Tag Archives: AQHA World Championship Show

Competitions, Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

Para-Reining Returns to AQHA World Championship Show

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Derrick Perkins Wins the 2014 AQHA World Championship Show Para-Reining Demonstration. Photo courtesy of Larri Jo Starkey.

Oklahoma City, OK – November 16, 2014 – Para-reining returned November 15 to the 2014 AQHA World Championship Show as a demonstration sport.

Six high-level para-dressage riders changed saddles and took a spin on American Quarter Horses in the Jim Norick Coliseum at Oklahoma State Fair Park.

Along with a standing ovation from the crowd of reining enthusiasts in Oklahoma City, U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins received the high score of the night, a 74, from international judge Joe Carter.

Perkins was injured in 1988 while on active duty and the crowd was on its feet to honor both his service and his riding.

For the demonstration at the World Show, the para-reiners were matched with top-notch professionals who coached them on their rides and helped mount them on American Quarter Horses donated for the day.

Perkins’ coaches were reining’s double-gold medalist and the National Reining Horse Association’s only $5 million rider, Shawn Flarida of Springfield, Ohio, and AQHA Professional Horseman J. D. Yates of Pueblo, Colorado, one of the best ropers in the world.

Perkins’ horse was Mr Fritz Wood, a 2008 buckskin stallion by Mr Junewood and out of Fritz Lovelady by China Fritz. He was bred by 20-year breeders Sam Shoultz and Ken Matzner of Fort Collins, Colorado, and was donated by his owner, Lincoln Figueiredo of Brazil, who was world champion in amateur heeling and amateur tie-down roping at the World Show. Figueiredo and the stallion were also reserve champions in the AQHA Farnam All-Around Amateur standings.

Other competitors included Katie Shoemaker, who won the reserve national title in both the team test and freestyle competitions for Grade III at the United States Equestrian Federation Para-Dressage National Championship. She was selected for the United States Equestrian Team short list for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Shoemaker studies at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine and has served in several leadership roles with the United States Dressage Federation.

Shoemaker was coached by Josh Visser of Visser Reining Horses in Whitesboro, Texas, and she rode See Stevies Dream, a 2011 gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Kalico Whiz by Topsail Whiz. He was bred by Lyle, Sondra and Josh Visser of Whitesboro and is owned by Visser’s wife, Carri.

Frederick Win rode Shiners Little Spark, a 2008 palomino gelding by Shining Spark and out of Smart Little Betty by Smart Little Lena. He was bred by Blair Visser of Agassiz, British Columbia, and was donated by his owner, Christina Riley of Battle Ground, Washington.

Win started learning dressage in 2011 and successfully competed at the United States Dressage Federation national level and FEI international level shows. Win competed at the Kentucky Reining Cup and at the World Show in 2013. He is coached by reining trainer Josh Visser, who also serves on the NRHA executive committee and was the 2013 NRHA professional horseman of the year.

Elinor Switzer traveled from Europe to participate in the para-reining demonstration at the World Show. Switzer is a founding member and past chairwoman of the Para-Western Riders of Germany and has an extensive show record in AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities classes. Switzer is a para-equestrian FEI Grade 4 rider.

AQHA Professional Horseman Shane Brown, a winning freestyle reiner from Elbert, Colorado, coached Switzer through her ride on Little Dual Dunnit, a 2001 bay gelding by Hollywood Dun It and out of Little Dual Missie by Dual Pep. He was bred by Tim and Colleen McQuay of Tioga, Texas, and is owned by Marc Jenkins of Colorado Springs, who generously donated him for the demonstration.

Paralympian Rebecca Hart was among the riders who competed at the World Show in 2013 and returned for more in 2014. She represented the United States in para-dressage at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Her coach was Martin Muehlstaetter, a respected reining trainer and a member of Team Austria at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Hart rode Spookanne, a homebred mare donated by Rosanne Sternberg of Sterling Ranch. Spookanne is a 2006 mare by Smart Spook and out of Annieote Freckles by Colonel Freckles.

