Tag Archives: Hanneke Gerritsen

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Symposiums, Training/Clinics

Hanneke Gerritsen Para Dressage/Dressage Symposium and Schooling Show June 2-4

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Lyman, Maine – May 22, 2017 – Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, recognized as a USEF/USPEA National Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence, will host a Para Dressage/Dressage Symposium and Evaluation Ride Schooling Show June 2-4, with Hanneke Gerritsen. Hanneke Gerritsen is a FEI 5* Paralympic Dressage Judge and Deputy Chair of the FEI Technical Committee. Gerritsen will offer an educational and interactive symposium packed with information and training for riders and coaches. The symposium will be held at the Carlisle Academy located in Lyman, Maine. Friday & Saturday, June 2-3, 2017, includes the Dressage & Para-Dressage Symposium, followed by Sunday, June 4, Dressage & Para-Dressage Schooling Show. Para-dressage athletes, dressage riders, and interested veterans are encouraged to attend. For more information about dates, activities, or biographies, please visit http://carlisleacademymaine.com/programs/sports-education/para-dressage-education-training/ or contact Sarah Armentrout, Head of School, at sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com or 207-985-0374.

This will be Hanneke Gerritsen’s fifth visit to Carlisle Academy. During the symposium riders will have 45-minute private mounted sessions each day along with lecture-based education. Trained program horses are available. PATH Instructors and Dressage Coaches are encouraged to audit lessons and participate in coach development sessions. A USEF National Classifier will be available for classification. A Sports Medicine Veterinarian will lecture and utilize horses for demonstrations. Veterans may participate free of charge and are encouraged to audit to learn more about the sport, in collaboration with to an Adaptive Sports Grant provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Participants will receive a bound manual on a variety of topics with accompanying lectures on Para-Dressage Classification Process, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, A Judge’s Perspective on Winning Rides/Video Analysis, Musical Freestyle Tips, Adaptive Equipment & Compensation Aids, Paralympic Military Program, and Common Equine Athlete Soft Tissue Injuries. Sunday’s schooling show is open to symposium participants, but is managed under a separate registration.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Riders and Coaches Enjoy Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp and Three Day Clinic

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Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland works with a developing rider.

Lyman, Maine – September 15, 2015 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders enjoyed the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp August 25-28, 2015, with 5* Olympic and Paralympic Judge Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland and International Para-Dressage Coach Clive Milkins. Following the camp Clive Milkins, Trainer-in-Residence at Carlisle Academy, conducted a three day Para-Dressage clinic, September 1-3.

Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine, a Premier Accredited PATH Center and national leader in grassroots development for para-equestrian sports, has been the educational link for developing athletes and coaches. Experienced international para-equestrian clinicians, therapists, and coaches with their riders gathered for training and education primarily focused on para-dressage. Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) developed these hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition.

Hanneke Gerritsen and Clive Milkins each taught daily mounted lessons to both riders and coaches and offered their particular areas of expertise in several presentations including a musical freestyle primer, athlete development plan, and adaptive equipment information.   Additional workshops and lectures featured New FEI Classification Rules, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, Video Review of Para-Dressage Tests, and a Coaches’ Forum. Hope Hand of the USPEA shared information on the emerging para-equestrian disciplines as well as regional and national competitive opportunities within the U.S. The Unites States Equestrian Team Foundation also participated hosting the “Ride to Rio” Banquet Dinner, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Nonantum Resort, where Bonnie Jenkins and Sara Ike of USET joined Keynote Speaker Tina Wentz in sharing the inspiration behind the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge Fund.

Following the camp was the three day Para-Dressage clinic with Clive Milkins, Trainer-in-Residence at Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine. This was the first of many solo clinics in Maine that Milkins will be conducting. Carlisle Academy has recently completed the international work visa process so that Clive may be on site several months out of the year. He is also available for off-site clinics under the Academy’s sponsorship in 2016. Throughout these solo clinics, coaches of athletes are encouraged to attend in order to collaborate on training approaches and strategies for para-equestrians as well as use of adaptive equipment. Clive Milkins is a talented international para-dressage coach with 25 years of experience coaching para-equestrians as well as able-bodied riders in dressage and jumping. Milkins was the personal trainer of Sophie Christiansen, Great Britain’s triple gold medal winning rider at three Paralympics, and has coached several other para-equestrians competing at the international level.

Marci Bender, Equestrian Programs Manager The National Ability Center, attended the Camp as a Coach. She noted, “The Para Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp at the Carlisle Academy was a wonderful experience from start to finish. As a coach of a developing rider, I enjoyed the opportunity to network with other coaches and their riders, as well as gain valuable feedback on how to better prepare horses for my rider. Working with Hanneke and Clive was invaluable. They each bring a unique perspective to rider development and have a genuine interest in helping each person learn and grow. I appreciate the holistic approach of this camp, addressing needs of the rider not only on horseback, but also with comprehensive physical and occupational therapy assessments. Many thanks to the entire team at Carlisle Academy for facilitating a wonderful experience.”

