By: Jennifer O. Bryant for the USPEA

CAEN, FRANCE, August 24, 2014 – Before riders in an International Equestrian Federation (FEI)-recognized competition can enter at “A,” they must clear one crucial hurdle: the veterinary inspection, aka “the jog” or “the trot-up.”

In the jog, the appointed veterinary committee for that discipline examines each horse visually and watches him trot in hand, in order to determine his fitness to compete. As heartbreaking as it must be for a rider to hear that a mount will not be permitted to compete, the veterinary inspection is a critical measure to help ensure the horses’ welfare.

So it is always with some nervousness that each national federation’s competitors, chefs

Hope Hand watching the jog. Photo by Jennifer O. Bryant for the USPEA

d’équipe, and other officials look on during the jog. One who breathed a sigh of relief was United States Para-Equestrian Association President and former Paralympian Hope Hand, of Newtown Square, Penn., who was among the spectators at this morning’s para-equestrian dressage veterinary inspection at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Athletes, family, friends, and federation representatives gathered at La Prairie Racecourse in Caen, the WEG para-equestrian dressage venue, as the horses were stood up in hand and then jogged on a short track just outside the main competition arena. Team USA riders Sydney Collier, Rebecca Hart, Angela Peavy, Susan Treabess, and Roxanne Trunnell looked on as their horses were jogged, and an enthusiastic US contingent let out cheers at each “pass” verdict.

Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s Kamiakin. Kamiakin is a 2005 PRE stallion. (Grade IV). Photo by Jennifer O. Bryant for the USPEA

On Deck: Team Competition

The 2014 WEG para-equestrian dressage competition kicks off tomorrow, August 25, with the first of two consecutive days of team competition. Immediately following are two consecutive days of individual tests. The para-dressage competition culminates with individual freestyle competition Friday, August 29. A total of 100 horse/rider combinations from 33 nations will take part, with 19 nations fielding teams.

Riding for Team USA will be: Sydney Collier, grade Ib, on Willi Wesley, a 2000 Hessen gelding owned by Victoria Dugan; Rebecca Hart, grade II, on Schroeter’s Romani, a 2003 Danish Warmblood mare owned by 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; Susan Treabess, grade IV, on Kamiakin, a 2005 PRE stallion owned by Kathryn Hill; and Roxanne Trunnell, grade Ia, on Nice Touch, a 1995 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Sidney Trunnell.

Angela Peavy, grade III, on Ozzy Cooper, a 2006 Trakehner gelding owned by Rebecca Reno, will compete as an individual.

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.