Holly Jacobson of Ipswich, Massachusetts grew up in Connecticut riding hunters. Jacobson has been pursuing para-dressage the last four years and now para-reining. For the second time, Jacobson rode Zins Smart Wrangler, a 2011 gelding donated by Reed Kyle of Whitesboro, Texas. Jacobson was third on “Wrangler” at the para-reining event during the Kentucky Reining Cup in April. Jacobson’s coach for the day was Fred Thomsson, a champion reining trainer who represented Sweden at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Para-reining made its debut during the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show, and interest in the sport continues to grow. For 2014, AQHA adopted para-reining rules in collaboration with USA Reining and NRHA. Those rules will be revised after this test year and with the cooperation of the United States Para-Equestrian Association with the goal of making para-reining a nationally recognized sport in 2015.

By: Larri Jo Starkey for The American Quarter Horse Journal

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.

Competitions, Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

Para-Reining Debut at 2013 AQHA World Championship Show Proves Successful for Discipline’s Future

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Derrick Perkins and Gallo del Poco Tivio, owned by Luke and Caleb Kelley. Photography by: Lindsay Y McCall.

Oklahoma City, OK – November 17, 2013 – The 2013 American Quarter Horse (AQHA) World Championship Show featured 3,401 entries, a total purse more than $2.4 million, riders from 49 states and 7 countries, and the best Reiners in the business. From November 8-23, equestrians competed in halter, English, and western disciplines. For the first time in history, on November 15, the Para-Equestrian discipline Para-Reining was demonstrated in the Performance Arena at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. USA Reining and the United States Para-Equestrian Association, in cooperation with the AQHA and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), made the unprecedented Para-Reining demonstration possible. Debuting the discipline were three Para-Equestrians that have made their mark in the Para-Dressage world. Those athletes included two-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart, U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins, and Para-Dressage rider Frederick Win. Alongside these equestrians was experienced AQHA rider Reyna Nicole Taylor. All four riders were judged by FEI 4* Reining judge Joe Carter from Canada. The Para-Reining demonstration was a chance for spectators, organizers, and current and potential athletes to experience Para-Reining on an international platform. This event was the launch pad for the 2014 development year and 2015 and beyond international Para-Reining competition.

Rebecca Hart, Derrick Perkins, and Frederick Win were invited into the Reining discipline never experiencing the sport in their life. World-class trainers and athletes donated their time and their high-performance Reining horses over two days to educate, coach, and develop the three dressage riders into competitive reining horses. As the Quarter Horse breed is known for, or as trainer Josh Visser put it, “the Labrador Retriever of the horse world,” these top equines showcased their athletic skill, intelligence, and ability to adapt.

In Grade Ia, U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins and Gallo del Poco Tivio, owned by Luke and Caleb Kelley, tried their hand at the walk pattern. The crowd went wild on Perkins’ execution of the back at the end of the pattern. “What an awesome opportunity,” said Perkins. “Being in the Performance Arena, riding my pattern after my name announced, and hearing the audience really get into my ride was great.”

Fellow Para-Dressage rider Rebecca Hart has excelled in the Dressage world both in able-bodied and as a Para-Dressage athlete. The moment she sat on 4-year-old Zins Smart Wrangler, donated by Pete and Tamara Kyle and owned by Pat Moore, she was ready. Within 15 minutes, 2010 FEI #1 Ranked Reiner, Hart’s coach for the event, Lisa Coulter of Canada, was impressed with Hart’s natural Reining ability.

Hart appreciated working with a talented individual like Coulter and the feeling was returned on demonstration day. Coulter noted, “I loved working with Rebecca. She made me feel inspired. I felt the importance of this event was revealed when Rebecca’s face lit up when she did her spins. I was thinking, ‘Now that’s what it’s all about.’ It’s that feeling you can’t replace. There is a certain thrill to Reining which includes power and yet control.”

On demonstration day Hart took the reins and dominated the Level 3 Reining pattern. Hart’s highlights within the pattern were her variations of speed on her right lead circles, her roll backs, and her spins both right and left.

