2012 FEI Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships in Breda, the Netherlands. Driver is Diane Kastama, Horse is Ruby KWPN, Groom is Jody Cutler. Picture taken by Marie de Ronde.
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Howell, NJ – August 5, 2013 – United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. (USDFD) will host a free driving clinic at Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship in Howell, NJ on August 10-11, 2013. Sponsors for the Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic include the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The Para-Driving clinic is held in conjunction with USDFD, USPEA, USEF, Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Ann Miles of the Carriage Barn in New Hampshire. The no-cost clinic is for all levels of drivers including beginners and will include clinician Sara Schmitt. It will feature a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” portion for anyone interested in testing out this unique sport. The clinic will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Bring your own horse and carriage or let the USDFD know if you need to borrow a horse and equipment. The clinic will also have a Para-Equestrian classifier August 10th for those interested in competing in Para-Driving or Para-Dressage in the future. For more information on the Developing Drivers Clinic in Howell, NJ, the Judge’s Critique in Philomath, Oregon, or to make a donation to support USDFD’s efforts, please contact Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or call 805-343-6026.
2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic Fast Facts:
What: 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic
When: August 10-11, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Where: Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship, 671 Fort Plains Road Howell, NJ, 07731. www.celticcharms.org
Contact Information: Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or call 805-343-6026.
Host: United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.
Sponsors: United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
About the 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic. The 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Driving Clinic August 10 and 11 will be modeled after the successful March 2013 Para-Driving Clinic held in Moorpark, CA. In Howell, NJ, Sara Schmitt will be head clinician. Schmitt is a USEF ‘S’ Dressage judge and American Driving Society ‘r’ judge based in Bedminster, NJ. She is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist and has won numerous regional and national awards. Schmitt has represented the United States at three World Pony Driving Championships and is a two-time National Singles Pony Champion. She has trained horses, riders and drivers from the lower levels through the FEI levels.
Ann Miles is Executive Director of The Carriage Barn Equine Assisted Therapy Programs. The Carriage Barn seeks to promote the health and well-being of disabled individuals through equine activities. Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship is a non-profit organization that offers equine-assisted activities to individuals with disabilities and is currently developing its carriage driving program. It is very excited about hosting the USDFD clinic to further its own knowledge on carriage driving for the disabled.
A USEF classifier will be available on Saturday August 10th, to classify those Para-Equestrians who wish to compete in Para-Dressage or Para-Driving. These clinics are free to participants and auditors and we want to thank everyone donating their time and services to make these clinics happen. For more information on the clinics or to make a donation to support USDFD’s efforts, call or email Diane Kastama, dkastama@verizon.net, 805-343-6026.
About the USDFD Clinics:
United States Driving for The Disabled (USDFD) is conducting a series of clinics for the 2013 calendar year. The clinics are open to current and future Para-Equestrians featuring a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” section of the clinic. The first clinic was March 16 and17th in Moorpark, CA. Future clinic dates and clinicians will be announced including a clinic in Florida in the Fall. USDFD would like to share the pleasure of driving with more equestrians while building the skill level of currently competitive drivers. The clinics are free to those interested. Clinics will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Equestrians may bring their own horse and carriage or contact USDFD to borrow a horse and equipment. If sponsors or donors would like to participate in this exciting series please contact United States Driving for the Disabled Vice President Diane Kastama at e-mail: dkastama@verizon.net or by phone: 805-343-6026.
For more information: Please visit www.USDFD.org.
About the United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.
United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, seeks to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals throughout the United States and Canada by providing the experience of driving horses in a safe and challenging environment. Our mission is to provide the extraordinary benefit of therapeutic driving to as many people as possible through sharing knowledge, experience, and serving as a resource for innovations in adaptive equipment for drivers, trainers, and programs offering carriage driving. The Sybil Dukehart Memorial Fund seeks to provide financial assistance to equip and train disabled drivers through providing scholarship funds to applicants. USDFD fosters opportunities for drivers to compete in national and international amateur competitions by training and providing financial support for Team USA.
United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.
32450 S. Wright Rd.
Molalla, OR 97038
Ph: 503-550-9384
President: usdfdpresident@gmail.com
Offices: usdfd.org@gmail.com
Website: www.USDFD.org
Written by: Lindsay Y McCall & Diane Kastama
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.