Gladstone, NJ- August 9, 2014 – In only 16 days the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team will be riding down centerline at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France. In preparation for the trip overseas the final jog for each of the four U.S. team horses and individual horse occurred at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt, the four team duos include: Grade II rider Rebecca Hart (Unionville, Pa.) and Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo’s, and Will and Sandy Kimmel; Grade Ia rider Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and her own Nice Touch; Grade Ib athlete Sydney Collier (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Victoria Dugan’s Willi Wesley; and Grade IV rider Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s Kamiakin. Angela Peavy (Avon, Conn.) and Rebecca Reno’s Ozzy Cooper will represent the U.S. as an individual in Grade III. The U.S. Team is one of 19 teams competing in the Para-Equestrian Dressage competition and the riders are just five of the 102 combinations expected to ride at the La Prairie Racecourse August 25-29, 2014.

It is an exciting year for the World Equestrian Games with a record number of 72 National Federations declaring participation in this year’s games. Para-Dressage was first included in the Games at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) in Lexington, KY. The Para-Dressage teams that are in serious medal competition at this WEG are “parallel” to able-bodied Dressage including Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, and Denmark.

The U.S. Team includes two-time Paralympian (2008 and 2012) and 2010 WEG athlete Rebecca Hart and 2010 WEG athlete Susan Treabess. The Team also includes young athletes Sydney Collier and Roxanne Trunnell who are excited for their first opportunity to compete overseas. Individual athlete Angela Peavy had a last minute change of horses from Lancelot Warrior to Ozzy Cooper but she is excited and prepared for her debut in France. This is the first international Games for each U.S. horse and rider combination. This WEG will be the first chance as a new team with a new Chef d’Equipe to make their mark on the international Para-Dressage world and an exciting preview for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

The U.S. Team will fly to Germany before heading over to France for the August 24 trot-up. August 25-27, includes the Team Test competition followed by August 27-28 Individual Test and finishing with the exciting Freestyle competition on August 29. All five grades will be participating at the Games Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV. The team announcement will be made on August 14, 2014, when definite entries are submitted.

Learn more about the Para-Dressage discipline at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France:

Support the Team and it’s future to the 2016 Paralympics in Rio with the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge:

Learn more about the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline and give a tax-deductible donation to support the development of the sport:  www.USPEA.org

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation 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 Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide 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: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.