Equestrians and coaches both developing and experienced took part in the clinic. 2014 World Equestrian Games athlete Annie Peavy used the opportunity to work with one of the best in the para-dressage world. She explained, “I had such a good experience at Carlisle Academy. The facility is so friendly and well run. I am glad I had the opportunity to be there and clinic with Clive Milkins. He offered valuable training tips, made me feel comfortable in asking questions, and helped me with my horse Ozzy Cooper.”

Clive Milkins is looking forward to additional clinics. He commented, “I am delighted to be taking on this new position at Carlisle Academy, where they integrate both equine therapy and sports. Para-equestrian sport has its roots in therapeutic riding, and I am thrilled to be involved in such an exciting new challenge. The future is bright.”

More about Clive Milkins:
Clive Milkins is a leading para-equestrian dressage coach from Great Britain. He began work with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled) in the late 1980s after volunteering at Moreton Hall Group while at Warwickshire College. Clive was the trainer for the British team at the 1990 World Championship and Games for disabled riders. He has since coached riders competing at Paralympic Games (Athens and Beijing), European Championships and World Championships. Clive coached triple gold medal winning rider, Sophie Christiansen, at the 2012 Paralympics. Clive has been nominated for numerous awards since his career began: Groom of the year, 2005; The Queen’s Award for Equestrianism, awarded for ‘Outstanding Services to Equestrianism’; and the Kuster BEF Groom of the Year in 2006. Milkins currently travels around the world working with both able-bodied equestrians and para-dressage riders.

More about Hanneke Gerritsen:
Hanneke Gerritsen, 5* Olympic Para-Dressage Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate, FEI Chair of the Compensating Aids Committee, Program Consultant for Carlisle Academy. Hanneke began her career with horses at her father’s farm while continuing a career as an interior designer. Now she spends all her time coaching, judging and performing a number of executive functions in the Para-Equestrian disciplines, including acting as FEI Chair of the Compensating Aids Committee. In addition to judging international qualifier competitions worldwide, Hanneke coached the Dutch Para-Equestrian Team from 2000 to 2004. From 2005 through 2010 she was a member of the ground jury at a number of international championships including the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong. She was the Technical Delegate at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In addition to her Para-Equestrian pursuits, Hanneke is a Grand Prix judge and a selector and trainer for new dressage judges at all levels. She has bred several talented dressage horses and is a trainer and coach to several talented students in Holland. Hanneke gives clinics all over the world.

For additional information on Carlisle Academy or the educational camps and clinics, contact Sarah Armentrout at sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com or by phone at 207-985-0374.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

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 Fédération 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.

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Para-Dressage Symposium Brings Forward Notable Dressage Trainers

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Catherine Haddad Staller with Hotmail speaking to the Para-Equestrians about proper saddle placement and correct body position. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall.

Trainers include Catherine Haddad Staller, Clive Milkins, Hanneke Gerritsen, and Gil Merrick

Lyman, Maine – May 29, 2013 – The 2013 National Para-Dressage Training Symposium, hosted by Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine, will feature many top trainers, clinicians, and experts in the equestrian discipline. Scheduled May 29 – June 1, the weekend will include a Train the Trainer program with the “SmartPak Coaches Forum” and a riding symposium for Para-Dressage riders from Grade Ia – Grade IV. The unique aspect of the weekend is the ability to have world-renowned trainers under one roof for four days. Four of those trainers include talented rider and trainer Catherine Haddad Staller, Clive Milkins, who coached the Gold Medal Great Britain Para-Dressage Team, Hanneke Gerritsen, who is an FEI ‘O’ Judge, and Gil Merrick, who was the High-Performance Director and U.S. Dressage Team leader for multiple years. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak to make the symposium an educational package.

Educating young athletes and building upon veteran athlete’s skills is what builds an internationally competitive team. Accomplished Dressage rider and trainer, Catherine Haddad Staller, has experienced top international competition, she has developed horses from the ground up, and she has successfully overcome many obstacles in and out of the show ring. Her experience and education for the future of Para-Dressage will be imperative for the United States high-performance Para-Dressage team. Over the symposium weekend Catherine will work on techniques for the horse and rider in the ring while focusing on mental preparation before the trip down centerline.

Catherine Haddad Staller expressed, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated and determined riders in Para-Dressage. I hope that I can share some insight on the mental preparation I find so helpful and necessary when faced with international competition.”

Catherine’s work with the Para-Dressage team over the weekend will not be the first time she has advised the Para-Equestrian Dressage riders. During the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in March 2013, Catherine dedicated her time to the U.S. Team. Before competition she spoke to the riders about mental preparation in the ring. On the following day, she had her riders demonstrate a variety of movements on Catherine’s own top horses. The USPEA was thankful for Catherine’s dedication and looks forward to the Maine symposium and working with her more in the future.

Clive Milkins and Hanneke Gerritsen are both internationally acclaimed mentors. Clive Milkins led the Great Britain Para-Equestrian Dressage team to a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics including top performer, Grade Ia rider, Sophie Christansen.

Hanneke Gerritsen is a World-class FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate. Her experience judging around the world will be invaluable to the Para-Dressage riders.

