Lloyd Landkamer at the 2010 World Equsetrian Games. Photo by Mike Tomlinson.

Hamel, MN – September 30, 2015 – Lloyd Landkamer, a visionary in the dressage and para-dressage community passed away on September 25, 2015, after a battle with colon cancer . Landkamer was 60 years old and died at his home, Brandywine Farm in Hamel, Minnesota, with his life partner of 32 years Bill Solynties by his side. Lloyd was born in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Dale J. and Lorna Nolte Landkamer, both now deceased. Lloyd is also survived by two younger brothers and a sister,  Landkamer was instrumental in the growth of Para-Equestrian Dressage around the world.

Landkamer was known in the horse community by his first name. Known for show management, he was also a dressage rider earning his USDF bronze medal before making show management his full-time career. In the beginning, Landkamer was known in the Midwest for managing dressage competitions including the Lamplight Equestrian Center shows in Wayne, Illinois. His ability to keep a show running smoothly, keep competitors happy, and create a first-class event quickly made him a notable name around the country. He was a multitasking genius serving as secretary, manager, steward, and so much more. A longtime supporter of the disabled community, the para-dressage community welcomed him as Discipline Manager of Dressage and Para-Dressage at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Landkamer helped make the debut of the Para-Dressage discipline at the 2010 World Games a major international success. Following the Games, Landkamer continued to include the para-dressage sport within his shows. His support for para-equestrians encouraged the dressage community to include para-dressage parallel to able-bodied competitions around the country.

USPEA President Hope Hand remembers, “Lloyd played a key roll in getting show management across the United States to include para-dressage within their recognized and International events. He set the example for others to follow and was instrumental in adapting the USEF Dressage Rules to accommodate and to include specific Para-Dressage Rules by following the FEI regulations. Lloyd was the first chair of the Para-Equestrian Technical Committee that established many firsts for para-dressage. We owe a lot to Lloyd and learned so much under his guidance. Para-dressage continues to be the fastest growing discipline within the USEF today.”

In 2013, Landkamer was the Manager/ Entry Secretary at the first Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* event. Participants and coaches enjoyed his “to-the-point” managing style and efficiency he exhibited. He continued to manage the Wellington, Florida, shows through 2015. Landkamer was show manager for numerous regional, national, and international events around the globe including NAJYRC, USEF Festival of Champions, and USEF Young Horse Championships to name a few.

Not only was Landkamer a show manager but he supported and served the equestrian community on the USDF Executive Board, USEF Dressage Committee,  USEF Para Technical Committee, USEF Steward, USEF Technical Delegate and FEI Chief Dressage Steward. Recently he was named on the stewarding team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In Landkamer’s passing he was honored with a tribute at the The Rolex Central Park Horse Show on September 26, 2015, before the U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson Group. For the 2016 show season the Adequan Global Dressage Festival has named the first international show The Lloyd Landkamer Memorial CDI-W. The event takes place from January 14-17, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lloyd’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Contact information for the society is 1-800-227-2345, P. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 and earmarked for colon cancer research.

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.