Lyman, Maine-May 30, 2013- The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium kicked off on May 29^th with a “Train the Trainer” program and “SmartPak Coaches Forum”. Trainers, riders, and auditors were enlightened on Para-Dressage topics including the use of compensating aids, the classification process, and collaborative coaching techniques. FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen, National Classifier Tina Wentz, USPEA President Hope Hand, and Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director Gil Merrick discussed each of these topics in a formal atmosphere at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. Riders then headed to the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine for their first lessons with Clive Milkins. Clive Milkins coached the 2012 gold medal winning Great Britain Para-Dressage Team. On the following day, May 30^th, equestrians put on their tall boots, stepped into their stirrups and participated in a demonstration ride with Hanneke Gerritsen and lessons with Clive Milkins and Catherine Haddad Staller. The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium is the first in a series of educational events across the United States. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak to make the symposium an educational package.

Mary Jordan and Sebastian Photo by LindsayMcCall

Throughout the day riders were treated to exceptional trainers present in the world of Dressage. United States Para-Dressage equestrians included current high-performances riders and horses in addition to a few green Para-Equestrians. Many riders did not bring their own horses due to logistics creating exciting opportunities for the rider. Clive Milkins enjoyed each aspect of the symposium weekend. He noted, “It’s fantastic to see a group of like-minded people all pulling together, in the vastness of this country, to help disabled riders become proper athletes and sportsman.

When Clive Milkins received the phone call that he was requested in the U.S. a day before the European National Selection Trials, he was game.

“I was really excited,” expressed Milkins. “My main belief in life is to help anybody that thinks they want my help or my input. The experience I have gained over the last 20 years of doing well in Great Britain is invaluable. I will help anyone who wants help. Anybody that wants me and feels I can make a difference to their riding or their horses, I am there.”

After a full weekend of viewing the United States Para-Dressage riders, Clive Milkins was impressed. He stated, “Give yourself some more experience, work on the small items, especially what everyone is developing over the last few days. It will not be much longer until the U.S. sees another medal.”

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, is looking towards the next medal opportunity, which is the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. This symposium is inserted within the high-performance schedule to help benefit each rider. With the logistics involved, not every rider could transport their horses to Maine for the symposium.

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, brought her own horse Wentworth to the symposium. She commented, “It’s so valuable to get the trainers feedback with you and your own horses. When you borrow a horse, you are getting feedback on you and on a horse you may not have ever ridden before. It may not translate back to your own horses. I was excited to bring Wentworth this year. I like seeing what the other trainers feel about him and what they think we can do to improve our partnership. It is invaluable to be able to have both of us here at the same time.”

She continued, “It’s also crucial to have my very gracious coach Wes Dunham on the grounds to gain feedback from the symposium. I want to thank Wes, my parents, and Carlisle Academy for hosting this amazing event.”

Ben Harper is relatively new to the sport of Para-Dressage and found himself enjoying the opportunity to ride in front of the internationally acclaimed panel. For new riders like Harper, the experience of having trainers in one location beside educators, professionals, and fellow teammates is essential.

For veteran Para-Dressage, riders the ability to work on specific tasks and sharpen techniques could change the outcome at the next international competition.

The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium continues May 31-June 1, 2013 with the accomplished trainer Catherine Haddad Staller, clinician Gil Merrick, and expert judge Hanneke Gerritsen.

Rider/Horse Combinations:

Laura Goldman-Paxton Abbey, owned by Mary Jordan

Sydney Collier- Wentworth, owned by Sydney Collier

Holly Jacobson-George, owned by Holly Jacobson

Ellie Brimmer-Captiva, owned by Cyndy West

Mary Jordan-Sebastian, owned by Mary Jordan

Margaret McIntosh, Zoe

Elle Wooley-Clever-owned by Mary Jordan

Roxanne Trunnell-Kodiak

Lara Oles-Tito

Benjamin Harper-Maggie

Derrick Perkins-Mabel