Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation has updated the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2014 Rotterdam CDIO5* taking place during the CHIO Rotterdam in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, June 18-22. Catherine Haddad-Staller has been added to the team, and Devon Kane has withdrawn Diamante Farms’ Destiny for veterinary reasons.
Haddad-Staller (Wellington, Fla.) will ride her own Mane Stream Hotmail.
Mane Stream Hotmail is a 2002 Oldenburg gelding.
Haddad-Staller has represented the U.S. at two FEI World Cup Finals and competed extensively in Europe while living in Germany for 20 years. In 2013, she rode Mane Stream Hotmail to a second-place finish in the Grand Prix Special CDI-W at Dressage at Devon. This year, the pair won the Grand Prix during weeks one and five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
She will join Susie Dutta and Brian Hafner on the U.S. team in Rotterdam where the U.S. will also be represented by Mackinzie Pooley in the CDI-U25 competition.
Learn more about the U.S. riders competing at CDIO5* Rotterdam here.
Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that USEF Dressage High Performance Pre-Games Training and Competition Grants have been awarded to two horse-and-rider combinations. These grants were awarded based on the riders’ detailed plans for training and competition in Europe as it relates to preparation for the Selection Trial for the U.S. Dressage Team Short List and 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as well as their prospect of contributing to a Team and/or Individual medal at the Games.
The following horse-and-rider combinations have been awarded USEF Dressage High Performance Pre-Games Training and Competition Grants:
Catherine Haddad-Staller (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Mane Stream Hotmail
Mane Stream Hotmail is a 2002 Oldenburg gelding.
“I am really excited to show my horse in Europe this spring,” said Haddad-Staller. “We have three big shows planned: Hagen (GER), Villach-Treffen (AUT), and Munich (GER). The USEF training grant we received has made the trip feasible for us. We are very proud to represent U.S. Dressage.”
Arlene Page (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Alina
Alina is a 1998 Danish mare.
“I am honored to have been awarded the USEF Training Grant. This grant will go a long way in supporting me as I prepare and compete Alina in Europe these next two months,” said Page. “I do not accept this grant lightly as I know that countless contributors to High Performance Dressage have given their resources trusting that we will use them wisely. I will do my very best to gratify their confidence in me and my lovely Alina.”
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).
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.
Wellington, FL – February 18, 2013 – The international quadrille team sponsored by The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch plans to give their competitors a run for their money at The Challenge of the Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves on Saturday, March 9.
Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch has been practicing an intricate quadrille for The Challenge and its 11th anniversary return as a one-of-a-kind affair highlighting the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe riding in team quadrilles to Play for P.I.N.K. to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
Team International is comprised of dressage stars Todd Flettrich, Catherine Haddad-Staller, Susanne Hamilton, Nancy Later, Sharon McCusker and Cherri Reiber. The coaches for the team are Ruth Hogan-Poulsen and Erin Swaney.
Josh Parker, one of the principals of The Seley Parker Group, said it’s their seventh year to sponsor the event. “The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch is extremely proud to once again support the International Team and The Challenge of the Americas,” he said. “Raising awareness and helping find a cure for such a terrible disease should be one of everyone’s top priorities.”
Susanne Hamilton
Susanne Hamilton, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Gold Medalist and one of the team riders, said she went to her first Challenge of the Americas six years ago with her friend, Ingrid Lind, who lost her fight with breast cancer three years later.
“This is close to my heart,” she said. “I’d like to dedicate my ride to someone this year who’s fighting hard. She’s in Britain and she’s a Grade II para-rider who is dying from this,” she continued with a hitch in her voice. “Her name is Gwenllian Hughes. I want to dedicate this to her.”
Quadrille rider Sharon McCusker, a USEF long listed FEI Grand Prix competitor and trainer, also believes in the cause. “I’m delighted to be involved with this benefit,” she said. “Almost all of us have lost somebody who has been affected by breast cancer.”
