Para-Equestrian Dressage Athletes Try Their Hand At the 2nd Para-Reining Demonstration
Article and Photographs by Lindsay Y. McCall
Lexington, KY- April 26, 2014 – At the 2013 American Quarter Horse (AQHA) World Championship Show November 8-23, the Para-Equestrian discipline Para-Reining was demonstrated at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City for the first time ever. USA Reining and the United States Para-Equestrian Association, in cooperation with the AQHA and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) made the unprecedented Para-Reining demonstration possible. Those athletes included two-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart, U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins, and Para-Dressage rider Frederick Win. Alongside these equestrians was experienced AQHA rider Reyna Nicole Taylor. All four riders were judged by FEI 4* Reining judges. For the second time in history, Para-Dressage athletes will once again demonstrate the future Para-Reining discipline at the Cargill’s Nutrena® brand Para-Reining Event April 26, 2014, at 1 p.m. This showcase is part of the Kentucky Reining Cup, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. on April 25-27, 2014. The Kentucky Reining Cup is held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. This year’s Kentucky Reining Cup features the Adequan©/USEF Open Reining National Championship as well as the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Selection Trials.
Brad Ettleman, president of HorsePower, Inc. and producer of the Kentucky Reining Cup has been a driving force behind USA Reining jump starting the international Para-Reining sport. With the help from the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and their athletes, the AQHA, NRHA, and USA Reining, these events have been made possible.
USPEA President Hope Hand noted, “Putting on our silver buckles and donning our cowgirl and cowboy hats doesn’t get any better. We are so fortunate to be given this opportunity to showcase another Para Equestrian sport and to demonstrate the versatility of the horse and how in just two days they have adapted to our rider’s physical challenges. We thank our borrowed horses and their generous owners for allowing us to share this experience with everyone. I also want to thank USA Reining’s Brad Ettleman and World Champion Reiner of Canada Lisa Coulter, who are overseeing this entire event and making sure the show runs smoothly.”
Para-Dressage riders participating in the Cargill’s Nutrena® Para-Reining Event include
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| 2012 Paralympic Dressage athlete Dale Dedrick smiles with her horse at the 2014 Para-Reining warm-up day at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by Tina Wentz. |
Briana Beckworth, 2012 London Paralympian Dale Dedrick, Holly Jacobson. Lise Yervasi, and Frederick Win. Win also participated in the November 2013 Para-Reining demonstration.
Frederick Win commented, ” I am so excited to participate in this event once again. My horse Gracie is a beautiful mare. We bonded right away. She is an approachable horse and enjoys making friends around the ring. She also doesn’t get spooked when I approach hopping with one leg towards her. She is wonderful. During my warmups on the first day I worked on my pattern including my circles and spinning. It went well. I could definitely see that Gracie was well trained. I had a bit difficultly with my slide on the first day as my balance is one side and is unusual for most horses. On the second day Gracie took what she learned abut my weight, adjusted to it, and she gave me great slide on a very straight line. I want to thank my amazing reining trainer Josh Visser and his wife Carri Visser for reaching out to me in advanced to reserve Gracie for me. I also can’t thank not only Gracie’s owners but all the owners of these horses. Every time I am on Gracie practicing I can tell how much they cherish her. To put me on this advanced level horse is amazing. More importantly their kindness and trust in allowing me as a para-equestrian dressage rider to show this horse is exponential. The whole event has gone so smooth with the help of everyone including Brad (Ettleman) and Lisa (Coulter). I am excited to ride on.”
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Frederick Win aboard This Rose Will Shine at the first Para-Reining Demonstration in 2013, owned by Bill and Wendy Rhoads. Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall
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For the 2014 competition year, USA Reining will use the newly adapted Para-Reining rules. The new rules are a collaboration of AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities, NRHA and USA Reining. The adapted rules will be specialized, revised, and collated with the FEI Para-Equestrian rules for the following 2015 competition year. Members are encouraged to provide feedback for integration of the 2015 rules. USA Reining hopes to make Para-Reining a nationally recognized sport by the beginning of 2015.
For more information about USA Reining, please visit www.USA-Reining.com. If you are interested in the Para-Reining program or would like to provide member feedback please contact Brad Ettleman at Brad@HPowerInc.com.
About Nutrena®
Cargill manufactures and markets a complete line of Nutrena® brand feeds and supplements that help horses and all classes of livestock maintain optimal health throughout all stages of life. Using the highest-quality ingredients and the most up-to-date nutritional technology, Cargill is committed to the health, well-being and safety of its customers’ horses, livestock and pets. For more information on its Nutrena® brand products, visit www.nutrenaworld.com .
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