The Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook of North America (KWPN-NA) is pleased to announce the exciting line-up of speakers at its 22nd Annual Meeting to be held in Wellington, FL, March 11-13, 2010. The three-day event includes a myriad of rare educational opportunities from some of the top experts in the industry. Attendees will have the chance to complete a grand prix course walk with Olympic Gold medalist Laura Kraut and a dressage lesson with Michael Barisone. Panel discussions with equine talent scout and breeder Paul Hendrix, KWPN public relations guru Irene Wolfs, veterinarian and speaker Dr. Deborah P. Harrison and KWPN inspector Bart Henstra offer attendees a comprehensive view of the state of the industry. Interactive workshops are supplemented with field trips to the lovely farms of both Barisone and Julia Harrison-Lee. A trip to the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) completes the weekend.
"It's great to be back in Wellington in 2010," said KWPN-NA Chairman and Annual Meeting organizer Willy Arts. "Wellington is the hub of winter equestrian activity and provides an entertaining and relaxing atmosphere—a perfect place to discuss KWPN horses and enjoy everything south Florida has to offer."
A welcome reception on Thursday evening initiates the Annual Meeting. This friendly atmosphere allows guests, members and newcomers to mingle and reconnect. This is a great time to network with speakers and others while enjoying savory food and libations.
After short reports by the Board of Directors, Friday will be devoted to the evaluation of jumpers. The workshop will include video footage and a free-jumping analysis. Hendrix will provide commentary on young jumper competition. How to evaluate horses through linear scoring and how to use this information to select a mare and stallion for breeding will be a highlight of his presentation.
A visit to Julia Harrison-Lee's farm will include demonstrations on choosing a grand prix jumper. The qualities of a grand prix jumper and how to evaluate jumping horses will be discussed. This exciting workshop will include one of the world's top grand prix riders exhibiting their skills and partnership live over obstacles.
Saturday is dressage day, but will include several other workshops, such as Dr. Harrison providing veterinary insights from the 2009 Annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention. Dr. Harrison has presented lively discussions at past meetings about veterinary news and updates; her programs always elicit numerous questions and answers and all attendees are encouraged to participate.
Morning workshops will be followed by a visit to CDI grand prix winner Michael Barisone's farm for a hands-on look at dressage and evaluating dressage horses. He will also offer a dressage lesson. Barisone has had an illustrious United States Dressage Federation (USDF) career, winning Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. In 2008 he was a reserve rider on the United States Olympic team in Hong Kong. Elisabeth Austin and her licensed KWPN stallion, Olivier (Idocus x Porter), will ride with Barisone.
Saturday's festivities conclude with a cocktail hour, annual awards dinner and silent auction. Awards include Member of the Year, Breeder of the Year and FEI Horse of the Year. This year's silent auction will include some very special offerings to help support the organization. Dressage lessons with Olympians Steffen Peters and Debbie McDonald will be on the block for a few special winning bidders.
Kraut will walk the grand prix course on Sunday for those interested in watching the $75,000 Grand Prix at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Kraut won a Team Gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. In addition, Hendrix will give commentary about the horses and jumping mannerisms during the grand prix.
Members and non-members are welcome for all events. The cost is just $200 for pre-registered members or $250 for non-members and walk-ins. A full schedule and sign-up forms are available at the website www.kwpn-na.org.
About the KWPN-NA
In 1983, the Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America was established as the North American Department of the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN) in order to promote breeding and enjoyment of the KWPN horse in North America. To learn more about KWPN-NA membership, stallions and breeding, visit www.kwpn-na.org.