Photo: Terri (left) and Devon (right) Kane of Diamante Farms are proud to return as sponsors of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini)

Wellington, FL (January 8, 2015)— The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival will attract some of the biggest names in high-performance dressage to compete for prize money in the richest series of the sport. Diamante Farms will once again demonstrate its support of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival by serving as an official sponsor of the ten-week festival held in Wellington, Florida, from January 8 to March 29, 2015.

For the fourth year in a row, Diamante Farms will also act as presenting sponsor for the Global Dressage Festival Wellington CDI5* held on February 8-25. Diamante Farms has been an integral part of making the CDI5* a success since the Global Dressage Festival originated, and is excited to once again have the opportunity to do so. In addition, Diamante Farms is the title sponsor of the show’s FEI U25 classes. “We feel it is very important to our sport to have a first-class facility in order to bring top competitors from all over the world,” says Terri Kane of Diamante Farms. “The only way we will be able to be truly competitive is to compete against the best. At one time, the only way our competitors could do that was to go to Europe. Now, with this facility we are seeing the Europeans come here. Diamante Farms is extremely proud to have been an inaugural part of the Global Dressage Festival, and plans to be a part of it for many years to come.”

The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring eight CDIs (including five CDI-Ws, one 4*, and one 5*), the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and weekly U.S. National events. A highlight of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival was the CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms, the grand finale of the South Florida winter show season. A field of world-class competitors vied for the top spots in the prestigious event. Last year’s 5* results included USA’s Adrienne Lyle and Wizard notching the win in the Grand Prix 5* and the Grand Prix Special 5*, and fellow U.S. Olympian Tina Konyot and Calecto V claiming first in the Grand Prix Freestyle 5*.

Diamante Farms, set on ten pristine acres just minutes from the show grounds in the heart of Wellington, is looking forward to sponsoring another season of exciting competition. Head trainer and owner USDF gold medalist Devon Kane, and her parents Richard and Terri Kane, warmly welcome the dressage community to Diamante Farms and to the world-class facilities at the PBIEC.

Devon Kane is accustomed to competing in an exceptional venue against top riders— she also shows in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival series, and the experience has obviously paid off. After spending the summer in Europe training with Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt, Kane and her self-trained Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny took first place in the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open on November 7 in Lexington, Kentucky. “Devon will be competing her self-trained Destiny in the Grand Prix ring and during the Friday Night Lights at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival,” shares Terri Kane. “We will also be showing several of our younger horses this year. This is very exciting for us— especially since it is basically in our backyard!”

The Kanes and Diamante Farms actively sponsor more than the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in their community— they also support the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and the Challenge of the Americas fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Diamante Farms offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales in dressage. The beautiful estate owned by the Kane family boasts over twenty stalls constructed in courtyard style, grass paddocks, and large covered and outdoor arenas with world-class footing. To learn more about Diamante Farms, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Wellington, FL- January 7, 2015 -The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF), is excited to announce a two-day Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium USEF LOGO to be held at Global Dressage, Wellington, Florida, January 12 & 13, 2015, 8 AM-4 PM. Select U.S. High Performance and developing Para- Equestrian Dressage riders and coaches will be attending the symposium. Auditors are welcome to attend for $75. Pre-registering as an auditor is not required. Please contact Laureen Johnson at USEF at lkjohnson@usef.org if you are interested in auditing.

Over two days U.S. High Performance and developing Para-Dressage coaches and riders will be immersed in the international equestrian discipline of Para-Dressage. Topics include Para-Dressage theory, scales of training, para-dressage test riding, quality of horse, freestyles, preparation for international competition, and much more. Demonstrations will be given from international athletes in each of the five para-dressage grades. Attendees will be given a deeper understanding of requirements and challenges that occur in international competitions such as the Paralympics and World Equestrian Games. Riders and coaches will be given lectures and demonstrations from top Para-Dressage experts including a seminar from international Para-Equestrian Dressage judge and trainer Kjell Myhre. Coaches will participate in collaborative coaching working together to bring out the best in their Para-Dressage athlete. Day One of the Symposium will be formatted as private sessions with Kjell helping riders to improve challenging movements of each grade level FEI test. U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt will simultaneously offer training feedback to Para-Dressage coaches in order to help prepare high performance athletes for International Level Para-Dressage Competition. Day Two of the symposium will include demonstration rides, test review and more collaborative coaching opportunities.

