Nora Grassmyer, Mibis, Barbara Grassmyer, and Bob Grassmyer/ Photo (c) Lindsay Y. McCall

Photos and article by: Lindsay Y. McCall

El Dorado Hills, CA – December 23, 2014 – On December 19, 2014, the Dressage Community lost friend, volunteer, and parent Nora Grassmyer after a three year battle with bladder cancer. Nora was heavily involved with the Dressage and Para-Dressage disciplines both internationally and at the national level. She was also a longtime volunteer at the California Dressage shows managed by Connie Davenport. Nora was a driving force behind her daughter and Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer. She was there at every moment for Barbara including when Barbara served as an alternate for the U.S. Paralympic Team in 2000, competing in Sydney, Australia; in 2001 and 2002 when Barbara was the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion;in 2004 when Barbara was selected for the Athens Paralympics; in 2006, when Barbara and her own horse Mibis earned the Gold Medal at the Pacific Rim Barbara was a member of the U.S. Team at the Para-Dressage World Championships in Hartpury, England; in 2008, when Barbara was on the U.S. Para-Dressage Team for the Beijing Paralympics; and in 2013 when Barbara retired her long partner Mibis at the Rancho Murieta Dressage Show. Nora and her husband Bob were strong supporters of the Para-Dressage discipline and they were important in the furthering of the Para-Equestrian sport.

Hope Hand, Paralympian, President of The USPEA, and friend expressed, “Nora was our Para Equestrian Mom and volunteered tirelessly by supporting all of our competitions at home and abroad. Nora liked to work behind the scenes scoring our tests because it made her too nervous to watch her daughter compete. Nora, along with her husband Bob were our biggest fans. Thank you Barb for letting us share your Mom. We all loved and respected her commitment to her family and the contributions she made to further the sport of Para Dressage. I will really miss my good friend, but I will hold on to the memories and the good times we had.”

Nora passed away at her home in El Dorado Hills, CA, surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband Bob, daughters Barbara, Jennifer, and Margy and 6 grandchildren. Nora will be buried at St. Mary’s Catholic Mortuary in Sacramento, CA.
About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation 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 Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide 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: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

by Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – December 23, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce that the official prize lists for each week of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) are now available online at www.globaldressagefestival.com. One of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits, the AGDF returns for its fourth annual event in 2015 with ten weeks of fantastic equestrian sport running from January 8 through March 28.

Held at the beautiful dressage facility at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, this year’s AGDF will feature three national and seven international weeks of competition. International competition includes four CDI-W rated shows, a CDI 4*, a CDI 5*, and the Western Hemisphere’s only non-championship CDIO, which is also part of the FEI Nations Cup series. With an increase to more than $650,000 in total prize money, AGDF has become the richest dressage circuit in the world.

The CDIO has been moved to the final week of the circuit this year, capping off the winter season with the very best in international dressage. The Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition will run March 25-28. The event is part of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Series. This special team competition for dressage gives riders the unique opportunity to experience a championship-style format, also serving as the last team event before the Pan American Games in Toronto in July.

The CDI 5* competition, sponsored by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty, will be featured during week five on February 5-8, 2015. With over $200,000 in prize money, this notably makes it the second richest CDI 5* in the world.

AGDF is also pleased to announce that it will host the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby for the second year during the week of March 5-8, presented by Everglades Dressage and Peacock Ridge, which will feature a special new derby competition.

Each week, AGDF’s famous “Friday Night Lights” Freestyle performances will be showcased along with many special events throughout the season. Stadium seating and VIP dining are available to spectators who want to come out and enjoy an evening of fun performances and world-class competition.

Director of Dressage, Thomas Baur, and Show Manager, Lloyd Landkamer, each return to AGDF this year and look forward to another wonderful season. They are pleased to present two new divisions for the circuit.

