By: Lindsay Y. McCall

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2015 – On behalf of all para-dressage athletes, their families, and supporters, the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to thank everyone involved who made the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* a success. In particular, the USPEA acknowledges Lloyd Landkamer, Manager of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Thomas Baur, International Coordinator of the Wellington, FL, horse show, and Susan Guinan and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center for their donation of the mounting ramp. From January 7-11, 2015, Para-Equestrians from Canada and the United States competed in The Van Kampen covered arena at the Global Dressage Festival. This was the first international CPEDI3* of the show season and a qualifier for the 2016 USEF Paralympic Equestrian Selection Trials. The Paralympic Equestrian competition in Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil, is scheduled for September 7-18, 2016.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins uses the mounting ramp provided by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* January in Wellington, FL. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

This international show was important for riders aiming for the Paralympics. It was also a great opportunity to showcase elite para-dressage horses, skillful athletes, and new horse rider combinations in front of FEI International dressage judges. Being a part of the Dressage community at the world’s best Dressage facilities is also imperative. The Para-Dressage sport shares many top sponsors, trainers, judges, spectators, and experts in the Dressage community. This is not only convenient and economical but it also creates the best atmosphere for this international equestrian discipline to grow. In 2016, the U.S. is looking for medals in Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage. This Wellington horse show is a great place to prepare future Paralympic Medal teams and individuals.

Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Rebecca Hart acknowledged, “I want to give a huge thank you for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival being put on. Having a CPEDI in the states is so important to our sport. I am so thankful to all of the volunteers and everybody that supports this show.”
 

U.S. Riders, sponsors, trainers, and support staff at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL January 7-11. 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.