One of the Team International coaches, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, who creates freestyles for every level of dressage rider, said she is happy and honored to be a part of The Challenge of the Americas. “It’s impressive and shows the importance of the cause when six professionals and two choreographers take time from their schedules at least once a week to show their dedication to COTA,” she said. “As a choreographer and music editor, it’s a fun challenge to create for both riders and spectators alike.”
The other coach and choreographer, Erin Swaney, an FEI rider and trainer, said she started helping with The Challenge in response to COTA organizer Mary Ross’ request.
“I always went to The Challenge and one year Mary needed somebody to coach one of the teams and she asked me to do it,” she said. “I had watched it for years and I always thought of things that would look different and amazing for the spectators.”
She said that since she has been one of the coaches for the quadrilles, she strives to make the choreography fresh and jots down ideas for the freestyle throughout the year, paying special attention to visual excitement from every angle for the audience.
“It’s funny because every year the riders think it’s crazy and they say they can’t do it but in the end, everyone is surprised,” she laughed. “Last year the team was so cute. I gave them the pattern and they gave me THAT look, but in the end it all came together. This year it’s a whole new team and they have a really great dynamic. When we walked the pattern the first time it was hilarious but it all seems to work out in the end. I like how the whole thing unfolds and how each person comes together for the team.”
Todd Flettrich leads the way during team practice
Aside from the serious theme of fundraising for breast cancer research, fun is a central theme to all the riders on the team.
“I did it once before and it was a really fun experience,” Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich said. “Everybody gets together to ride and it’s for a good cause. I enjoy the sense of camaraderie when we are all for the same team. It’s great because it’s for the cause and not for yourself.”
Catherine Haddad-Staller, a two-time Grand Prix winner in the U.S. and a USDF Gold Medalist, agreed. “I think it’s a worthy cause and I am quite excited to be a part of the international team,” she said.
Cherri Reiber, an FEI trainer and competitor, added she is also involved with the quadrille to support the cause. “We’re having a ball,” she said. “It’s really been fun.”
This is Nancy Later’s first year to participate as a rider in the quadrille and she said she is helping support organizer Mary Ross in her effort to fund breast cancer research. Later is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist.
Nancy Later
“I think Mary’s done a great job for years and we love going to watch and I always wanted to be part of a team so it’s very exciting,” she said. “We’re a newbie team. So far we are having a great time. We can be partners instead of competitors so it’s really fun. It’s important that we remember to thank our sponsor, Merrill Lynch, too.”
Parker from the Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch added, “This event, with all of its equestrian pageantry, is always a blast and raises considerable funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Sharon McCusker
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.
When:
Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m. Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m. Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945 Anglot@aol.com
Ticket prices:
VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron $6,500 per table
Silver Patron $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron $2,000 per table
VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing) $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) $100 per person
General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.
A Portion of All August and September Purchases from Healthy Horse Boutique to Benefit World Class Dressage Rider
Carbondale, CO — July 21, 2011 — “My goal when starting Healthy Horse Boutique was to create a company that could ultimately support equestrians who are in need of help,” explained Marian Nilsen, owner of both Healthy Horse Boutique and Cookies with a Clue. With this goal in mind Nilsen is ready to kick off her Healthy Horse Boutique Rider Crusade with a campaign supporting 2006 and 2010 World Equestrian Games U.S. Team Dressage alternate and 2007 and 2010 World Cup Finalist, Catherine Haddad Staller.
Catherine is an American dressage rider presently stationed in Vechta, Germany. She represents the United States in competitions throughout Europe at both national and international levels. With her Grand Prix horses — Maximus JSS, Cadillac and Winyamaro — she has accumulated over 80 top ten placings and wins at Grand Prix level. Since 1995, she has run a successful training and sales facility in Germany.
Catherine will travel to the United States at the beginning of August with her two Olympic contenders — Cadillac and Winyamaro — to spend two months training and showing on American soil. “This is a preparation tour for me and my horses. I hope to pick up some good qualifying scores at the CDI-Ws for both the World Cup and our Olympic Selection Trials,” explained Catherine, who plans to compete in the two Saugerties CDI-Ws and at Devon where she won the World Cup qualifier last year with Winyamaro.
