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Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic Presented by United States Driving for the Disabled March 16 & 17 Featured Top Clinicians
Written by: Diane Kastama and Lindsay McCall
Photos by: Pat Kastama
Moorpark, California – March 23, 2013- United States Driving for The Disabled (USDFD) conducted a driving clinic for current and future Para-Equestrians March 16 and17th in Moorpark, CA. There were nine para-equestrian drivers including a young driver at the clinic and six drivers took advantage of being classified while attending the clinic. The clinic even featured a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” portion the clinic.
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Stefanie Putnam driving Rupert 15.2 Welsh Cob owned by Diane Kastama (Ann McClure, Hardy Zantke on carriage) Photo by Pat Kastama
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The participants had an individual dressage lesson with Hardy Zantke or Jody Cutler Saturday and again Sunday morning. Saturday afternoon they walked a cones course while International Para-Equestrian World Champion Driver Diane Kastama demonstrated the course. They then were given the opportunity to drive their own horses and ponies through the course with instruction by Hardy and Jody. Sunday afternoon the group walked the 2 flagged hazards and again watched Diane Kastama drive one of the hazards. They were also encouraged to drive a 3 K course marked around the property and out into the local park. Walt Ashford talked to the drivers on Sunday about possible adaptations to carriage driving and met with everyone individually. USDFD would like to thank Gregg and Jody Cutler for providing a wonderful venue for this first of its kind clinic for Para-Equestrian Driving.
About the Clinicians:
Hardy Zantke, ADS & USEF “R” Combined Driving Judge, FEI Combined Driving Judge and Para-Equestrian Judge.Competed in pairs and 4-in -hands; served as Chef d’ Equipe for many USA teams competing abroad.
Jody Cutler, ADS “R” in Pleasure Driving and Dressage, ADS “S” in Combined Driving, USEF “r” in Pleasure Driving
Diane Kastama, World Champion in Para-Equestrian driving Grade 1. Competes at Advanced combined driving single and pair.
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Ginny Leal driving her halflinger Maurice (Ginny’s granddaughter on carriage) Photo by Pat Kastama
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| Katie Twohy driving her PMU rescue photo by Pat Kastama |
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Adria Di Maria driving Freckles owned by Sharon and Geoff Gee a 16hd Hanovarian (Ann McClure, Geoff Gee on carriage) Photo by Pat Kastama
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| Karen Picard – driving her small pony Photo by Pat Kastama |
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Sally Woodridge driving Jody Cutler’s Welsh Pony Extasy (Jody Cutler on carriage) Photo by Pat Kastama
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Stefanie Putnam driving Ruperty 15.2 Welsh Cob owned by Diane Kastama (Ann McClure, Marcia Putnam on carriage) Photo by Pat Kastama
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All photographs were provided by Pat Kastama and are to be used only in relation to this press release.
About the USDFD Clinics:
United States Driving for The Disabled (USDFD) is conducting a series of clinics for the 2013 calendar year. The clinics are open to current and future Para-Equestrians featuring a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” section of the clinic. The first clinic was March 16 and17th in Moorpark, CA. Future clinic dates and clinicians will be announced including Spring and Fall Clinics in Florida, the northeast of the United States and the west coast of the United States. USDFD would like to share the pleasure of driving with more equestrians while building the skill level of currently competitive drivers. The clinics are free to those interested. Clinics will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Equestrians may bring their own horse and carriage or contact USDFD to borrow a horse and equipment. If sponsors or donors would like to participate in this exciting series please contact United States Driving for the Disabled Vice President Diane Kastama at e-mail: dkastama@verizon.net or by Phone: 805-343-6026.
 Note From USDFD:Come improve your driving skills, learn about local, regional and international competition opportunities for the Para-Equestrian. Driving is a great equalizing sport. Come see and feel the freedom of being behind the lines in a carriage. Everyone is welcome to attend and audit. Clinics will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Bring your own horse and carriage or let us know if you need to borrow a horse and equipment.
For more information: Please visit www.usdfd.org.
About the United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc
United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, seeks to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals throughout the United States and Canada by providing the experience of driving horses in a safe and challenging environment. Our mission is to provide the extraordinary benefit of therapeutic driving to as many people as possible through sharing knowledge, experience, and serving as a resource for innovations in adaptive equipment for drivers, trainers, and programs offering carriage driving. The Sybil Dukehart Memorial Fund seeks to provide financial assistance to equip and train disabled drivers through providing scholarship funds to applicants. USDFD fosters opportunities for drivers to compete in national and international amateur competitions by training and providing financial support for Team USA.
United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc
32450 S. Wright Rd.
Molalla, OR 97038
Ph: 503-550-9384
President: usdfdpresident@gmail.com
Offices: usdfd.org@gmail.com
Website: www.USDFD.org |