Kai Handt and Wes Dunham showcase collaborative coaching at the Northeast Symposium in 2013. Rider Sydney Collier aboard her own Wentworth works on gaits. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

About Kjell Myhre: Kjell has a BA Hons Degree in Business Studies from University of Stirling, Scotland, UK. He started his career working for the City Council of Oslo, Department of Education. In 1998 he was offered a position as consultant for training and education at the Norwegian Equestrian Federation, and from 2000 to 2010 he had the position as Secretary General at the Federation. In 2011 he stepped down as Secretary General, and left the federation.

After three years working for a small NGO called Hest og Helse (Horses and Health), Kjell Is now back in the equestrian federation working as development consultant, mainly dealing with the riding clubs and their ability to contribute to the main objectives of the federation – Equestrian sport for everyone!

Kjell started riding at the age of 12 and has competed nationally up to Intermediate I. He has been a dressage judge since 1990, and became a 4 * FEI judge in 2007. In addition to being a FEI dressage judge, Kjell is a 5* FEI Para-dressage judge, and has judged the last 4 Paralympics. Some of his highlights as a 4* FEI judge have been to judge two World Cup qualifiers, as well as the US Championships for junior and young riders in 2011, and the European Championships for junior and young riders in 2013.

About U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt

Kai Handt was the individual coach for one or more riders at the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships earning 2011 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Champion, 2012 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve Champion.

He was an individual coach at numerous CPEDI3* from 2009-2014 for multiple riders earning multiple grade championships, overall championships, and as part of the U.S. Team, several Team Championships.

Handt was also an individual coach and sponsor at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2012 CEPDI3* in Wellington for the Japanese Team, coaching their rider to their first Paralympic Equestrian qualifying score.

Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2011 CPEDI3* in Mexico City, flying to the location prior to the competition to select horses for the U.S. Team. Held daily strategy meetings with riders and their coaches, and offered coaching assistance as needed resulting in a U.S. Team Nation’s Cup win, overall individual reserve champion, and individual Grade 1a and Grade Ib champions.

Individual coach and sponsor at 2012 Paralympics to the highest placing U.S. equestrian overall at the Paralympics and Olympics. Handt also assisted riders and their coaches with equipment and horse training as requested by the rider and coach at the 2012 Paralympic training camp in Gladstone and in London at the Paralympics.

In 2013, Handt became the individual coach for Derrick Perkins; the first Para-Dressage rider from the United States Veteran’s Assistance Program.

Handt provided individual training sessions in 2013 with new Para Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Ashleigh Flores-Simmons; at North Texas Equestrian Center

Also in 2013, Handt was the individual coach for Para-Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Derrick Perkins; as well as selector of appropriate horses for each individual at each show. All individuals achieved top scores ranging from 63.478%-73.478% during that show season.

Most Recently, Handt served as USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe at the 2014 World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France.

For more information about the symposium, please contact Laureen Johnson, High Performance Director, Para Equestrian & Vaulting, United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Phone: (908) 326-1155 Email: lkjohnson@usef.org.

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, Florida — January 8, 2015 — Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt topped the competition this afternoon in the FEI Grand Prix presented by MTICA Farm, the first of the 2015 season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) during AGDF 1 CDI-W. The duo won the class on a 71.00%, followed closely by Tinne Vilhemson-Silfven (SWE) and Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) respectively. The first week of AGDF continues through Sunday, January 11, with the first “Friday Night Stars” Musical Freestyle beginning at 7 p.m. on January 9 and an FEI Grand Prix Special on Saturday, January 10.

Allison Brock and Rosevelt

Brock was elated with the performance of Rosevelt, a 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, in the large class of 17 riders. Coming off a spectacular 2014 season, accumulating wins at Dressage at Lexington and Devon, today marks a great start to the 2015 season for the pair who will be staying in Wellington throughout the duration of AGDF.

The competition was stiff, as many seasoned riders decided to stretch their legs and begin their seasons on the first day of AGDF competition. “I’m very pleased with him. He was so rideable today. More than anything, I am just pleased to be in the company of these other riders. To be riding with them is such a big deal,” Brock said. “I have the utmost respect for them and I know how hard they have worked to get to this level. It is truly an honor to be competing with them.”

Second place finishers Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento

While training with Jan Brink in Sweden, Brock decided to bring Rosevelt back to the U.S. at the end of his 7-year-old season, where she competed him in the Developing Horse Tour and High Performance Prix St. Georges classes in Wellington during his first winter.