Gil Merrick, former USEF High Performance Dressage Director and National Clinician, will talk about how collaboration is a beneficial part of a winning team. He will also speak about how educational tools like HorseShow.com can help each rider in between international competitions.

Gil Merrick noted, “We are excited about this opportunity to let the riders, trainers and coaches learn about the educational tools we have available for them at HorseShow.com.  These tools allow the riders to submit videos of their training sessions at their home facility and receive personal coaching from our country’s top trainers without having to travel.  They are able to submit videos of themselves riding a dressage test in the comfort of their own ring and receive a complete scorecard along with personal coaching from international judges.  These web-based video learning tools can become an integral part of a rider’s program to qualify and prepare for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Normandy.”

Equestrians, trainers and coaches who have questions and who would like more information on the symposium can contact Carlisle’s Training & Leadership Program Director Joyce Brown at jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com, or at 207.985.0374. Questions can also be directed to USPEA President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org.

About the 2013 Para-Dressage Symposium Leaders:

Hanneke Gerritsen, World-class FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate
Hanneke Gerritsen will share her extensive judging expertise with participants of the Train the Trainer program, through lecture, rider demonstrations and video critiques. Hanneke will be available as well to coach and mentor clinicians as they work with Para-Dressage riders. She will teach lessons to riders who are not planning on trying out for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, and a limited number of private lessons for non-symposium participants will be available as time allows. Hanneke began her career with horses at her father’s farm while continuing a career as an interior designer. Now she spends all her time coaching, judging and performing a number of executive functions in the Para-Equestrian disciplines. In addition to judging international qualifier competitions worldwide, Hanneke coached the Dutch Para-Dressage Team from 2000 to 2004. From 2005 through 2010 she was a member of the ground jury at a number of international championships including the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong. She was the Technical Delegate at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In addition to her Para-Equestrian pursuits, Hanneke is a Grand Prix judge and a selector and trainer for new dressage judges at all levels. She has bred several talented dressage horses and is a trainer and coach to several talented students in Holland. Hanneke gives clinics all over the world.

Catherine Haddad Staller, International Dressage Competitor & Trainer
Catherine Haddad Staller’s international expertise as both an FEI competitor and trainer will enrich the riders’ experience. She will be available for private sessions, as well as two lectures on How to Train the Walk, and the Competitive Mindset. In 1993 Catherine was stationed in Germany where she represented the United States in competitions throughout Europe at both national and international levels. With Maximus JSS, Cadillac, and Winyamaro, she accumulated over 100 top ten placings and awards in Grand Prix. In 2006, Haddad Staller was alternate for the US Dressage Team in Aachen at the World Equestrian Games. In 2007, she became the first American dressage rider to qualify in the Western European League for the World Cup. With Maximus JSS, she finished seventh at the 2007 FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. In 2009, Haddad Staller won nine Grand Prix with Cadillac and Winyamaro in European competitions. In 2010, she was Reserve for the US Dressage Team for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and won the CDI-W at Dressage at Devon which helped her achieve a nomination to the FEI World Cup Final in April of 2011.Winyamaro and Cadillac went on to win two tests in the USA at the Saugerties CDIW/CDI3* in New York, September 2011. Haddad Staller returned to the USA in 2012 and now runs a training facility in Loxahatchee, Florida.

Clive Milkins, a leading Para-equestrian dressage coach from Great Britain, was instrumental in leading his team to a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics. He began his work with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled) in the late 1980s after volunteering at Moreton Hall Group while at Warwickshire College. Clive was the trainer for the British team at the 1990 World Championship and Games for disabled riders. He has since coached riders competing at Paralympic Games (Athens and Beijing), European Championships and World Championships. Clive coached triple gold medal winning rider, Sophie Christiansen, at the 2012 Paralympics. Clive has been nominated for numerous awards since his career began: Groom of the Year, 2005; The Queen’s Award for Equestrianism, awarded for ‘Outstanding Services to Equestrianism’; and the Kuster BEF Groom of the Year in 2006. Clive will share his international Para-Equestrian coaching experience with an emphasis on working with Grade 1 & 2 Para-Equestrians. In a lecture, he will also share his perspective on the British system for developing Para-Dressage riders.

Gil Merrick, Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director and National Clinician
Gil will kick off the Para-Dressage Symposium with his keynote address, A Team Approach, sharing his knowledge of organizations, national teams, and why collaboration will create a winning team. Gil will also be available for on-site video critiques, a function he fills as a featured dressage coach at Horseshow.com. Gil is an accomplished dressage rider and trainer and conducts clinics and seminars throughout the country. Gil brings over 30 years of management experience including extensive international business experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management and German from Hiram College and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University. Gil served as Managing Director for Dressage at the United States Equestrian Federation from 2005 through 2009, and is a highly recognized equestrian. As the High Performance Director, he was responsible for administering the process of selecting and training the US teams that competed at the international shows. Gil served successfully as the team leader for the U.S. dressage teams at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (Aachen, Germany), the 2007 Pan American Games (Brazil), and the 2008 Olympic Games (Beijing, China).

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

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.