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Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinics Presented by United States Driving for the Disabled

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

Moorpark, California – March 14, 2013 – 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 is scheduled for March 16 and 17 in Moorpark, CA. Future clinic dates and clinicians will be announced including Spring and Fall Clinics in Florida, the northeast of the United States and the west coast of the United States. 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.

Dates:  March 16 and 17, 2013

Where: Oak Run Farm
8450 Happy Camp Road
Moorpark, CA 93021

Clinicians:

Hardy Zantke, ADS & USEF “R” Combined Driving Judge, FEI Combined Driving Judge and Para-Equestrian Judge. Competed in pairs and 4-in-hands; served as Chef d’Equipe for many USA teams competing abroad.

Jody Cutler, ADS “R” in Pleasure Driving and Dressage, ADS “S” in Combined Driving, USEF “r” in Pleasure Driving.

Diane Kastama, World Champion in Para-Equestrian driving Grade 1. Competes at Advanced combined driving single and pair.

Come improve your driving skills, learn about local, regional and international competition opportunities for the Para-Equestrian. Driving is a great equalizing sport. Come see and feel the freedom of being behind the lines in a carriage. Everyone is welcome to attend and audit. Clinics 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 us know if you need to borrow a horse and equipment.

There will be a try-it-and-see-you-like-it for the future para-equestrian driver in the California and Florida clinics which provides a chance to get behind the lines and in a carriage to feel the thrill of driving.

Contact: Diane Kastama Vice President of United States Driving for The Disabled.

Email: dkastama@verizon.net, 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

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.

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