Making the move to Grand Prix was not an easy transition for the pair, as they encountered some bumps in the road with before truly hitting their stride in 2014. “I did a year of Small Tour, where he won his regional GAIGs and then I decided to start developing him to the Grand Prix level. It was a longer process than we expected, but with those things, they happen when the horse is ready and you have to just be patient,” she commented.

Mikala Munter Gundersen and My Lady placed third

As for the future, Brock has planned a competition schedule for Rosevelt, which will continue through the rest of the AGDF season. Along with competing at the Grand Prix level, she plans to contest a Friday night freestyle class as a training opportunity for the pair to experience the atmosphere under the lights. “I’m going to use this time wisely, and we’re going to take it one day at a time. Ultimately, my plan is to just keep him happy which he seems to be right now,” she stated. “I would like to see if maybe we can make a run for Pan Ams and at least get on the list and then hopefully shoot for something like Rio (Olympics) long-term.”

Allison Brock and Rosevelt with Janne Rumbough of MTICA Farm, judge Anne Gribbons, and Allyn Mann of Adequan®.

Traveling to Wellington each year is highlight for Brock, a native of Hawaii, who has been coming to South Florida to ride for many years. “It’s so competitive here. You’re always going to see world-class horses and riders and not to mention the great weather,” she smiled. “But alongside the competition you really have to think about what you want to accomplish and how to properly manage your horse and keep them fresh.”

It takes a committed team to help riders and horses reach the Grand Prix level, and Brock is truly grateful to the individuals who have helped her reach this stage in her career. “It is so important for me to recognize the people that make this possible. They deserve so much credit and I am continually thankful for their support, the Kundruns, Michael Barisone, and so many others. I am excited for what’s to come and it would not be possible without them.”

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Final Results: FEI Grand Prix presented by MTICA Farm
Rider, Country, Horse: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total %
1. Alison Brock, USA, Rosevelt: 71.800%, 70.300%, 70.100%, 70.800%, 72.000%, 71.000%
2.Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven, SWE, Divertimento: 69.700%, 71.000%, 69.900%, 71.700%, 72.500%, 70.960%
3. Mikala Munter Gundersen, DEN, My Lady: 72.200%, 71.100%, 71.700%, 66.700%, 69.900%, 70.320%
4. Lars Petersen, DEN, Mariett: 72.700%, 69.000%, 70.400%, 70.200%, 69.300%, 70.320%
5. Lisa Wilcox, USA, Pikko del Cerro HU: 70.300%, 68.600%, 69.900%, 71.300%, 71.000% 70.220%
6. Juan Matute Jr., ESP, Don Diego Ymas: 67.800%, 69.500%, 63.900%, 66.700%, 64.100%, 66.400%
7. Kelly Layne, AUS, Udon P: 68.200%, 65.400%, 65.000%, 65.400%, 66.400%, 66.080%
8. Karen Pavicic, CAN, Don Daiquiri: 66.000%, 67.600%, 64.000%, 65.700%, 66.300%, 65.920%

Photos © SusanJStickle.com. These photos may only be used in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.

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

January 8, 2015 (Devon, PA) – Dressage at Devon, the premier Dressage show in the United States, is currently accepting nominations from non-profit organizations to be recognized with a financial contribution.

“We are kicking off our 40th anniversary year-long activities by asking qualified charitable organizations as well as organizations dedicated to dressage education to submit nominations for financial support. We are very pleased to also announce that this will be an annual solicitation going forward,” said Lori Kaminski, President and CEO of Dressage at Devon.

Guidelines for submission are as follows:

1) Nominations will be accepted from January 10th to February 28th , 2015. The nomination form can be found at http://dressageatdevon.org/contribution_request/;
2) Award nominations between $500 and $25,000 will be considered.
3) Organizations/Events will be selected for funding at the Dressage at Devon Board of Directors meeting to be held in March 2015;
4) Awards will be announced in the Spring with a recognition event held at the annual show in September/October;
5) Educational requests should promote the awareness and education of the sport of dressage;
6) Charitable organizations must be 501(c)3 designated and both large organizations and local charities are encouraged to apply.

“We have been very fortunate over the past 40 years to have received tremendous support from competitors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and the equestrian community in general and are very pleased to be able to give back to our community. We are looking forward to supporting and working with our new beneficiaries,” added Kaminski.

