Recent News

March 26, 2008

Dressage Riders, Trainers, Instructors and Auditors to Attend Special Training Program Hosted by Local Association

Training will help improve riders' understanding of the judges' perspective involved in the sport of Dressage, thanks to funding provided by The Dressage Foundation.

The Central States Dressage and Equestrian Association will host a special training clinic and symposium for competitive dressage riders, trainers and instructors March 29-30 at the Mississippi View Farms, located in Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Attendees will spend two days attending morning lectures and afternoon demonstrations to learn what judges are looking for in a dressage performance. Marilyn Heath, a faculty member from The United States Dressage Federation and also a United States Equestrian Federation “S” judge, will serve as the instructor for the clinic and symposium.

“Over the past six years, the caliber of dressage riders in Minnesota has improved significantly. Our membership is eager to increase their knowledge of dressage in order to become a better competitor,” said Kathy Nardi, co-organizer of the program for the Central States Dressage and Equestrian Association.

This training will help enhance the riders’ relationships with their horses by improving their overall skills in the sport of dressage. Thanks to a $2,000 grant provided by The Dressage Foundation through the Violet M. Hopkins Fund, association members will be able to attend for a reduced rate of $250.

“The Dressage Foundation is proud to provide financial support to the association. We are committed to helping advance the sport of dressage and this program is an excellent learning opportunity for riders of all levels,” said John Boomer, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation.

The Violet M. Hopkins Fund was established at The Dressage Foundation in 1996 to help support educational programs of USDF Group Member Organizations for riders at all levels. The grant requires recipients to incorporate lectures on the basics and theory of dressage into their programs.