Voting open through June 1, 2014
Thousand Oaks, CA – May 13, 2014 – 26 candidates from 10 nations are standing for election as FEI Athlete Representatives on the FEI Technical Committees for Jumping, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. Diane Kastama was one of the three Para-Equestrian athletes chosen in the world for this accolade. For the first time in the 93-year history of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the athletes themselves have the opportunity to vote for their FEI Athlete Representatives. The election will take place via a secure online voting platform here, where the curriculum vitaes of all athlete candidates will be available for review. Voting will remain open until June 1, 2014. The appointed FEI Athlete Representatives in each discipline will also form the FEI Athletes’ Committee when the FEI’s Technical Committees require feedback and proactive input on areas relevant to all FEI athletes. FEI registered athletes, aged 18 years and over, and who are included on their respective Ranking Lists from December 31, 2013, will be eligible to vote for their Athlete Representative. For further information on the FEI Athlete Elections 2014: www.fei.org/hub/athletes/athlete-elections-2014.
About Diane Kastama:
Diane Kastama, Arroyo Grande, CA Grade I. In 1991 a car crash left Diane paralyzed from the waist down. Although a lifelong horse person and dressage enthusiast, riding without the use of her legs was not much fun and she soon turned to driven dressage and then the exciting sport of combined driving. Her relatives and friends thought she was crazy for taking on a sport that involves sitting atop a tall carriage, pulled by a horse going “hell-bent” for speed.
Diane started competing with her home bred Appaloosa’s but now Diane competes with a pair of Section D Welsh Cobs, Rupert and George. She drives them single, pair and tandem. She competes against able-bodied drivers all over the Western United States and occasionally on the East Coast at the Intermediate and Advanced level. Diane has also demonstrated her skills at Rolex, KY, Horse Expo in Sacramento, the “Night of the Horse” in Del Mar, the Equine Affair and various therapeutic horse programs throughout California. She has also participated in the closing ceremonies at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Diane is always willing to share her skills and knowledge and bring driving to the forefront of equine sports. Diane has been very successful in international Para-Equestrian competition, coming home with an Individual Silver and Team Bronze driving a borrowed Welsh Cob Stallion in 2002 Greven, Germany. In 2004 she place 5th with a borrowed Welsh cob in Endinburg, Scotland. In 2006 she came home with Individual Gold driving her own Welsh cob gelding Jasper. In 2008 Diane earned Individual Bronze and Team Silver driving Jasper once again.
In 2012, Diane represented the USA at the FEI Para Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles, Breda, The Netherlands. She was also recently nominated (pending the High Performance Selection Committee) as one of the three drivers who will represent the USA at the 2014 FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championship held in Sandringham, England from June 27-29, 2014.
Adapted from the FEI by: Lindsay Y. McCall for the USPEA
To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.
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.