Hart commented, “I had a blast during the demonstration. I loved how the audience really got into my performance and they were very supportive. In fact, the whole Reining community has been supportive, which is a wonderful feeling. I enjoyed riding Pete Kyle’s 4-year-old; he was lovely. He never even thought about my legs on him and was a fantastic athlete. There was a lot to think about coming from Dressage. Each discipline is similar in some aspects but fundamentally different in others.”

She continued, “I really want to thank Pete and Tamara Kyle and Pat Moore for Zins Smart Wrangler. They had no idea who I was and brought this wonderful four year-old that they have been training. Without them, their team, Lisa Coulter and everyone involved with Pete, this would not have gone as well. Finally, I want to thank everyone at the 2013 AQHA World Championships including the entire staff at USA Reining. This show is well organized, Brad Ettleman is amazing, and I really want to thank USA Reining, AQHA and NRHA for including us. If this opportunity arises again in the future it is definitely something I would be game to do again. What a great trip to Oklahoma City.”

Para-Dressage rider Frederick Win also enjoyed being in Oklahoma and he could not wait to try reining aboard This Rose Will Shine, owned by Bill and Wendy Rhoads. Win was born missing a knee and thigh on his right leg. His lower leg and foot are attached at the hip but the hip bones are only joined to the pelvis by the muscle.

Over two days Josh Visser worked with Win to get him comfortable with the Level 4 Reining pattern. “This was my first time on a Reining horse,” smiled Win. “Josh [Visser] really understood me as a Para-Equestrian. When we got in the ring I was surprised how well this horse was trained. He knew exactly what to do. I tried to maneuver all of the required movements within the pattern and felt my slide and roll back were really good. When I finished I was ready to do it again.”

Win added, “It was wonderful to see how many people supported us and it was fun to be right in the middle of everything. I wanted to thank Bill and Wendy Rhoads for letting me borrow this amazing horse. They were kind enough to let me use their horse with full confidence and trust in us as riders. I really want to thank the trainer Josh and his wife. Without each person we couldn’t have done this for the USA Reining community.”

The final rider of the afternoon was Reyna Nicole Taylor. As an experienced rider within the AQHA, Reyna was delighted to help bring forward the sport of Para-Reining. Taylor rode Gallo del Poco Tivio during the demonstration, completing the Level 4 Para-Reining pattern.

From National Para-Reiners to International competitors, this new program has already seen interest from countries outside of the U.S.

Canadian Reiner Lisa Coulter concluded, “I feel that all Para-Equestrians need to work with these Reining horses because it is the perfect mix. The horses are so precise, broke, and talented that they are just going to feel that level of thrill. I am really keen on getting Equine Canada within the Para-Reining program. I envision we could have even more international Para-Reining events in Canada than CRIs.”

With the proven success of the 2013 Para-Reining debut USA Reining is looking forward to working with the AQHA and NRHA to grow this Para-Equestrian discipline into an international sport.

For the 2014 competition year, USA Reining will use the newly adapted Para-Reining rules. The new rules are a collaboration of AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities, NRHA and USA Reining. The adapted rules will be specialized, revised, and collated with the FEI Para-Equestrian rules for the following 2015 competition year. Members are encouraged to provide feedback for integration of the 2015 rules.

For more information about USA Reining, please visit www.USA-Reining.com. If you are interested in the Para-Reining program or would like to provide member feedback, please contact Brad Ettleman at Brad@HPowerInc.com.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show: http://www.aqha.com/Showing/World-Show/Schedule.aspx.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, 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.

Competitions, Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

Para-Reining to Make Its Debut at AQHA World Championship Show

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Oklahoma City, Okla. – A new discipline will be on display at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show: para-reining. USA Reining and the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) announced last month that along with the help of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), reining would be introduced as a discipline for para-equestrian athletes.

With the aim of making para-reining a fully recognized sport in 2014, a clinic and educational seminar will take place on Thursday, November 14 in Oklahoma City, Okla., followed by the first-ever para-reining demonstration class on Friday, November 15.

