Eleanor Brimmer and Vadico Interagro at 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo: Lindsay Yosay McCall for the United States Para-Equestrian Association.

Fort Worth, TX - In 2010 the Para-Equestrian discipline debuted at their first World Equestrian Games, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games launched the Para-Equestrian sport and Para-Equestrians into household names. The recognition let people know that Para-Dressage, like all equestrian disciplines, requires strength, drive, FEI level horses, and experienced athletes. As like all equestrian sports it also requires strong support. The 2011 International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Show Association (IALHA) decided their 2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show would benefit the United States Para-Equestiran Association (USPEA). This is the biggest show of the year for the IALHA which is held October 11-16, 2011 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Ft. Worth Texas. The IALHA and the United States Equestrian Federation present the National Championship.

"I brought the idea to our committee of having our last big show of the year benefit the USPEA and it was unanimous that it would happed," smiled 2011 IALHA Show Chair Christina Cardenas. Christina became captivated by the Para-Equestrians while in Lexington at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. She noted, "When I saw these riders dancing with their horses and making it look so effortless I knew in that moment I wanted to have a fundraiser for the cause." Over the course of this week, the IALHA horse show holds a silent auction and has a clothing drive to add to their fundraiser. It will be support of the patrons, the sponsors, exhibitors, IALHA members, and spectators who will contribute to supporting the USPEA. As part of the fundraiser the USPEA will receive 50% of all profits.

In addition to supporting the USPEA, the IALHA would also love to share their breeds of Spanish and Portuguese horses with the world and especially the Para-Equestrians. Christina explained, "We know that our horses are an incredible breed; They are generous, kind, docile, and a very sensitive breed that has been bred this way for centuries. Since they take a very light aid we think our breed would be a wonderful breed for Para-Equestrians to explore in riding."

Eleanor Brimmer is a Para-Equestrian athlete who competes internationally with her Lusitano, Vadico Interagro. Over the course of the 2011 calendar year Eleanor has achieved much success personally and athletically in front of FEI judges around the United States. In November the 2011 Pan American Games will commence for the Para-Equestrians and Christina Cardenas and the IALHA hopes to gather a few horses from their organization for United States Para-Equestrians like Eleanor Brimmer.

Eleanor Brimmer and Vadico Interagro at 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*

As part of the weekend extravaganza Para-Equestrian Jonathan Wentz will be completing a demonstration with trainer Kai Handt showcasing the Para-Equestrian discipline. Eleanor Brimmer will also be on hand to answer questions as an ambassador for the USPEA.

Eleanor remarked, "It is very exciting to see a new group engage with the USPEA. As an owner of a Lusitano I feel that this is a relationship that is beneficial to both organizations. I am very thankful for the warmth and hospitality they have shown me personally this week. I am also thankful for the hard work the IALHA has put forth and I hope to have more opportunities where the IALHA and USPEA may work side by side in the future."

For questions about the 2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show please visit www.IALHA.org.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board 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 Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides 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 www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: (610)356-6481.

To view an online version of this press release please visit: http://uspea.org/?p=23