Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) and the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) are excited to announce the launch of two additional USEF/USPEA National Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence (COE). The USEF Selection Committee carefully scrutinized the application and upheld the highest standards upon recommending the following facilities to be named with this prestigious COE title.
HorseAbility – Melville, N.Y.
Contact: Katie McGowan, [email protected]
Thorncroft, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc. – Malvern, Pa.
Contact: Sallie Dixon, [email protected]
The aforementioned COEs will join the network of previously named COEs as listed below.
Carlisle Academy – Lyman, Maine
http://carlisleacademymaine.com/
Contact: Sarah Armentrout, [email protected]
Healing Strides of VA – Boones Mill, Va.
https://healingstridesofva.org/
Contact: Carol Young, [email protected]
North Texas Equestrian Center (NTEC), Wylie, Texas
Contact: Kai Handt, [email protected]
Ride On Therapeutic Riding Center, Chatsworth, Calif.
Contact: Megan McQueeney, [email protected]
Therapeutic Riding, Inc. – Ann Arbor, Mich.
http://www.therapeuticridinginc.org/
Contact: Jennifer Beyer, [email protected]
Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center – Loxahatchee, Fla.
Contact: Susan Guinan, [email protected]
Wheatland Farm Equestrian Center – Purcellville, Va.
https://www.wheatlandfarm.org/
Contact: Muriel Forrest, [email protected]
As each COE is unique in their own structure, each COE may have opportunities independent of other COEs. The USEF/USPEA is committed to working with each COE to build plans that complement their individual strengths and opportunities. These regional hubs of excellence will not only attract new riders to the sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage but also work in partnership with the USEF High Performance Programs to develop athletes to a level where they can represent the U.S. at International and Paralympic Games level and ultimately win medals.
Another vital role that COEs will play is that of attracting trainers to the sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage and helping them develop and understand the sport. The COEs will be the primary hubs for delivering the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage High Performance Programs and Para educational symposiums. The COEs will also be able to develop their links with the therapeutic riding community, thus providing exposure to the competition opportunities should that be of interest to riders.
For more information on the COE programs please contact USEF Director, Dressage Performance & Event Support / COE Coordinator, Para Equestrian, Laura Roberts at 859-225-6986 or [email protected].
The USPEA remains the driving force of Para-Dressage by providing education and opportunities for those wishing to enter Para-Equestrian sports. For more information on getting started with Para-Equestrian please visit www.uspea.org or contact USPEA President, Hope Hand at [email protected].