World Dressage News and the Global Dressage Forum North America wishes to congratulation its new educational partner!

Denver—The EQUUS Foundation named Margo Dewkett the recipient of the 2013 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Awards Dinner on January 10, 2014. Margo is the executive director and head instructor at Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc., a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Longview, TX.

The USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse roles of horses, the recipient of this award has devoted considerable personal time to making the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

Margo founded Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center in 1988 with the desire to partner horses with children, adults and veterans with disabilities. She started with five horses, five volunteers, herself as the instructor and two participants. Today, Windridge’s programs assist more than 120 participants weekly in a 10-county region and employ six PATH Intl. Credentialed Professionals, two PATH Intl. instructors-in-training, 21 horses and more than 60 volunteers.

Margo, supported by Windridge’s board of directors, developed a research team and built a first-of-its-kind research room designed to provide scientific validation of the therapeutic benefits of equine movement. The research room is equipped with an equine treadmill and motion-capture system with specially designed software to collect and interpret real time data on human and equine interaction.

“We are proud to recognize Margo as a leader in the EAAT [equine-assisted activities and therapies] industry who has worked tirelessly to secure its professional status through research and the academic world,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “However, she has never lost sight of her primary focus – the children, adults and veterans who participate in Windridge’s programs.”

“Margo is representative of the best PATH Intl. has to offer,” said Kay Green, PATH Intl. CEO. “There is no one more deserving of this humanitarian award, and we are proud of her accomplishments and the work Windridge does for those with special needs on behalf of PATH Intl.”

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002 and a PATH Intl. sponsor, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. The United States Equestrian Federation is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. The USEF promotes the safety and welfare of horses and riders while encouraging interest, participation and excellence at every competitive level and for all breed and discipline affiliates within the Federation family equally.

About PATH Intl.:

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At 850 member centers, more than 56,000 children and adults find a sense of independence through involvement with horses. These member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several certified instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to therapeutic equitation, a center may offer any number of equine-assisted activities including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work or stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. There are nearly 52,000 volunteers, 4,232 instructors, 7,503 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Centers.

Cher Smith, Communications Coordinator

(800) 369-7433 x 123

csmith@pathintl.org

Riverhead, NY (January 21, 2014) - Neue Schule Bits presented central Texas teacher and Grand Prix dressage rider Anna Whit Watkins with its ‘Best Hands’ Award for Week One of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI series at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Watkins, and her 18-year-old KWPN gelding, Oublette (Amulet x Jinnardi), were second in Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix Special with a youthful 63.157% after turning in a 67.30% performance on Thursday in their FEI Grand Prix.  “He had a good energy. He doesn’t always remember that he’s 18.  He felt a little strong but still very rideable,” Watkins said of her 16.3 hand partner.  “He’s amazing. He tries so hard.”

“Anna and Oublette have the kind of relationship Neue Schule is seeking to recognize with its Best Hands Award. It’s for riders who strive for a perfect connection between the hand and bit, and those demonstrating that excellent connection,” says Mette Larsen, of Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery in Riverhead, NY and U.S. and Canadian dealer of the UK-based ergonomic bits.

“This is our first year as sponsor. It’s exciting to get to meet so many wonderful horses and riders, and be part of its vibrant international community.”  Each ‘Best Hands’ Award winner also receives a set of reins.

A favorite of U.S. World Cup Dressage veteran, Kathy Connelly, Neue Schule mouthpieces offer superior fit between the tongue and upper palate. Designs for the dressage horse include a Comfy Contact Eggbutt and Comfy Contact Baucher, with metal alloys and side-to-side responsiveness to soften jaws and polls and encourage contact.

Neue Schule also helps improves contact in shortened ‘smiles’ by sitting further back in the mouth while the unique revolving barrel ‘sweetens’ the tongue, promoting feel and acceptance, and encouraging ‘lift’ in the shoulder.

Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery specializes in superior quality equipment and prestigious accessories inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, with a focus on progressive and creative innovation, comfort and high standards.

Learn more about Metlar and Neue Schule at www.metlar-us.com or call (631) 252-5574.

Photo: Chase Hickok presents Anna Whit Watkins with the Neue Schule Best Hands Award during the first week of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

RELEASE: January 17, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard during a training session with USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover (USEF Archive)

Lexington, Ky. – The first USEF Dressage Observation & Strategic Planning Session of 2014 took place earlier this week at Havensafe Farm South in Wellington, Fla. Lead by Robert Dover, USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, the session provided training and strategic guidance for athletes as they look toward international competition and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The session featured 18 athlete/horse combinations over three days.

