By: Lindsay Y. McCall

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2017 – Following a successful Adequan® Global DressageFestival CPEDI3* in Wellington, Florida,  FEI 3* Dressage and FEI 4* Para

	FEI 3_ Dressage and FEI 4_ Para Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki talks about shoulder in.

Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki conducted an international Para-Dressage Symposium in Collaboration with U.S.Technical Advisor Kai Handt. The symposium ran over three days January 22-24, 2017, and it included demonstration rides of the new tests given by top level Dressage riders. The focus of the symposium was to talk about and work on technical aspects of the FEI tests that were recently released.  Kristi Wysocki was able to give her recent experience judging the new tests at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* and explain to the riders what they should aim for in each Para-Dressage Grade. Kai Handt worked with the riders and spoke to them about horse preparation and expectations in the ring. The format of the symposium included both riding intensive and sit down discussions.

Each FEI Para-Dressage Grade Test was demonstrated by top Dressage athletes those included Shelly Francis, Noel Williams, Rebecca Waite, Roz Kinstler, and Jessica Rhinelandar. During the Grade V test demonstration by Grand Prix rider Noel Williams with horse Caprice, owned by Hampton Meadows Farm, Wysocki spoke about the importance of geometry.

“It’s important to make sure your geometry is perfect,” stated Wysocki. “If you don’t get the geometry correct you get in trouble with balance and gait. If you know a particular movement is difficult for your horse, you can use certain preparations or movements on the geometry to get the best score.”

Demonstration athlete Grand Prix rider Noel Williams with horse Caprice, owned by Hampton Meadows Farm

FEI 3* Dressage and FEI 4* Para Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki (Right) conducted an international Para-Dressage Symposium in Collaboration with U.S.Technical Advisor Kai Handt (Left)

She also spoke about transitions, “Don’t throw your transition score away. Even if you have trouble in the lengthening for example, make sure the transition is done well.”

Hope Hand, President of the United States Para-Equestrian Association was happy with both the CPEDI3* and the participation at the symposium. Hand acknowledged, “I want to thank all those involved with both the CPEDI3* and the symposium. That includes the riders and support staff; Judges President Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Anne Prain (FRA); Show management, Thomas Baur, Monica Fitzgerald; Sponsors Mission Control and Mane Stream, Rowan O’Reilly; Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt; USEF Discipline Director Laureen Johnson; USEF; and USPEA.”

She continued, “Even with low entries, this event jump started the season off with great enthusiasm and hope for a fantastic year heading into The World Equestrian Games. The January show is a good way for our Developing Riders to get their feet wet and they did just that with promising scores that met the first step of WEG qualifications. I am excited to see new horse rider combinations coming up the ranks. I look forward to seeing our riders return in March.”