Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be hosting two upcoming West Coast Para-Equestrian Dressage Training Sessions – November 14-15, 2009 at Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA and November 23-24, 2009 at Little Bit Therapeutic Rider Center in Woodinville, WA. The Training Sessions are designed for riders with various disabilities to learn more about competing in Dressage at the National and International Level.

It is tentatively scheduled that each rider will have a 45 minute training session. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CPEDI3* that will be held at the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California on March 2010.

Para-Equestrian Dressage provides riders with various disabilities the chance to compete in dressage competitions at every level; from local shows to the Paralympic Games. Para-Equestrian Dressage will be included, for the first time, at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. These Training Sessions are valuable tools for identifying new athletes as well as providing opportunities to work with existing elite athletes. In addition, they also educate trainers on the Para-Equestrian Sport Programs and raise awareness for the program in the US.

Missy Ransehousen, the USEF Para-Equestrian Team Coach, will be conducting the Training Session at the Shea Center. Both Ransehousen and Sharon Schneidman, US Para-Equestrian Team Assistant Coach, will be at Little Bit. Ransehousen has competed at all levels of dressage and eventing. Ransehousen coached at both the 2008 and 2004 Paralympics as well as the 2007 FEI Para Equestrian World Championships.

Schneidman has earned a USDF Gold Medal and been competing successfully since 1968 at the FEI levels. In addition, Schneidman trains horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. Her many students include dressage judges, USDF certified instructors, event riders through CCI*** level, juniors & advanced young riders and people simply interested in improving their riding skills. She has contributed articles to Dressage Today, Dressage & CT, Practical Horseman and many other equine publications. Sharon most recently was the Assistant Coach for the US Para-Equestrian Team at the 2008 Paralympics and 2007 FEI Para-Equestrian World Championships. Schneidman and her husband Grant operate Westmanton Stables LLC, a dressage training facility at Cañon Ridge Farm, Castle Rock, Colorado.

ENDS

Please contact Pam Lane to sign up for the training session at [email protected] or at 908.326.1153.