About Dressage at Devon

Dressage at Devon has been a premier North American Equestrian event since its founding in 1975. It combines world-class dressage competition and the world’s largest open breed show with the international Fall Festival show and special activities for the entire family. The six-day event attracts hundreds of riders from around the world and thousands of spectators. Dressage at Devon is a 501(c) (3) PA non-profit organization, benefiting equine education.

Media Contact:
Ginny Simon
Project Marketing, Inc.
Phone: (610) 889-2036
E-Mail: gsimon@projectmarketinginc.com

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – January 8, 2015 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) begins tomorrow with some of the world’s best dressage horses and riders competing in the AGDF 1 CDI-W 1*/U25/Y/J/P, with the large and small tours presented by MTICA Farm. This week also highlights the CPEDI 3* for Para-Dressage riders. The featured event of the week is the start of the “Friday Night Stars” series, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by MTICA Farm, on Friday, January 9. Gates open at 6 p.m., and general admission and parking are free.

Janne Rumbough and her own MTICA Farm are proud to announce their continued sponsorship of the AGDF for the fourth year. Rumbough and her team are looking forward to an exciting and action-packed 2015 season.

Janne Rumbough of MTICA Farm (far left) in the winner's presentation at the 2014 AGDF. Photo © SusanJStickle.com

Rumbough, a long-time member of the local dressage community, has waited decades for an event like AGDF to highlight the sport of dressage. Her gratitude to the long list of sponsors who have helped develop the event is always at the forefront of conversation. “We truly owe the success of this show to Mr. Mark Bellissimo and the sponsors that make this competition possible. They are committed to growing the sport and we couldn’t be more thankful for their dedication,” she said.

A committed competitor herself, Rumbough has, for the past 30 years, spent much of her time trying to bring dressage to the forefront of equestrian sport in the South Florida region. “Back in the 70s, when we first started this adventure, our first competition was held on the polo grounds. It is amazing to think back at where we started and look at where we are now,” Rumbough recalled.

As the AGDF continues to expand in size and scale, it has become more than just a show, but a destination for riders, sponsors, and spectators. “AGDF has seen a consistent increase in the number of competitors and exhibitors since beginning four years ago. The difference with this competition compared to many others, is the atmosphere. It is a place where people can come, be together, and enjoy the sport,” said Rumbough.

Excited for the promise of AGDF and the opportunities the show now offers both national and international riders, Rumbough believes only good things are in store for the biggest dressage circuit in the world. She noted, “Every year there are more international riders, along with other professionals and amateurs from the U.S., who are joining us for the first time alongside faces we have seen here for the past few years. It is bringing together so many individuals from our sport.”

The 2015 competition, which is expected to bring in many new competitors, will offer a variety of new classes for participating riders. Rumbough is pleased to see the addition of classes such as the FEI Adult Amateur division. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Adult Amateurs to experience the large arena. The test is difficult and it will only help strengthen the competition at the show,” she commented.

Janne Rumbough and Junior competing at the AGDF. Photo © SusanJStickle.com

Adequan®, the title sponsor for AGDF, has truly gone above and beyond in Rumbough’s opinion. She explained, “We love the product, we all use it, but they [Adequan®] have also devoted so much time and effort to making sure this event is the best in the world. For those of us who had hoped for an event like this for many years, we’re so thankful for their support.”

As this year’s winter season is set to begin, anticipation and expectations are always high leading into the first day of competition. “I want to wish all of the riders and their equine partners a healthy and competitive season,” said Rumbough. “We are so fortunate to have a venue and opportunity like the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. It is a true testament to how far our sport has come.”

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.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

From: ESP

Wellington, FL – January 8, 2015 – Equestrian Sport Productions, management company of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), is pleased to announce the date of its fourth annual WEF Sport Horse Auction in 2015. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

Held during week eight of the 12-week WEF circuit, the WEF Sport Horse Auction will feature the next generation of premium sport horses. This year, in addition to selling some of the finest progeny of VDL Stud bloodlines from The Netherlands, the auction will also present two ‘select’ dressage horses sponsored by the Westphalian Studbook e.V. in Germany. Presented in an exciting auction, it is a rare opportunity to view such an array of talent in one setting.

For the fourth year, Equestrian Sport Productions is thrilled to present horses from VDL Stud, 2009 KWPN Breeder of the Year and home to some of the most talented show jumpers around the world. VDL Stud has produced a long list of champions winning at the highest levels including the Olympic Games, World Cup Finals, and World Equestrian Games.

