(USEF) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Executive Board has selected the management team, for the upcoming, inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, to be held November 7-10, 2013, at the Kentucky Horse Park. USDF has named Lloyd Landkamer, of Hamel, MN, as Competition Manager, Debra Reinhardt, of Southbury, CT, as Event Coordinator, Kevin Bradbury, of Dexter, MI, as IT Coordinator, and Monica Fitzgerald, of Maggie Valley, NC, as Secretary, with the Grounds and Facilities Manager to be named at a later date.

Lloyd, who is a USEF “R” Technical Delegate and FEI Level 3 Chief Steward, has a wealth of experience in managing competitions. Serving as a manager and secretary at events such as the Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games, USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and USEF Selection Trials, Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, and multiple CDI 3* competitions, among others, makes him well qualified to manage this event. In addition to his experience with competition, Lloyd serves on the USEF Dressage Committee, chairs the USEF Para-Equestrian Technical Committee, and owns and operates Brandywine Farm.

Debra, a dressage rider since 1989 and a USDF Bronze Medalist, is an experienced manager and secretary of dressage competitions and is the founder and owner of Centerline Events. Established in 1996, her company serves as a professional event organizing team, which has organized CDI events since 2002. Debra said, “I look forward to making this event a memorable celebration for all of those who qualified!”

Kevin, a software developer and database designer who is also an experienced dressage show manager, has an established record of bringing innovative technology to dressage shows including completely paperless electronic judging. Kevin owns and operates BMCI, which developed and provides the HorseShowOffice.com online entry service and the Horse Show Office dressage show management system. He has managed over 120 shows which featured e-scoring in all arenas. “I am excited to be working with the USDF to bring show-changing technology to the US Dressage Finals,” stated Kevin.

Monica has served as a show secretary for over ten years. Her experience includes Dressage at Devon, Wellington Classic Dressage, World Dressage Masters CDI5*, as well as Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships. Monica has served as secretary for both the national and FEI International portions of these major competitions.

“After years of planning, I am so pleased to have this talented team assembled to make our dreams of the US Dressage Finals become a reality. With these experienced leaders at the helm, this event is sure to be a huge success,” stated USDF President George Williams.

For more information about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, and to sign up to receive updates, visit the website at www.usdressagefinals.com, or contact the USDF office.

(Jennifer Wood Media) – The 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) kicked off international competition today at the beautiful Stadium with a win for Canada’s David Marcus. The first of two CDI-Ws in the AGDF circuit, the Wellington Dressage show continues through February 3, and is presented by The Dutta Corp.

Fourteen horse and rider combinations showed in today’s FEI Grand Prix. Judging today’s class was Anne Gribbons (USA) at E, Lorraine MacDonald (CAN) at H, Wojek Markowski (POL) at C, Janet Foy (USA) at M, and Jennie Loriston-Clarke (GBR) at B.

David Marcus’ mount, Chrevi’s Capital (Chrevi’s Lavallo x Weinberg), was steady in his performance this afternoon despite the cooler temperatures. Owner Deborah Miculinic was in attendance to see the win, which was quite exciting for both her and Marcus. With having competed at the AGDF last year, the 13-year-old dark bay Danish Warmblood gelding was very composed in today’s test.

“He really likes it here at (AGDF); he’s really comfortable. I heard other horses were a little nervous as it was a bit cooler today, (but) he was really calm. He loves it here. He slept in the stall all morning. He feels at home,” stated Marcus.

The pair received a final score of 70.340% for victory. They were the last to attempt the test and definitely stood out. Marcus thought the strongest part of his test was Chrevi’s consistency. “He just went in and did everything I asked of him,” Marcus said. “As always, the real highlights were his extensions, beautiful walk, and canter pirouettes. I was very happy with the piaffe work he did today.”

This being the second year of Chrevi’s Capital’s Grand Prix career, Marcus was, “really happy with today.” He continued, “My goal was to come to the show and build on the last two weeks. After this, he gets a bit of a break. He did exactly what I wanted him to do. A clean test, no mistakes. And he let me really ride him. I couldn’t ask for more.”