Dover was able to work individually with each athlete/horse combination, striving to enhance training practices and assist athletes in achieving their competition goals. Athlete’s personal trainers/coaches were also invited and participated in the sessions.

Day one of the session included:
Katherine Bateson-Chandler with Jane Clark’s Alcazar
Elaine Cordia-Van Reesma with her own Jewel’s Adelante
Catherine Haddad-Staller with her own Montrachet
Shawna Harding with Tonya Rowe’s Rigo
Chris Hickey with Cecelia Stewart’s Ronaldo
Jami Kment with her own Zania
Leslie Morse with her own King’s Excalibur
JJ Tate with Elizabeth Guarisco’s Faberge

Days two and three of the session included:
Susie Dutta with Tim Dutta Inc.’s Currency DC
Shelly Francis with Patricia Stempel’s Doktor and Danilo
Catherine Haddad-Staller with her own Mane Stream Hotmail
Chris Hickey with Hilltop Farm Inc.’s Douglas Hilltop
Adrienne Lyle with Peggy Thomas’ Wizard
Sharon McCusker with her own Wrigley
Cesar Parra with Michael and Sarah Davis’ Van the Man
Caroline Roffman with Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s Sagacious HF and her own Her Highness O

“I thought the training session was fantastic,” said Lyle. “Robert was able to take what everyone had been working on with their own coaches, build on that, and really motivate riders to raise their bar and bring out even more brilliance in their performances.”

“The three-day USEF High Performance Observation and Strategic Planning Session at Havensafe Farm produced excellent results,” said Dover. “Thanks to Betsy Juliano and her great staff as well as Jenny Van Wieren-Page for a beautiful and well-organized clinic and to the athletes who truly rose to the occasion and proved that America is most certainly producing more depth of world-class horses and top riders.”

For more information about the High Performance Dressage Observation and Strategic Planning Sessions visit; http://usef.org/documents/highPerformance/dressage/USEFDressageTrainingSessions2013_2014.pdf.

Questions should be addressed to Jenny Van Wieren-Page, Managing Director of Dressage, by phoning (859) 225-6949 or via email to jvanwieren@usef.org.

LEXINGTON, KY. – “Now  that the holiday gift-giving season is behind us, it’s important for parents or grandparents who gave a child the gift of riding lessons to know what to look for in choosing the right lesson program for their child,” warns Wayne G. Hipsley, Chairman ofHorseSafetyUSA.com.

Remember, your child’s safety and well-being is placed under the guidance and supervision of their riding instructor and the instructor’s assistants. So, set a realistic horseback riding goal for your child. Understand the horseback riding experience provides a child the opportunity to build self-esteem while participating in a physically demanding sport requiring physical balance, coordination and strength, in addition to learning decision making through discipline and dedication, along with the development of a partnership with a powerful animal.

Horseback riding is a fun and rewarding activity. So, allow the child enjoy their riding experience as they learn the basics of the sport before their introduction to the competitive aspect of the sport.  As a parent, do not live your dreams to ride through your child’s life experiences. So, consider a non-competitive riding lesson program as the place to start, where the pressure to perform in ‘horse shows’ is not the ultimate goal.  Keep it fun, positive.

Years of observation and experience have taught us that men view horses and their uses differently than women.  Therefore, we would be remiss not to address the gender difference between young boys and girls in their personal attraction to developing a relationship with horses. The natural affinity of females to the sport of horseback riding over males is significant. So, if your child is a young boy, give him a chance to develop his level of confidence through fun activities that cultivate his athletic abilities and curiosities about the unique opportunities that horses provide. Perhaps he needs to experience the feeling of being a ‘cowboy’ after learning the basics to safely ride and control a horse, introducing him to the non-competitive experience of trail riding. The key is to recognize the differences in how each gender views horses differently.

12 factors to consider before choosing that “just right” lesson program for your child are:

1. Introductory Lesson

Give some thought to allowing your child to take a ‘first lesson’ just to introduce them to the sport of horseback riding. And, during this introductory process, let them seek their level of comfort in riding style, English or Western. So, this might take a couple of different stable visits which will serve as great introductions to local riding stables, as well as the instructors and the quality of horses being used in their teaching programs.

2. Location of Riding Stables

Develop a list of farms in your area and call each to get an idea of what programs are offered for children. Your state Horse Council can serve as a resource.

