Del Mar, CA – January 25, 2012 – In 2010, Kim Keenan Stordahl and the team at Keenan Productions Events Inc. added to their outstanding horse show the first CPEDI3* at the Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, CA. In 2012 the Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*, will once again host the international para-equestrian dressage riders March 8-11. Adding to the excitement this year for the CPEDI3* will be $1,000 divided among the top five riders in the freestyle competition in each of the five Grade divisions. Para-equestrian teams and individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their best Team Test, Individual Test, and Freestyle in front of the CPEDI3* Jury Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Kathy Amos Jacob 5* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5* (SWE). There are only two CPEDI3* events left in the in United States for riders to earn their individual 60% Certificate of Capability for the 2012 London Paralympics. This is the first horse show followed by the Houston Dressage Society CPEDI3* April 26-29. In addition to the horse show there will be a rider’s clinic with dressage trainer Mette Rosencrantz and an F.E.I Para-Equestrian Dressage judge course.
Kim Keenan Stordahl’s positive attitude and dynamo work ethic has produced one of the finest international dressage shows in the United States. She noted, “Having the para-equestrians back to the Dressage Affaire is like family coming home! It has been a pleasure to be part of the para-equestrian sport. We hope to have riders representing many countries so that we may hold a true team competition. We are excited to be able to offer $1,000 for the freestyle competitions and we are delighted that 20% of our grandstand ticket sales that day and 20% of the proceeds of a special auction will be donated to the USPEA. We are also looking forward to co-hosting the clinic with Mette Rosencrantz after the CPEDI3*.”
President of the USPEA, Hope Hand, responded, “We look forward to the Del Mar competition every year, but it is especially important this year to encourage not only United States participation, but riders from other countries. This will give para-equestrian dressage riders the opportunity to ride in one of the last competitions prior to the 2012 London Paralympic Selection Trials.”
Entries for the Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* close on February 17, 2012 and can be completed online at www.dressageevents.com.
Clinician Mette Rosencrantz
Clinician Mette Rosencrantz has been based out of the Mill Creek Equestrian Center in Topanga, CA since 1992. Mette is from Sweden where she was a member of the Swedish National Dressage Team twice. She was the youngest rider ever allowed to enter Strömsholm, Sweden’s prestigious school for instructors, and eventually became the head dressage instructor there in 1980. Mette has shown at the Grand Prix Level on several horses including Basquewille who won the Grand Prix Invitational at the World Cup in 2007 and she continues to compete at the highest levels. Mette’s clinic will give riders the opportunity to work on specific parts of their tests and sharpen skills needed to advance to the Selection Trials.
F.E.I. Para-Equestrian Dressage Judge Course
During the horse show, March 9-11, will be an F.E.I. Para-Equestrian Dressage Judge Course. The course will be directed by Hanneke Gerritsen (NED) and Assistant Course Director Sue Curry Shaffer (USA). The course is open to ‘S’ Dressage Judges for promotion to FEI 3* Para-Equestrian Dressage Judge (with exams) and to FEI 3* Para-Equestrian Dressage Judges for continuing education. Judges for promotion to 4* (with exams) and a refresher seminar for license maintenance as FEI Para-Equestrian Judge (without exams). Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Discount registration deadline is February 17, 2012.
To apply for the course or for more information please visit: http://www.usef.org/newsletterLicensedOfficials/2012schedule.html.
To download the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* Prize list please visit http://www.dressageevents.com/.
For questions or comments contact President Kim Keenan Stordahl kkeenan@dressageevents.com or Show Secretary Bettina Longaker at blongaker@dressageevents.com or (866) 933-SHOW.
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.