In 1972, Wiepke van de Lageweg bought his first horse for breeding. What started for him as a hobby with only one breeding mare expanded into an international operating family company: the VDL Stud (located in a little village in the north of Holland). The Preferent stallion Nimmerdor is the founder from the VDL Stud.

The VDL Stud is active in 3 divisions: the Stallion Stud, with more than 50 approved stallions who are stationed all over the world; the Breeding Farm – the VDL stud has a breeding facility with approximately 70 breeding mares; and Sporthorses: The VDL Stud has a modern facility to train young horses and sport horses from starter level until Grand Prix level. With this, the VDL Stud is one of the few in the world who combine all of these activities in one farm.

The main goal of VDL Stud is breeding top sport horses for the highest level. The subgoals are to give the best advice to client breeders for breeding top horses, to match a horse with a rider to get the best possible combination (at all levels), and improving the equestrian world by providing sport horses for every level.

Along with the incredible horses of VDL Stud, the WEF Sport Horse Auction will be presenting two talented and classically trained dressage horses from a member of the Westphalian Studbook this year. The Westphalian Studbook e.V. has been producing outstanding German bloodstock for over 100 years, breeding champions for the international dressage and show jumping arenas around the world. With over 3,000 foals bred each year, the Westphalian Studbook is one of the largest breeding associations in Germany. These horses have been hand-selected for this event and are well-suited for the U.S. market with superb talent and temperaments ideal for international competition success.

“The Westphalian Studbook is thrilled with this opportunity to oversee the import of these excellent dressage horses to the WEF Sport Horse Auction.One of our Member Owners have chosen from their own collection, dressage horses which they know will be well suited to the U.S. market with superb talent and temperaments ideal for international competition success,” says Director of Sales for the USA, Mrs. Rhegan White.

Based in the Westphalian Studbook U.S. office, Mrs. White will be overseeing client testing of the horses and will be happy to answer any and all questions. Each horse will have a complete set of 36 x-rays and a full clinical report provided by Wellington Veterinarians B&W Furlong & Associates, which are available on request to be emailed to interested parties.

Famous dressage stallion Damon Hill, currently ranked second in FEI World Cup standings, exemplifies the excellence of the Westphalian world-class caliber. Westphalian Stallions such as Florestan I, Belissimo, Rock Forever, Sir Heinrich and Furst Piccolo are synonymous with international dressage success, their bloodlines being found throughout many European and American breeding programs.

You will be able to see the VDL jumping prospects and Westphalian Dressage horses in action, test ride them, and choose your favorite prior to the auction.

For those who can’t make it to Wellington, Tuesday’s presentation and Thursday’s auction will be live streamed at www.shownet.biz for free. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to view and acquire the next generation of champions. Horse photos, videos, and the online program can be found at www.wefsporthorseauction.com.

The fine VDL horses will be available for viewing at Ossian Ventures on February 16-25 from noon to 6 pm. The dressage horses will be available for viewing at The Stadium at PBIEC during the same time.

The Veterinary Repository is available to veterinarians who would like to inspect the radiographs and exam information on behalf of their clients. Please contact Melanie Peterson at 561-870-6587 for access.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 4 pm, there will be a presentation of the VDL horses under saddle and jumping, in the International Arena on the main grounds of PBIEC (WEF show grounds) with a reception in The Wellington Club. On Friday, February 20, the dressage horses will be presented during the CDI at The Stadium at PBIEC. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Jarvis Insurance Agency.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, from 9 am- 5pm, the VDL horses will be available for trials by appointment at Ossian Ventures. Please contact Mr. Janko van de Lageweg at 561-324-0256 or +01131651815225 to set up an appointment. The dressage horses are also available for trial by contacting Mrs. Rhegan White at 912-257-0064 or white@westfalenpferde.de.

The live auction will be held at The Stadium at 7 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Gates open at 6 pm. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Ramard, Inc.

To register as a bidder for the auction, please contact Melanie Peterson at 561-870-6587 or melanie@horsemls.com.

Equestrian Sport Productions invites you to this unique opportunity to view and acquire the next generation of champions. Please join in an exciting evening that is sure to raise the bar on sport horse auctions in North America.

Horse photos, videos, and the registration information can be found HERE.

For more information please contact the ESP main office at 561-793-6587. The Stadium is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington FL. For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Photos copyright Mancini Photos and Elena Lusenti Photography. These photos are to be used only in relation to this press release.