In looking towards the future, Marcus is only focused on getting him stronger and building his power a little bit more. “If the World Cup fits into that, that would be great, but the big goal is Normandy (for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games) next year,” envisioned Marcus.

Lisa Wilcox (USA), riding Horses Unlimited Inc.’s Pikko del Cerro HU (Pik L x Rohdiamant) was the first to show and was leading with a score of 68.234% until 10 trips later when Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven took over the top spot with a score of 70.319% atop Antonia Ax:son Johnson’s Divertimento (Di Versace x Ferragamo).

Competition continues tomorrow with multiple classes, including the thrilling FEI Grand Prix Freestyle tomorrow evening at 7:30 pm. On Sunday is the FEI Grand Prix Special. For more information on the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com. For full CDI-W results, please CLICK HERE, and for national results, please CLICK HERE.

Final Results: FEI Grand Prix sponsored by The Dutta Corp.
1. Chrevi’s Capital, David Marcus (CAN): E: 69.255%, H: 70.638%, C: 68.404%, M: 71.702%, B: 71.702%, Total: 70.340%
2. Divertimento, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE): E: 69.894%, H: 70.426%, C: 70.000%, M: 72.340%, B: 68.936%, Total: 70.319%
3. Pikko del Cerro HU, Lisa Wilcox (USA): E: 65.957%, H: 68.830%, C: 66.596%, M: 71.064%, B: 68.723%, Total: 68.234%
4. Lindor’s Finest, Jaimey Irwin (CAN): E: 65.638%, H: 66.809%, C: 63.723%, M: 69.149%, B: 68.723%, Total: 66.809%
5. Currency DC, Susan Dutta (USA): E: 65.745%, H: 65.213%, C: 64.787%, M: 68.191%, B: 64.681%, Total: 65.723%
6. Devon L, Diane Creech (CAN): E: 65.000%, H: 66.596%, C: 63.723%, M: 66.596%, B: 64.681%, Total: 65.319%
7. Paganini, Cheryl Meisner (CAN): E: 62.447%, H: 65.319%, C: 61.915%, M: 67.766%, B: 65.106%, Total: 64.511%
8. Jewel’s Adelante, Elaine Cordia-Van Reesema (USA): E: 63.511%, H: 65.319%, C: 61.277%, M: 66.277%, B: 64.574%, Total: 64.191%

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Wood by Sue Stickle

Lexington, KY- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has taken the initial steps in hiring the next Technical Advisor …

(USEF) – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to release the schedules for the 2013 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions and 2013 USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions. Both the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and USEF Youth Dressage Program are vital in creating a pipeline for future U.S. combinations to compete on the international stage.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions are open to all young horses between the ages of four and six. The goal of the training and observation sessions is to have USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler work with the maximum number of up-and-coming talented young horses in our country. These clinics are open to all riders and applications can be found on the USEF website.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions kick-off this weekend, February 2-3, at Shannondale Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia.

For a full schedule of Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions please visit; http://usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/national/YHSchedule.pdf

A series of five USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions will be held throughout the United States in 2013 with USEF Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg. In addition to coaching at the selected competitions, Steinberg will be holding Youth Rider Meetings for all Pony Riders, Juniors and Young Riders with the goal to educate and direct as many U.S. youth dressage riders as possible.

For a full schedule of USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions please visit; http://usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/national/2013YouthCoachschedule.pdf

For further information regarding these programs please contact Hallye Griffin by email at hgriffin@usef.org or by phone (859) 225-6918.

Lexington, KY (January 31, 2013) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Executive Board has selected the management t …

(Phelps Media Group) – The second day of the Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA) was packed with lectures, demonstrations and interactive panel discussions presented by a “Who’s who” of dressage clinicians, experts, judges, riders and competitors. The GDFNA, held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center January 28-29, was presented by DressageClinic.com and Wellington Classic Dressage.