The USEF, USA Reining, and USPEA are striving to ensure para-reining rules and competitions are in line with events hosted at AQHA and NRHA shows. AQHA will integrate para-reining into its existing and thriving Equestrians with Disabilities Program, and NRHA will work to do the same with a newly launched disabled riders program. Over time, para-reining competitors will have a variety of competition options.

The USEF, USA Reining, and USPEA will play a vital role in creating a pipeline to high-performance competition at the international level. A main goal of the effort is that para-reining athletes could one day earn a spot to represent the U.S. at international para-reining championships.

For more information about attending the USA Reining/USPEA Para-Reining Clinic and Demonstration Class at the AQHA World Championship Show, contact Brad Ettleman of USA Reining at Brad@HPowerInc.com.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show: http://www.aqha.com/Showing/World-Show/Schedule.aspx.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand at Wheeler966@aol.com or (610) 356-6481.

For more information on the High Performance Para-Equestrian program, contact Director Laureen Johnson at lkjohnson@usef.org or (908) 326-1155.

Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

Para-Reining at AQHA World Show Announces Featured Cross-Over Riders

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Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger at the 2012 London Paralympics. Photo (C) Lindsay Yosay McCall.

Oklahoma City, OK – November 4, 2013 – USA Reining, together with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA), is pleased to announce that several established and well-known Para-Dressage athletes have signed on to cross over to the sport of Reining for the inaugural Para-Reining event at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, November 14 & 15.

Included in the ranks are a two-time Paralympian, an American disabled veteran and a host of other dedicated riders, all hoping to give Reining a try as the sport works for full inclusion in the Para-Equestrian movement.  Additionally, seasoned western riders from the NRHA and AQHA ranks will step into the stirrup for the discipline of Reining at this kick-off event.

First among the featured riders, Rebecca Hart was born with a rare genetic disease called Familial Spastic Paraplegia (FSP).  As an adult, it primarily affects her muscles and joints from the waist down, causing partial paralysis and severe spasticity.  As a child, it caused her to have difficulty gaining strength in her upper body and slowed her motor development.  Rebecca began riding at the age of ten.

Rebecca is a multiple USEF National Para-Equestrian Champion and was a member of the United States Paralympic Equestrian team, competing in Hong Kong with her horse, Norteassa, and taking 4th place in the freestyle.  In 2010, she and Norteassa competed at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, KY.  Rebecca retired Norteassa after the WEG.  She rode Jessica and Missy Ransehousen’s Lord Ludger (LoLu) for the 2012 show season.  The pair was named as a member of 2012 United States Paralympic Team, competing in London.  Rebecca was the Team Captain and highest scoring U.S team member at the 2012 London Paralympics.

Frederick Win in 2011 Saugerties CPEDI3*. Photo (C) Lindsay Yosay McCall
Frederick Win in 2011 Saugerties CPEDI3*. Photo (C) Lindsay Yosay McCall

Next among our featured riders, Frederick Win was born with a congenital birth deformity.  In his native Burma (also known as Myanmar), Frederick Win started riding at age six for fun. By eighteen, he was taking part in jumping competitions as a selected member of the Myanmar Equestrian Federation, jumping up to four feet. He also performed Burmese traditional trick riding routinely, doing headstands or hanging upside down on the side of a galloping horse. Since he was a teenager, he was always fascinated by American cowboy life and American justice. He decided to go to USA to study law and to learn western horsemanship.

With hard work he obtained a Jurist doctor in Law. Fred currently practices law in the state of New Jersey defending people’s liberty and rights.  In 2011, Fred started learning dressage and successfully competed at the United States Dressage Federation national level and FEI international level shows.  Fred is honored to join the ranks at the first ever Reining demonstration.