A new CDI Amateur international division will be introduced during the first week of competition and will be offered during the whole season in every CDI. Riders must be at least 26 years of age and will compete at the Small or Medium Tour level. While riders in the CDI Amateur international division cannot be listed on the international ranking list (which is reserved for Large Tour riders), this division will give a great opportunity to those looking to step up to international level.

In addition to the new CDI Amateur division, a new section of pony competition has been added for all national shows throughout the circuit. For this competition, classes are offered from USEF Training Level through USEF Third level with classes designated for the JR/YR, Adult Amateur, and Open riders.

Newly appointed USEF Dressage Youth Coach George Williams commented, “I think having the pony division is a wonderful addition to the show. We would really like to see ponies in dressage take off and I think by offering the pony section with the three divisions, it will really help the growth of ponies in our sport. Not only does it give the opportunity to the youth, but it also gives the opportunity to adult amateurs who are comfortable on ponies and it allows for more experienced riders to introduce ponies to competition.”

Spectators are always welcome at AGDF to watch some of the best dressage competition in North America. Parking and general admission are free!

2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Schedule of Events*

January 8-11
AGDF 1 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by MTICA Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 9)

January 22-25
AGDF 3 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by US P.R.E. Association and Chesapeake Dressage Institute
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 23)

January 31-February 1
AGDF 4 Dressage National

February 5-8
AGDF 5 Dressage CDI 5*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 6)

February 14-15
AGDF 6 Dressage National

February 19-22
AGDF 7 Dressage CDI 4*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 20)

March 5-8
AGDF 9 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Everglades Dressage and Peacock Ridge
Palm Beach Dressage Derby
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 6)

March 12-15
AGDF 10 Dressage CDI W/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Today’s Equestrian and Mike & Roz Collins
Florida Youth Dressage Championships
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 13)

March 21-22
AGDF 11 Dressage National

March 25-28
AGDF 12 Dressage CDIO 3*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Stillpoint Farm
Dressage Nations Cup
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 27)
*Schedule Subject to Change

ESP looks forward to welcoming everyone to the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

All Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

About the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

by: Equine Canada

Para-Equestrian Canada (PEC) has announced the Short and Long Listed riders as of December 1, 2014.

Short List
Rank / Name / Home Town / Grade / Per Cent
1. Lauren Barwick / Langley, B.C. / II / 74.959%
2. Roberta Sheffield / Lincolnshire, ENG / III / 72.063%
3. Ashley Gowanlock / Surrey, B.C. / 1b / 69.962%
4. Robyn Andrews / St Johns, N.L. / 1a / 69.350%
5. Jody Schloss / Toronto, Ont. / 1a / 68.884%

Long List
Rank / Name / Home Town / Grade / Per Cent
1. Tristiana Allwood / 100 Mile House, B.C. / III / 69.547%
2. Nel Godin-Keating / Dartmouth, N.S. / 1a / 69.020%
3. Jennifer McKenzie / MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. / II / 68.776%
4. Lynne Poole / Schomberg, Ont. / IV / 68.691%
5. Sarah Cummings / Cranbrook, B.C. / III / 65.948%
6. Jason Surnoski / Oshawa, Ont. / 1b / 64.332%
7. Kim Scott / Victoria, B.C. / III / 61.797%
8. Philip Wright / SALMON ARM, B.C. / IV / 60.600%

by: Dressage Canada

Dressage Canada initiated the Florida Fortnight in January 2014, which aimed at exposing riders to a cross section of professionals who could help them improve all aspects of their performance. This approach was successful and the Canadian Dressage team represented Canada with pride at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, achieving strong individual and team performances for Canada.

The 2015 Pan American Games will be held on home soil in July, and we have the riders and the horses to bring home a gold medal. To do this, Dressage Canada needs to support our athletes as much as possible.

Dressage Canada has built a strong team of experts to assist our athletes. This team includes Dr. Volker Moritz (Technical Advisor), Dr. Geoff Vernon (team veterinarian) and Dirk Stroda (team mental coach). These experts will provide our riders and horses with the support they need to fly our flag with pride and honour in front of a hometown crowd.