Tuesday’s clinicians included Stefan Stammer, Bo Jena, Ingrid Klimke, Dr. Hilary Clayton and Wolfram Wittig. Dressage superstars Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebling, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel, Christoph Hess, Stephen Clarke, Wim Ernes, Gary Rockwell, Lendon Gray and Sue Blinks were featured panelists.

“I’m honored to be part of the first annual GDFNA and to welcome so many top international riders, trainers and panelists,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, Managing Partner of Wellington Classic Dressage.

“This really gives us a unique opportunity to interact and learn from the best,” she continued. “This is a chance for participants to have top experts in the field at their fingertips and available to ask questions. They can see them work with horses and riders and then engage in a panel discussion about their training theories and techniques.”

The program began with Stefan Stammer, a physiotherapist and equine osteopath from Switzerland, who discussed biomechanics. He suggested the audience “think about what happens with movement, with weight, with levers and angles” when considering the horse’s physiology.

A long-line demonstration followed with Bo Jena, one of the foremost experts in the field. Jena focused on relaxation and worked on transitions. “Small half-halts and the quick giving of the reins are very important for the horse-in long-lining too,” he said. “The outside rein is the key.” Panel members Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebeling and Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel discussed the demonstrations and praised Jena’s expertise and calm assertiveness.

Ingrid Klimke continued the program and spoke about training the young horse. She emphasized essential attributes for riders: control, strength, quiet hands and elasticity to move in the rhythm of the horse. “If you are flexible, the horse is able to understand your aids,” she explained.

Klimke then rode a 5-year-old Hanoverian stallion she met for the first time that afternoon. After taking up a soft, steady contact, she used changes of rein to make sure the young horse was supple on both sides. She confirmed that his reaction came from her seat first and explained she wants a sensitive horse that answers to her aids and that goal requires a sensitive rider as well. She believes in performing the basics for four to six years as building blocks for upper level work and emphasized using seat, then leg, then hands, when applying aids.

“The horse is the best teacher, but you must really open your heart and feel,” she said.

Dr. Hilary Clayton’s lecture on maintaining soundness in dressage horses focused on damage to suspensory ligaments. “In our dressage horses, suspensory injuries are much more common,” she said. She said that risk factors include conformation, lack of exercise early in life, age, poor shoeing, footing and the type of work.

Then, Noreen O’Sullivan, from Wellington Classic Dressage, and Andreas Stano, organizer of the GDFNA, presented the first GDFNA Lifetime Achievement Award to Olympic Gold Medalist Klaus Balkenhol, who Stano said has dedicated his life to dressage and dressage education. Balkenhol was also the U.S. Olympic team coach.

A video presentation included footage of his protégé, U.S. Olympian Debbie McDonald. “He’s so sincere in how he loves the animals,” she said. “I think, because of him, we were successful.”

United States Dressage Federation President George William praised Balkenhol. “You are a true horseman,” he said. “What you have done for riders is just outstanding and the impact it has had on this country is great.”

Steffen Peters said that Balkenhol is an amazing ambassador for the fairness of the horse. “I feel honored that I get a chance to represent what we all think about you.”

Peters acted as translator for Balkenhol, who said that he and his wife, Judith, call America their second home and that he learned a lot from being involved with the U.S. team. He praised the educational opportunities provided by the GDFNA. “We started this 20 years too late,” he said in German, as translated by Peters.

Finally, Wolfram Wittig discussed the development of the dressage horse. “In the warm-up, the most important thing for me is rhythm,” he said. He continued that it is important to relax the horse, moving forward but not hurried. “Shoulder-in, for me, is one of the most important movements,” he said.

The first GDFNA ended with closing speeches and promises to make it an annual event.

“I believe that we are in a pivotal point in dressage in the United States and the North Americas,” O’Sullivan said. “To be able to bring the world’s top educators, riders and trainers into one venue to share their ideas is such a unique opportunity. It certainly puts Wellington and Palm Beach on the map for the sport of dressage.”

