Year End Wrap with 2014 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Sydney Collier and Western Dressage with Ellen DiBella   

Jupiter, FL –December 17, 2014- Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show wrapped up the 2014 competition year with Sydney Collier and introduced Western Dressage with guest Ellen DiBella.

Lindsay McCall from the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) hosted the show with co-host and athlete Ellie Brimmer. To listen to episode #289 http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/12/10/dressage-radio-episode-289-year-end-wrap-with-sydney-collier-and-western-dressage/

Sydney Collier was recently awarded the prestiguous 2014 FEI Against All Odds Award. She was also named the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year. 

About Sydney Collier: At age seven Sydney was diagnosed with Wyburn-Mason Syndrome after she began having blurry vision. Wyburn-Mason Syndrome is a rare, congenital disorder characterized by arteriovenous malformations in the central nervous system and

Sydney Collier and Wentworth. Photo (c) Lindsay Y. McCall

retina. It affects only .14% of the world’s population and can cause brain hemorrhaging, stroke, paralysis, or death. She enjoys bringing awareness to the disabled community and the Paralympic Equestrian sport through public speaking, dedication, and her riding accomplishments.

In 2014 Collier earned a spot as a Grade Ib rider on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Para-Dressage Team that competed in Normandy, France. She acheived strong scores on Victoria Dugan’s Willi Wesley, a 2000 Warmblood gelding. It was only four years prior at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky where Collier met Paralympian Jonathan Wentz who introduced and then mentored her on the Paralympic sport. Through her positive attitude and determination Collier has garnered numerous accolades aboard horses Willi Wesley; NTEC Cuplee, owned by Patricia Mendenhall; and her current competition partner Wentworth, formally owned by Amy McIlwham. Collier rides with Paralympic Dressage coach Wes Dunham of Woodstock Stables in Millbrook, NY.

Her athletic pursuits have been accompanied by multiple awards and scholarships including 2011 Para-Dressage demonstration rider at the Adequate FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, 2012 Think Alive Grant, 2013 USDF Youth Convention Scholarship, 2013 U.S. Para-Dressage Symposium invitation, 2013 Custom Saddlery Rising Star Award, 2013 Miss Jane Marple Memorial Trophy at Dressage for Kids, 2014 Michigan Virtual High School Chemistry Schloarship, 2013 and 2014 Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship, 2014 Courtney’s Quest Scholarship, and the 2014 Women’s Sports Foundation Travel and Training Grant.

Between riding and maintaining her Honors student status at Skyline High School, Collier enjoys sharing her story and goals as a motivational speaker around the country. She not only speaks to groups and individuals in the equestrian world but she also enjoys speaks with groups with varied interests throughout the community including 4-H clubs.

Collier is an outstanding representative for the 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. Hope Hand, Paralympian and President of the United States Para-Equestrian Association acknowledged, “This is an exciting achievement for Sydney. She has worked tirelessly as an athlete and student to achieve her goals. I have watched her grow as an individual over the past 5 years and her positive attitude and determination has been felt by everyone that has ever reached out to Sydney. She will humbly tell anyone that asks that she had the best mentor and advisor, the late Jonathan Wentz, who has guided her path to success. Jonathan was the driving force behind the Para-Dressage Junior and Young Rider Program, but it still takes a talented rider to carry on his mission to be the best in the world. I am so proud of Sydney.”

Hand continued, “On behalf of the Para-Equestrian discipline I would like to thank USEF for acknowledging this outstanding athlete.”

Collier is excited to look towards the future as she aims for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro. For more information about Sydney Collier please visit  www.SydsParaQuest.com.

Ellen Dibella purchased her first Morgan horse in 1972; She saw Morgans used in the rehabilitation program at FAMC with the amputee and paraplegic veterans from the Vietnam War.  One gelding somehow became multiple Morgan horses. Dibbled currently has eleven Morgans at home in Colorado and three in training. She also shows a number of Morgans and she enjoys the challenge of competition and the daily care of the horses at home. She has served on many boards of equine organizations ranging from local horse clubs, to the board of directors of the American Morgan Horse Association, to the board of the United States Equestrian Federation, to the board of trustees for the American Morgan Horse Institute.  She has worked on show committees at all levels including seven years on the Morgan Grand National Committee which puts on the World Championship show for the Morgan breed. She currently serves on the board of the Colorado Horse Park and helped to found the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center Foundation which provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their family in meeting the expenses of living while fighting cancer.

Ellen DiBella stated, “After 38 years of showing in western pleasure, I am so pleased to be involved in Western Dressage.  It has rekindled my enthusiasm for riding; I can test my horse and myself against a standard and continue to learn and grow.”

Visit the Western Dressage Association of America at www.westerndressageassociation.org

List of Para-Equestrian Radio Shows:
 Para-Equestrian Show # 289 

http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/12/10/dressage-radio-episode-289-year-end-wrap-with-sydney-collier-and-western-dressage/   

Para-Equestrian Show #283

Para-Equestrian Show #278

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/09/25/dressage-radio-episode-278-para-dressage-wraps-2014-weg-with-sydney-collier-and-coach-wes/  

Para-Equestrian Show # 270   

 
Para-Equestrian Show # 265

Para-Equestrian Show # 259

Para-Equestrian Show #248

Para-Equestrian Show #244

Para-Equestrian Show #235

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/11/25/dressage-radio-episode-235-reining-into-para-dressage/

November 1, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #231

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/11/01/dressage-radio-episode-231-para-dressage-horse-ownership-and-training/ 

September 25, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #226

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/09/24/dressage-radio-episode-226-becca-hart-and-missy-ransehousen-on-the-future-of-para/  

August 28, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #222
http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/08/28/dressage-radio-episode-222-set-up-before-you-trot-up/

July 31, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #218

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/07/31/dressage-radio-episode-218-developing-para-dressage-young-riders/  

June 27, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #213

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/06/27/dressage-radio-episode-213-para-week-goes-driving/  

May 24, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #208

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/05/24/dressage-radio-episode-208-the-maine-event/  

April 4, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #204

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/04/25/dressage-radio-episode-204-kristi-wysocki-and-gil-merrick-discuss-judging-the-team-approach/

March 27, 2013-To listen to the the first Para-Equestrian show #200:

Once a month the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including olympians, paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network visit www.horseradionetwork.com or to contact Glenn the Geek go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you

put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows,

empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner.

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile

on your face!  Learn more at www.HorseRadioNetwork.com

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com

Fantastic weekly shows:

Driving Radio Show at www.drivingradioshow.com

Equestrian Legends at www.equestrianlegends.com

Stable Scoop Radio Show at www.stablescoop.com.

Eventing Radio Show at www.eventingradio.com.

Dressage Radio Show at www.Dressageradio.com.

Horse Tip Daily at www.horsetipdaily.com

Western Radio Show at www.westernradioshow.com

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.