Our athletes also need your support. The second annual “Auction of Promises” is just one way in which we are trying to help raise funds to support our athletes. Our riders have put forward donations of their time willingly for this end, and at the same time, thanks to our unique resources, we have some very special items, not obtainable elsewhere!

Please help us to regain our position on the podium by participating in our “Auction of Promises.”
Auction Items Include

Lessons with our Listed, High Performance and Canadian Equestrian Team Athletes:

• Christilot Boylen — one lesson in Stouffville, Ont. or Wellington, Fla.
• Jacquie Brooks — one lesson in Toronto, Ont. or Wellington, Fla.
• Wendy Christoff — one lesson in Vancouver, B.C. or California
• Brittany Fraser — one lesson in Ottawa, Ont. or Wellington, Fla.
• Denielle Gallagher — one lesson in New York, N.Y. or Wellington, Fla.
• Ashley Holzer — one lesson in New York, NY or Wellington, FL
• David Marcus — one lesson in Campbellville, Ont. or Wellington, Fla
• Karen Pavicic — one lesson in Vancouver, B.C. or Wellington, Fla.
• Leslie Reid — one lesson in Vancouver, B.C. or California
• Gina Smith — one lesson in Brockville, Ont.
• Tanya Strasser — one lesson in Montreal, Que. or Wellington, Fla.
• Belinda Trussell — one lesson in Stouffville, Ont. or Wellington, Fla.
• Chris Von Martels — one lesson in Wellington, Fla.

Official clothing from the World Equestrian Games

Official blazers from the World Equestrian Games – donated by FEI dressage judges Elizabeth McMullen and Bernard Maurel:

• Woman’s medium
• Man’s large

Clothing worn by our team during the World Equestrian Games -official clothing for the Canadian Equestrian Team:

• Woman’s polo small
• Men’s polo red extra large
• Men’s polo white extra large
• Men’s Polo black extra large
• Ball cap
• Backpack
• Long sleeve shirt small
• Vest small

Special one-of-a-kind items:

• Stephen Clarke is one of the most experienced and respected judges in the world. Clarke will be judging at the 2015 Pan American Games and plans to be in Ontario prior to the games judging at the Equivents Inc. CDI at the end of June in Cedar Valley, Ont. Clarke has offered the opportunity for lucky bidders to sit with him in the judge’s box during the event at Cedar Valley.
• Dr. Volker Moritz is our Dressage Canada Technical Advisor, and he has generously offered to allow lucky bidders to shadow him for a full day in either Florida or Toronto during a CDI competition.
• Axel Steiner is a former FEI 5* dressage judge. He has offered the opportunity for lucky bidders to sit with him as he provides the colour commentary for the California CDI series this season.

Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities. Support our athletes, win unique experiences and build connections and memories to last a lifetime!

To place a bid click here.

Wellington, FL (December 22,2014) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler knows she is lucky to ride exceptional horses and to have experience training with Olympic athletes Carl Hester, Debbie McDonald, and Robert Dover. In order show her gratefulness for being able to live out her dressage dreams, Bateson-Chandler is giving back to the equestrian community by helping others pursue their own successful dressage careers.

The Grand Prix rider recently spent her sixth summer training with Hester, whom she works with for part of the year while working with USA’s McDonald during the rest of the year. She was also Robert Dover’s assistant trainer and groom before taking over Dover’s position of riding and training Jane Forbes Clark’s impressive horses. Now, the internationally acclaimed Bateson-Chandler is using her talents to help teach others.

She recently acted as a demo rider for Hester at educational events throughout the United Kingdom. The events included The Dressage Convention at Bury Farm in England on October 18-19, and Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, England on November 8-9. For Bateson-Chandler, providing educational opportunities in England was a sort of homecoming— the equestrian was born and raised in the U.K., and is now a U.S. citizen based out of Wellington, Florida.