“With cooperation, communication and understanding, we can make great strides in advancing the sport of dressage,” she concluded.

Global Dressage Forum North America

Presented by:
DressageClinic.com and Wellington Classic Dressage
Andreas Stano, Executive Director, DressageClinic.com and Global Dressage Forum North
America
Noreen O’Sullivan, President, Wellington Classic Dressage

Sponsors:
Schleese Saddlery
Thin Line Products LLC

Website: www.GlobalDressageForumNA.com

Educators:
Clinicians: Ingrid Klimke, Steffen Peters, Wolfram Wittig and Rudolf Zeilinger, Arthur Kottas and Bo Jena will present and demonstrate theories, philosophies and methods on the training and development of dressage horses and riders.

Lecturers: Dr. Hilary Clayton-maintaining soundness in the dressage horse; Dr. Grant Moon-shoeing the competitive dressage horse; Dr. Ina Gosmeier-natural medicine and acupuncture for the sport horse; Dr. Juan Samper-the art and science of breeding a dressage horse.

Panelists: Christoph Hess, Stephen Clark, Wim Ernes, Gary Rockwell, Lendon Gray, Sue Blinks, Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebeling and Felicitas von Neumann Cosel.

Education Partners:
Dressageclinic.com members, members of USDF and Dressage Canada and select associations (including New England Dressage Association, Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association, Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association, Illinois Dressage & Combined Training Association, Gold Coast Dressage Association) will provide their members with a 15 percent discount. See websites for details.

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group by Sue Stickle – Ingrid Klimke schooling a young horse.

(Phelps Media Group) – The Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA) launched the first day of the premier educational dressage experience in at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Palm Beach County, presented by Wellington Classic Dressage and DressageClinic.com.

Andreas Stano, Executive Director and Founder of the GDFNA and DressageClinic.com, welcomed top international professionals from the U.K., Germany, Holland, Denmark and Canada, as well as spectators from as far away as Canada, Europe and New Zealand.

The program began with George Williams, president of the United States Dressage Federation, outlining the issues facing dressage in the U.S. today. “We need to protect dressage for the future,” Williams said, “and we must make it sustainable.”

He emphasized the importance of supporting the highest level of the sport and the key aspect education plays in the future.

Ashley Holzer, speaking on behalf of Dressage Canada, discussed the importance of athletes’ continued involvement in all aspects of the sport, especially rule changes. Holzer said that Canada formed a council of athletes to consider the future of the sport of dressage. “We have a unique opportunity coming up,” she said. “Toronto is the host of the Pan Am Games in 2015 (and hoping to host WEG in 2018). There is a great influx of government support and, hopefully, corporate support. I hope you’ll see Canada on the podium.”

The first lecturer of the afternoon was Dr. Juan Samper, author of the breeding resource “Equine Breeding Management and Artificial Insemination” that Stano described as “a bible for equine reproduction.” Samper is involved in developing a new technology that will allow breeders to choose the sex of a foal and said the testing of the technology is yielding very good results. “It will be available to everyone in a year or so,” he said.

Samper summarized the challenges in breeding dressage mares, touching on recent developments in breeding. “We breed the best to the best and hope for the best, and that’s what breeding is really all about,” he said.

The feature presentation of the afternoon was a discussion and training demonstration with United States dressage legend Steffen Peters, whom Stano described as “one of the most in-demand celebrities in the world.”

Peters said he was excited with the results of Friday’s Grand Prix CDI5* at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, particularly with the strong performances of U.S. horses Legolas 92, ridden by Peters, and Paragon, ridden by Heather Blitz. “When was the last time that we had two horses from the United States that scored 74% and 75%?” he said. “For me, this was huge.”

He also mentioned the USEF Dressage Developing Program and Debbie McDonald’s role as Developing Coach as essential steps toward developing a pipeline of high-level riders.

