Mette Rosencrantz with her Dutch Warmblood Gelding, Taison at the Developing Horse Finals in 2009 Photograph by Anna Dahlberg (USPEA)

Del Mar, CA - Once again, Para-Equestrian Dressage riders and auditors will be given an opportunity to clinic under an exceptional international rider and trainer. This year's clinician is under Mette Rosencrantz who is an accomplished international Dressage rider and past Sweden National Dressage Team member. The clinic is schedule for March 12-13, 2012 at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, CA. Registration for riders and auditors for this clinic is still available. Please contact USPEA President Hope Hand by phone (610)368-1416 or email [email protected] to reserve a ride time. Ride times will be assigned after receiving all rider's responses. The 2012 Mette Rosencrantz Para-Equestrian Dressage Clinic is co-hosted by Keenan Productions Dressage Affaire and the United States Para-Equestrian Association.

Since 1992 Mette Rosencrantz has been based out of the Mill Creek Equestrian Center in Topanga, CA. Mette is originally from Sweden where she was a member of the Swedish National Dressage Team twice. Although Mette is an accomplished Dressage Rider with top international dressage horses, her specialty of dressage instruction and training has been an expansive part of her life. Mette was the youngest rider ever permitted to enter Stromsholm, Sweden's prestigious school for instructors. In 1980, she became the head instructor with a University degree in Physical Education.

In the ring, Mette has accomplished winning the Grand Prix Invitational at the 2007 World Cup, earning multiple accolades at the 2010 USEF Regional Finals and 2010 Dressage Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey, and earning many other international competitions. When not competing, Mette is working on training her own horses, her students, and of course conducting clinics around the world.

Mette noted, "It is very exciting for me to be able to teach riders and horses. I believe it is about establishing a good foundation and realizing that there is no quick fix to a problem. I like to encourage riders to learn why a problem may occur and work on ways to not only fix that issue but challenge themselves past that."

Para-Dressage riders and auditors will expect to work on short-term and long-term goals with Mette. During each session riders may work on specific parts of a test that they performed during the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire or specific movements in each of their future tests.

While instructing and riding in Sweden the Para-Equestrian program had grown to a point where it was usual to see the Para-Equestrians riding alongside the international dressage riders. Mette commented, "Whether you're an international Dressage rider, a para-dressage rider or you are working with a green horse, the philosophy is the same. Each athlete and each horse has it's own challenges and whether the rider is handicapped or not you are still working towards a bigger goal."

She continued, "I am looking forward to this two-day clinic in Del Mar and I am really looking forward to learning each one of these rider's stories. It's the story behind each rider, whether able-bodied Dressage or Para-Dressage, that makes you cheer each athlete on."

Fast Facts: 2012 Mette Rosencrantz Para-Equestrian Dressage Clinic

What: Para-Equestrian Dressage Clinic for Para-Equestrian who would like to sharpen there skills hosted by the United States Para-Equestrian Association and Keenan Productions Events Inc.

Clinician: Prestigious dressage trainer and rider Mette Rosencrantz

Cost: Free to current and future USPEA members and free to auditors, $100 for non-USPEA members, and $300 for able-bodied dressage riders

Schedule: March 12 and March 13, 2012. Rides will begin around 8:30 a.m. and will consist of 45 minute sessions. Schedule is still to be determined based on applicants.

Location: Del Mar Horse Park, 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar, CA 92024

How to sign-up: Contact phone (610)368-1416 or email [email protected]

For more information about Mette Rosencrantz: Visit http://www.metterosencrantz.com/.

About Mette: Mette Rosencrantz has been based out of the Mill Creek Equestrian Center in Topanga, CA since 1992. Mette is from Sweden where she was a member of the Swedish National Dressage Team twice. She was the youngest rider ever allowed to enter Strömsholm, Sweden's prestigious school for instructors, and eventually became the head dressage instructor there in 1980. Mette has shown at the Grand Prix Level on several horses including Basquewille who won the Grand Prix Invitational at the World Cup in 2007 and she continues to compete at the highest levels. Mette's clinic will give riders the opportunity to work on specific parts of their tests and sharpen skills needed to advance to the Selection Trials.

To download the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* Prize list please visit http://www.dressageevents.com/.

For questions or comments about the Dressage Affaire contact President Kim Keenan Stordahl [email protected] or Show Secretary Bettina Longaker at [email protected] or (866) 933-SHOW.