“We showed everyone how we produce a young Grand Prix horse using Carl’s system,” Bateson-Chandler said about her experience as a demo rider with Hester. “We touched on most aspects of the Grand Prix, and showed how good basics can make life much simpler as you move up the levels.”

She rode Alcazar, a nine-year old KWPN gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark. Alcazar (Contango x Polina, Ferro) recently won the prestigious 2015 Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award in the Intermediate II level after putting in some impressive scores. Bateson-Chandler has been competing on the dark bay gelding for the past two years when she took over the ride from Dover after he retired from competition.

While Bateson-Chandler enjoyed helping her British mentor, Hester, by riding in the educational demonstrations, she also thought it was good experience for Alcazar.

“Both master classes were amazing experiences for my horse as they gave me the unique opportunity to ride him in an electric environment where the audience claps on a regular basis through the ride,” she said. “He, of course, was a little tense in the beginning but got better and better the more we rode.”

Bateson-Chandler is eager to see where the coming year of equestrian competition season will lead her, and is looking forward to more opportunities to pass on her talents to others. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her star equine partners, click here or follow the international competitor on her Facebook page here

The event, held at High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, FL, will begin Monday, January 19, and conclude on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

Registered attendees are invited to a reception and panel discussion with Stephen Clarke on Monday evening at the Embassy Suites West Palm Beach.

On-line registration ($295) ends January 9, 2015.

Walk-in registrations will be accepted, at an increased rate, if specified criteria are met.

USDF Participating Membership is required.

Rider applications are being accepted through December 19th.

Attendees must meet specified criteria. Click here for criteria information and a more detailed description of the event.

APPLY AS A RIDER. REGISTER AS AUDITOR

Thank you and we hope to see you there.

Gaithersburg, MD—It’s not every day that someone wins a trip for two to Las Vegas for the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™, let alone the chance to hobnob with an Olympic medalist. But, thanks to Dressage Today’s “Win a Vegas World Cup Backstage Pass with Debbie McDonald” contest, Joe Wilson of Colorado has done just that.

Wilson’s entry was selected in a random drawing last month from 2,000 unique entries in this exciting contest, which is sponsored by Adequan, Bates and HorseTech. His grand prize package includes round-trip airfare for two people, hotel accommodations and dressage tickets for two, plus backstage access to the show hosted by 2003 FEI World Cup™ champion Debbie McDonald.

“We’re pleased to offer this kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience to our readers,” says Dressage Today editor Jennifer Mellace. “It’s sure to be a thrilling event, and we invite everyone to follow the action through our new microsite.”

The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final spans three days, beginning with the Dressage Grand Prix on April 16, followed by a freestyle rehearsal on April 17 and the Freestyle Dressage Final on April 18. Dressage Today’s microsite provides you with up-to-date articles, news, postcards and photos from Nancy Jaffer, as well as blogs from Adrienne Lyle and Fran Jurga.

A project of Dressage Today in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation, the microsite can be accessed at http://DressageToday.com/world-cup.

About Dressage Today
Dressage Today is dedicated to educating and informing readers on how to train their horses for the sport and art of dressage (competitive and non-competitive riding). Articles on all levels of training particularly encourage the pursuit of a harmonious and humane partnership between horse and rider.

About Active Interest Media
One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media publishes leading consumer magazines such as Yoga Journal, Backpacker, SKI, Skiing, Vegetarian Times, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Black Belt, American Cowboy, Spin to Win Rodeo, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Country’s Best Cabins and more. The company’s five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group and Outdoor Group—reach more than 40 million people in 85 countries. We also operate websites, B2B businesses, a state-of-the-art video unit, and Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful outdoor film production company in history. Each of our divisions also runs consumer and trade events, including the world’s largest boat shows and yoga conferences. Active Interest Media’s customers are smart, engaged and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.