Mulhouse, France – June 19, 2015– U.S. Para-Dressage riders Annie Peavy, Rebecca Hart, and Deborah Stanitski recently headed to Europe to compete in the Mulhouse, France CPEDI3* scheduled June 18-21, 2015 and the Iberherrn, Germany CPEDI3*, scheduled July 2-5, 2015.  Two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012), two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014), and six -time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion Rebecca Hart (Grade II) with Schroeter’s Romani (owned by Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolos, and Will and Sandy Kimmel) will be riding in both events. 2014 World Equestrian Games Rider Annie Peavy (Grade III) will be showing her horses Lancelot Warrior and Ozzy Cooper, owned by Rebecca Reno. Deborah Stanitski (Grade II) will be riding Biara G owned by Stanitski.

Deborah Stanitski commented, “Being the first time in Europe and the first CPEDI with Biara G I am nervous but excited to begin our international journey together.  Becca Hart has been particularly helpful to me in terms of riding, competition pointers and schedules. It has been great to have both Becca and Annie Peavy to help me as both have done this before.”

The Mulhouse CPEDI3* begins with the Team Test on Friday, June 19, followed by the Individual Test, and the Freestyle test on June 21. 50 horse and rider combinations participated in the FEI Jog with riders from 13 nations. The Mulhouse CPEDI3* Ground Jury includes Kathy Amos-Jacob 4*, Jan Holger Holtschmit 4*, Eva Maria Bachinger 5*, Sarah Rodger 5*, and Genevieve Pfister 3*. The U.S. riders are using this opportunity to compete against the best Para-Dressage riders in the world. They are also looking forward to showcasing their mounts in front of the international ground jury and receiving quality feedback from each of their tests.

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.