After the clinic, a distinguished panel of international judges and competitors gave feedback on Peters’ instruction. Panel members Christoph Hess, Stephen Clarke, Wim Ernes, Gary Rockwell, Lendon Gray, Sue Blinks, and George Williams praised Peters’ training techniques and highlighted key concepts.

Peters stressed developing horses’ minds as well as their strength. “”I find it so important not just to engage the hindquarters but to engage the horse’s brain,” he said.

He also emphasized working with each horse as an individual. “We have to find the most productive frame for each horse to find the most consistent and light connection,” he explained. “It’s always about the connection. It’s never not about the connection.”

Then, Dr. Grant Moon, a six-time world champion farrier, spoke about the shoeing of competitive dressage horses. “The horse is our ultimate client,” he said, adding that the farrier’s job is to prevent injury and maximize the performance. He said that trimming is 90 percent of horseshoeing.

Dressage legend Arthur Kottas demonstrated work in hand for the dressage horse. After explaining proper turn-out, he showed rein-back, half-steps and piaffe. Kottas was calm and soothing while stressing trust for both the horse and rider. Afterward, panel members Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebeling, and Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel commented on the demonstration and asked Kottas questions about his techniques and theories.

Rudolf Zeilinger, coach of the Danish Olympic Team, spoke about the development of dressage horses. “There are a lot of things you can train in the young years, without pressure,” he said. He continued to say that if things are not going well in the training of a young horse, that often if you go back a step, things will improve and you can move forward in the training. He also stressed that when schooling movements, they should be practiced at different speeds and in different directions to keep the horse fresh.

The GDFNA continues today featuring demonstrations and lectures by Ingrid Klimke, Bo Jena, Stefan Stammer, Hilary Clayton, and Wolfram Wittig, as well as the presentation of the GDFNA Life Time Dressage Recognition Award to Klaus Balkenhol.

2013 Global Dressage Forum North America Fast Facts

What: A two-day educational program, January 28-29, 2013, featuring four lecturers, six clinicians and 12 panelists. Dressage training techniques for the development of horse and rider are analyzed and presented in both practical and theoretical sessions. Forum topics also include the latest developments in horse management, veterinary practices and sports sciences.

Where: The first annual GDFNA will be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, Okeeheelee Park South, 7500 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL, www.pbcgov.com/parks/equestrian/jimbrandon/directions.htm

Schedule of events:
Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 Afternoon program 1:30 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.
Evening program 7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan 29, 2013 Afternoon program 1:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Evening program 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events, log onto www.globaldressageforumna.com/event-program

Presented by:
DressageClinic.com and Wellington Classic Dressage
Andreas Stano, Executive Director, DressageClinic.com and Global Dressage Forum North
America
Noreen O’Sullivan, President, Wellington Classic Dressage

Sponsors:
Schleese Saddlery
Thin Line Products LLC

Website: www.GlobalDressageForumNA.com

Educators:
Clinicians: Ingrid Klimke, Steffen Peters, Wolfram Wittig and Rudolf Zeilinger, Arthur Kottas and Bo Jena will present and demonstrate theories, philosophies and methods on the training and development of dressage horses and riders.

Lecturers: Dr. Hilary Clayton-maintaining soundness in the dressage horse; Dr. Grant Moon-shoeing the competitive dressage horse; Dr. Ina Gosmeier-natural medicine and acupuncture for the sport horse; Dr. Juan Samper-the art and science of breeding a dressage horse.

Panelists: Christoph Hess, Stephen Clark, Wim Ernes, Gary Rockwell, Lendon Gray, Sue Blinks, Anne Gribbons, Kathy Connelly, Betsy Steiner, Leslie Reid, Jan Ebeling and Felicitas von Neumann Cosel.

Education Partners:
Dressageclinic.com members, members of USDF and Dressage Canada and select associations (including New England Dressage Association, Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association, Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association, Illinois Dressage & Combined Training Association, Gold Coast Dressage Association) will provide their members with a 15 percent discount. See websites for details.

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group by Sue Stickle – Steffen Peters lecturing.