Wellington, FL- January 7, 2015 -The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF), is excited to announce a two-day Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium USEF LOGO to be held at Global Dressage, Wellington, Florida, January 12 & 13, 2015, 8 AM-4 PM. Select U.S. High Performance and developing Para- Equestrian Dressage riders and coaches will be attending the symposium. Auditors are welcome to attend for $75. Pre-registering as an auditor is not required. Please contact Laureen Johnson at USEF at lkjohnson@usef.org if you are interested in auditing.

Over two days U.S. High Performance and developing Para-Dressage coaches and riders will be immersed in the international equestrian discipline of Para-Dressage. Topics include Para-Dressage theory, scales of training, para-dressage test riding, quality of horse, freestyles, preparation for international competition, and much more. Demonstrations will be given from international athletes in each of the five para-dressage grades. Attendees will be given a deeper understanding of requirements and challenges that occur in international competitions such as the Paralympics and World Equestrian Games. Riders and coaches will be given lectures and demonstrations from top Para-Dressage experts including a seminar from international Para-Equestrian Dressage judge and trainer Kjell Myhre. Coaches will participate in collaborative coaching working together to bring out the best in their Para-Dressage athlete. Day One of the Symposium will be formatted as private sessions with Kjell helping riders to improve challenging movements of each grade level FEI test. U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt will simultaneously offer training feedback to Para-Dressage coaches in order to help prepare high performance athletes for International Level Para-Dressage Competition. Day Two of the symposium will include demonstration rides, test review and more collaborative coaching opportunities.

Kai Handt and Wes Dunham showcase collaborative coaching at the Northeast Symposium in 2013. Rider Sydney Collier aboard her own Wentworth works on gaits. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

About Kjell Myhre: Kjell has a BA Hons Degree in Business Studies from University of Stirling, Scotland, UK. He started his career working for the City Council of Oslo, Department of Education. In 1998 he was offered a position as consultant for training and education at the Norwegian Equestrian Federation, and from 2000 to 2010 he had the position as Secretary General at the Federation. In 2011 he stepped down as Secretary General, and left the federation.

After three years working for a small NGO called Hest og Helse (Horses and Health), Kjell Is now back in the equestrian federation working as development consultant, mainly dealing with the riding clubs and their ability to contribute to the main objectives of the federation – Equestrian sport for everyone!

Kjell started riding at the age of 12 and has competed nationally up to Intermediate I. He has been a dressage judge since 1990, and became a 4 * FEI judge in 2007. In addition to being a FEI dressage judge, Kjell is a 5* FEI Para-dressage judge, and has judged the last 4 Paralympics. Some of his highlights as a 4* FEI judge have been to judge two World Cup qualifiers, as well as the US Championships for junior and young riders in 2011, and the European Championships for junior and young riders in 2013.

About U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt

Kai Handt was the individual coach for one or more riders at the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships earning 2011 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Champion, 2012 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve Champion.

He was an individual coach at numerous CPEDI3* from 2009-2014 for multiple riders earning multiple grade championships, overall championships, and as part of the U.S. Team, several Team Championships.

Handt was also an individual coach and sponsor at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2012 CEPDI3* in Wellington for the Japanese Team, coaching their rider to their first Paralympic Equestrian qualifying score.

Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2011 CPEDI3* in Mexico City, flying to the location prior to the competition to select horses for the U.S. Team. Held daily strategy meetings with riders and their coaches, and offered coaching assistance as needed resulting in a U.S. Team Nation’s Cup win, overall individual reserve champion, and individual Grade 1a and Grade Ib champions.

Individual coach and sponsor at 2012 Paralympics to the highest placing U.S. equestrian overall at the Paralympics and Olympics. Handt also assisted riders and their coaches with equipment and horse training as requested by the rider and coach at the 2012 Paralympic training camp in Gladstone and in London at the Paralympics.

In 2013, Handt became the individual coach for Derrick Perkins; the first Para-Dressage rider from the United States Veteran’s Assistance Program.

Handt provided individual training sessions in 2013 with new Para Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Ashleigh Flores-Simmons; at North Texas Equestrian Center

Also in 2013, Handt was the individual coach for Para-Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Derrick Perkins; as well as selector of appropriate horses for each individual at each show. All individuals achieved top scores ranging from 63.478%-73.478% during that show season.

Most Recently, Handt served as USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe at the 2014 World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France.

For more information about the symposium please contact Laureen Johnson, High Performance Director, Para Equestrian & Vaulting, United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Phone: (908) 326-1155 Email: lkjohnson@usef.org.
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 here or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

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