Also featured, Derrick Perkins is a U.S. Air Force veteran who was injured in 1988 while on active duty. After his initial physical rehabilitation, he was stabilized as a tetraplegic with significant loss of use in all four extremities. Since then, he has become a member and volunteer of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Texas Chapter and began participating in various wheelchair sports for recreation, physical rehabilitation, and the thrill of competition. Derrick has competed annually in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and has a closet full of medals. He was recommended, by friends, for the SIRE – Houston Therapeutic Equestrian Centers program in 2008. During his years of riding with SIRE, Derrick has seen unbelievable improvements in balance, strength, and coordination.

Veteran Derrick Perkins. Photo provided by Derrick Perkins
Veteran Derrick Perkins. Photo provided by Derrick Perkins

Derrick has multiple awards, titles and championships from top events and organizations and is an FEI-rated international rider, and is currently competing for a chance to represent the United States in the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2016 Paralympic Games. To be featured at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK, Para-Reining will include a clinic and educational seminar on Thursday, November 14, and a first-ever Para-Reining demonstration class on Friday, November 15.  This demonstration marks the maiden Para-Reining event ever to be held within the US Para-Equestrian system and a launching of efforts to bring the discipline online as a fully recognized sport in 2014.  USA Reining and USPEA together with the AQHA and NRHA are proud to welcome an American hero to our ranks of Para-Reining competitors.

For more information about attending the USA Reining/USPEA Para-Reining Clinic and Demonstration Class at the AQHA World Championship Show, including schedule, entry form and more, email: Brad@HPowerInc.com.

For more information about USA Reining, click on www.USA-Reining.com.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show: http://www.aqha.com/Showing/World-Show/Schedule.aspx.

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.

Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

Para-Reining to Be Featured at AQHA World Championship Show

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Oklahoma City, OK – October 25, 2013 – USA Reining, the official sport affiliate for the western discipline of Reining within the international structure of horse sport, announces together with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA), as well as partners the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), the introduction of Reining into the Para-Equestrian movement.

To be featured at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK, Para-Reining will include a clinic and educational seminar on Thursday, November 14th and a first-ever Para-Reining demonstration class on Friday, November 15th, marking the maiden Para-Reining ever to be held within the US Para-Equestrian system and a launching of efforts to bring the discipline online as a fully recognized sport in 2014.

Both affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the United States, USA Reining and USPEA are striving to ensure Para-Reining rules and competitions are in line with events hosted at stakeholder shows.  Those stakeholders are chiefly USA Reining founding partners AQHA and NRHA.  AQHA will integrate Para-Reining into its existing and thriving Equestrians with Disabilities Program, and NRHA will work to do the same with a newly launched disabled riders program.  Once complete, the integration will allow any Para-Reining event to be multi-approved by any or all of the interested groups, allowing athletes a virtual smorgasbord of options for competitive development.

The role of USA Reining and USPEA are vital as they provide the key pipeline to high performance competition at the international level.  A main goal of the effort, Para-Reining athletes could one day earn a spot to represent their nation at international Para-Reining championships.

The goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian disciplines.  From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), USA Reining and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

For more information about attending the USA Reining/USPEA Para-Reining Clinic and Demonstration Class at the AQHA World Championship Show, including schedule, entry form and more, email: Brad@HPowerInc.com.

For more information about USA Reining, click on www.USA-Reining.com.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show: http://www.aqha.com/Showing/World-Show/Schedule.aspx.

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.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Racing Sources, USEF, Western/Reining

Top Reiners Line Up at AQHA World Championship Show

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Craig Schmersal on his way to winning Individual Silver at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The final American CRI of the year takes place this weekend at the AQHA World Championship Show as reiners from across the country look to close out their 2012 season on a high note. A total of 13 horse-and-rider combinations are set to contest the CRI3* in Oklahoma City, OK on Friday, November 9. This weekend’s competition has added significance as it also serves as the first qualifier for U.S. reiners looking to compete at the selection trials for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Craig Schmersal (Overbrook, OK) will look to showcase the skills that helped him earn Team Gold and Individual Silver at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Schmersal is among the most decorated reiners in the U.S. having represented his country three times in World Championship competition. He will ride San Juan Ranch’s Whizs Katrina in Oklahoma City.

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