Aachen, Germany – August 15, 2014 –  The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™

2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team and support staff in Aachen having a team meeting during training camp. Photo courtesy of Sydney Collier

(WEG) U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team and Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt arrived in Aachen and began their training camp this week. The U.S. Team and Individual athletes include: Sydney Collier (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Victoria Dugan’s Willi Wesley; two-time Paralympian (2008 and 2012) and 2010 WEG athlete 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; Angela Peavy (Avon, Conn.) and Rebecca Reno’s Ozzy Cooper; 2010 WEG athlete Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s Kamiakin; and Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and her own Nice Touch. All five riders, horses, coaches and support staff arrived comfortably, thanks to transport by The Dutta Corporation, and they have already started their riding sessions. The U.S. athletes will stay in Aachen through August 22, when they will travel to France for the August 24, trot-up. August 25-27, begins the Para-Dressage competition with the the Team Test, followed by August 27-28 Individual Test, 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.

2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team member Sydney Collier and Willi Wesley, owned by Victoria Dugan. Photo courtesy of Sydney Collier

During the last few weeks riders have experienced all types of excitement associated with traveling and preparing to compete for their country. For example, while Susan Treabess’ mount Kamiakin was on his way overseas he was awarded the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) Purebred Horse of the Year accolade. Para-Dressage team member Sydney Collier has enjoyed every moment of her trip overseas with horse and service dog alongside her.

2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team member Sydney Collier and Willi Wesley, owned by Victoria Dugan. Photo courtesy of Sydney Collier

Collier recounts this week’s events, “We have arrived in Aachen Germany at our training camp. It was a long trip from Gladstone, New Jersey, to Aachen and it involved lots of teamwork and a series of planes trains and automobiles along the way.  Everyone including horses, humans, and service dogs alike have traveled wonderfully and it feels so good to be settled for 10 days so that we can begin team building skills and training under saddle. We have an incredible team this year for WEG that is filled with talented riders, great support staff and the best grooms around. It amazes me when I think how far we have traveled around the globe, how much planning and attention to detail was required to move so much equipment, horses, and staff. It has gone so smoothly that our horses wake up happy and ready to go to work every day. Our days have fallen into a routine which helps reset our clocks that got thrown off a bit as we have traveled. We all get up in the morning, do our workouts and get breakfast at our hotel. Then we head over to the barn for our daily

Sydney Collier’s service dog Journey enjoying the sights and sounds of travel. Photo courtesy of Sydney Collier

team meeting in the observation area of the barn. We discuss our plans for the day as well as get updates on our travels to France and the competition schedule.  It’s amazing how much paperwork and adjustments are being done everyday to put on a show the size and caliber of WEG. In Para-Dressage alone there are over 100 horses that will be attending the initial jog. Each afternoon we have a training session while our teammates observe and help highlight our strengths and weakness to focus on for the next day. We wrap up our day with a recap and figure out our dinner plans. Then it’s time to tuck into bed and get ready to do it again. What a wonderful and blessed life I am living. A million thanks to all my family, friends, and sponsors for making this incredible journey possible.”

The U.S. athletes will stay in Aachen through August 22 and will head to France for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ Para-Dressage competition taking place at La Prairie Racecourse in Caen, France.

The following horse-and-athlete combinations have been named to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team (in alphabetical order):

Sydney Collier (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Victoria Dugan’s Willi Wesley.
Willi Wesley is a 2000 Warmblood gelding. (Grade Ib)

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.
Schroeter’s Romani is a 2003 Danish Warmblood mare. (Grade II)

Angela Peavy (Avon, Conn.) and Rebecca Reno’s Ozzy Cooper.
Ozzy Cooper is a 2006 Trakehner gelding. (Individual athlete Grade III)

Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s Kamiakin.
Kamiakin is a 2005 PRE stallion. (Grade IV)

Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and her own Nice Touch.
Nice Touch is a 1995 Dutch Warmblood mare. (Grade Ia)

Click here to see the Selection Procedures for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team.

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 USET Foundation’s Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge:

Learn more about the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline or give a tax-deductible donation to support the development of the spor with the USPEA 501(c)(3)t:

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.