with riders from U.S.A., Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. Grade Ia, Ib, II, and III were dominated by United States riders.  James Dwyer of Ireland and his horse Orlando earned the Grade IV win. With the tough competition of the CPEDI3* and the National Championships hanging over the United States Para-Equestrians, the U.S.A still excelled over the rest. It may be September, but these riders are preparing and building their team for 2012 when London hosts the 2012 Paralympics.

Friday’s competition for the CPEDI3* consisted of the same scoring style as the Paralympics, the Team and Individual score of each team rider will be combined and averaged.  The lowest averaged number will be dropped from each team’s score and a final tally will be conducted.  The 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship scores are calculated with the team competition representing 40% of the total score, Saturday’s Freestyle representing 20% followed by Sunday’s Individual classes earning the last 40%. For many equestrians, this is a weekend not about scores but about first time rides, first time shows, and first time travels.

Dale Dedrick a retired Orthopedic Surgeon from Ann Arbor, Michigan is a brand new rider to Para-Equestrian Dressage. In Friday’s Team competition she earned the top score of 70.079% in Grade II. Dedrick was happy with Bonifatius’ progress and performance for his first day out.  She noted, “Bonifatius is a great horse and he has phenomenal gates.  The test today was not my best test but it was a good test.” Since being introduced to the Para-Equestrian world Dedrick has utilized a training program that fits her inability to tolerate a lot of activity for a duration of time.  She explained, “Since I have a pacemaker, I can’t tolerate a lot of activity.  Therefore, I ride in short bursts and walk for a length of time.  Those long walks on the bit have increased my horse’s back strength, endurance, and it has overall helped both of us.”

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Dressage, EQUUS Foundation, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group

Only Four Days to Vote for America’s Favorite Para-Dressage Equestrian

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Thousand Oaks, CA – March 28, 2011 – In celebration of the eight disciplines competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, The EQUUS Foundation (in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation) established the America’s Favorite Equestrian program.  On March 31, 2011 two Para-Dressage athletes will be eliminated and the top six Para-Dressage riders will move on to round two.  It is up to every person to vote for his or her favorite Para-Equestrian.

These are the eight equestrians listed presently with their rider number in parenthesis.

Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)

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Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

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

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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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Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

Olympian Debbie McDonald Gives Clinic to World Equestrian Games Para-Equestrians

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Debbie McDonald © 2010 Lauren Fisher/PMG.

Thousand Oaks, CA – September 2, 2010 – This spring Para-Equestrians were treated to a dressage clinic with Olympian Debbie McDonald. The clinic took place during the Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, California on March 15-16, 2010.  This informational clinic was a wonderful opportunity for riders that are preparing for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. For McDonald this clinic proved to be a learning experience not only for the participants but for herself as well.

McDonald noted, “This clinic was a learning experience not only for them but for me.  I have never had a rider that was paralyzed from the neck down.  At first I was not sure exactly on how to work on each of the riders but I developed a strategy to work on controlling the body.  These exercises included sitting up taller, increase stretching, and many other techniques to increase their strength.  I worked with the para-equestrians just as I would school my own riders.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

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

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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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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

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

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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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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships Awarded

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Rebecca Hart Tops USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships with Kazan (pictured) and Norteassa. Photos © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Long List for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Announced

Wayne, IL – June 28, 2010 – The final day of intense competition for the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games concluded Sunday.  Earning both the championship rosette and cooler and the reserve championship rosette and cooler was Rebecca Hart.  Hart rode both of her mounts to top honors over the last three days. Hart and Kazan earned the National Championship and Hart and Norteassa earned the reserve championship. Hart was surrounded by top coaches including her trainer and Chef d’Equipe of the USEF Para-Dressage team, Missy Ransehousen; top judges Chris Porterfield (GBR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), and Carlos Lopes (POR); and top competition.

The weekend’s competition was a chance for the riders to not only compete among their peers, but to gain experience in front of international judges.  The three days of Para-Dressage competition included the team test, individual test and freestyle competition.  On Sunday, the freestyle test added the music element to the test where riders showcased their artistic abilities on horseback.

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