El Dorado Hills, CA – November 7, 2015 – On October 15, 2015, two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer said goodbye to her partner 21 year-old Mibis. The chestnut Royal Dutch Warmblood was retired in 2013 from international competition. Grassmyer and Mibis took the stage for their last international trip together at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*. As a young child Barbara Grassmyer was as horse crazy as any little girl. Her father passed down the love for horses to herself and sister Jennifer. At 10 years old Grassmeyer began riding at All Season’s Riding Academy in Calif. where she competed at horse shows for the disabled. After many years of riding and a brief jumping history, her love for a Dressage horse and athletic ability led her to competitive Dressage. In 2000, Grassmyer served as an alternate for the U.S. Paralympic Team competing in Sydney, Australia. During that time riders were catch-riding horses around the world. In 2001 and 2002 she was the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. However, Grassmyer desired a partner of her own which is where Paralympic coach Missy Ransehousen stepped in to find her a horse for the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Mibis was found in Holland and it was love at first sight for Grassmyer. The year 2004 would begin the long term partnership and the duo would represent the U.S. Para-Dressage Team in Athens that same year. In 2006, Mibis and her rider earned the Gold Medal at the Pacific Rim Para-Equestrian Paralympic Qualifier in Vancouver, Canada. She was also Reserve Champion that year at the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. In 2007, Grassmyer was a member of the U.S. Team at the Para-Dressage World Championships in Hartpury, England, followed by the 2007 Reserve Champion at the USEF Para-Equestrian National Championships. In 2008, the duo would once again make the U.S. Team where they flew to Hong Kong for the Beijing Paralympics. Mibis will be missed in her passing and was honored in a memorial on November 7, 2015.

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis at her 2013 retirement from international competition. Photo take at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

Barbara Grassmyer remembered, “On October 15, 2015, I had to say goodbye to my wonderful equine partner Mibis. She was the only USA horse who went to two Paralympic games, won gold medals in Canada, was USEF Reserve National Champion and loved taking her kids for rides around the farm. She went around the world with me and I will never forget her. She had a huge fan club starting when she was brought to the USA. She traveled to Greece, China, England, Beligum, Germany and Canada. She had more stamps on her passport than most.”

Grassmyer concluded, “The first midnight ride with only a floodlight will always be one of my favorite rides. She retired from the international level in 2013 at her favorite show grounds. She was my best friend and will always have a place in my heart.”

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis at her 2013 retirement from international competition. Photo take at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis and Barb’s Parents at Mibis’ 2013 retirement from international competition. Photo take at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis at her 2013 retirement from international competition. Photo take at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis at her 2013 retirement from international competition. Photo take at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

Barbara Grassmyer and Mibis at the 2010 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and CPEDI3* held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Photo (C)Lindsay Y. McCall

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.