3. Observe the Riding Lesson Program

Ask if you may stop by “sometime” to observe the program. Best times are weekday afternoons after 4 p.m. and Saturday mornings or afternoons. Observe the overall condition of the property, including barns, stables, paddocks, etc., as well as the condition of the horses. The property does not have to be fancy. Some very good programs are offered in modest facilities – and the cost may be lower.

a.      Inspect the tack, looking for worn leather and buckles that do not fasten correctly.

b.      How does the instructor speak to the students? Is the instructor’s full attention given to the lesson? Is the instructor on a cell phone at any time?

c.      Is the area large enough for the student(s) in the lesson?

d.      Are there sufficient number of instructors and assistants to monitor all the mounted students?

e.      Are all the students wearing protective riding helmets?

f.       Are multi-performance levels of horses available to students so they can advance to higher levels of riding competency?

4. Recommendations

Get references, including contacts for current students, for the riding instructor and the farm owner, and then check them out through links on the internet such as Facebook and website searches. It is feasible to contact your local Better Business Bureau for additional information on their past business practices. Check to see if registered sex offenders are associated with the stable which can be done discreetly on the internet.

5. Certification and Insurance

Be sure to inquire if the riding instructor(s) and/or stable have any certifications or specialized licensing, such as first aid, CPR, riding accreditations. Learn about their professional background for teaching horseback riding, and their experience in teaching horseback riding. And, inquire about the instructor’s and stable’s professional insurance for the operation of a lesson program.

6. Legal Documents

Obtain a copy of the waiver the parent and/or guardian must sign before their child commits to the riding lesson program, making sure there is adequate protection for your child’s well-being.

7. Introductory Lessons vs. Long-term Package

Provide your child with an introductory lesson before making a commitment to a series of lessons or some form of a lesson package.

8. Decision of Riding Instructor

After visiting the stables and observing their lesson programs, mutually decide with your child that discipline to pursue (Western or English, which includes huntseat, saddleseat, and dressage).

9. Observe and Encourage

Parents should be encouraged to remain on the site during the introductory lessons. Sitting quietly, observing the progress of their child and their child’s interaction with the instructor and horse or pony.

10. Safety Equipment and Attire

Make sure your child has the proper riding apparel: shoes or boots with a heel (no sneakers or sandals), long pants or (preferably) jodhpurs, leather riding gloves, and a new properly fitted riding safety helmet approved for equestrian use (never substitute with a bike or skateboard helmet). Make inquiries where clothing can be acquired to prevent the expensive new purchases until the child has advanced in her riding experience. The purchase of a new approved riding safety helmet is recommended unless the riding stable is providing an approved riding safety helmet.

11. The Schoolmaster – Lesson Horse

Remember, your child might not necessarily be placed on a pony as a beginner rider. The key is not the size of the horse or pony, but the ability and level of training of the animal to provide the rider a controllable, safe ride. The well trained and behaved lesson horse is referred to as a ‘schoolmaster’, meaning the horse will teach the child.

12. The Compulsion To Own A Horse

As a parent be aware of the fact there is a bonding process between the child and their favorite lesson horse. So, be prepared to hear, “Can we buy Jingles, so I can have a horse of my own?” It will happen, so recognize a competent lesson program can be the gateway to horse or pony ownership and a new lifestyle.

Remember, riding instructors are not like sending your child to middle school, not all riding instructors are formally educated in teaching horseback riding. It is worth the effort to do your homework for selecting the most affordable, competent horseback riding program.

“Just a little homework and effort,” advises Hipsley “can lead to a lifetime of equestrian enjoyment for your child – and for you.”

A recognized national and international equine safety professional for nearly 25 years, Hipsley is the lead author along with of the upcoming publication Equine Risk Management & Safety. The manual is the first volume in The Equine Safety Library to be offered byHorseSafetyUSA.com in both e-book and softbound editions.

HorseSafetyUSA, founded in 2011, is dedicated to improving the safety of all aspects of the professional and amateur levels of the equine industry and equestrian sports through education, training, certification, and accreditation.

Contact: James K. Millard, President

HorseSafetyUSA.com

Jamie@HorseSafetyUSA.com

For 2014, the Florida International Youth Dressage Championship will be held in the International (CDI) classes during the Nations Cup, February 18-23. Qualification procedures have changed. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for the Florida International Youth Dressage Championship in the Prize List.      

Photo Credit: Susan J. Stickle