Thousand Oaks, CA – March 25, 2015 – The United States Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes have an exciting year coming up as they prepare for the Rio Paralympics scheduled September 7-18, 2016 in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. In January, the USA won over Canada the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL. Soon many riders will head both overseas and across the country to compete in multiple Para-Dressage competitions. Nationally, there will be two CPEDI3* events that are not qualifiers for the Rio Paralympics but they are FEI shows where riders may earn their FEI Certificate of Capability. Those two shows include the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* held June 11-14, 2015 , in Rancho Murieta, CA, and the CPEDI3* Katy, TX, held October 27-29. Both of these shows will include USA high performance symposiums with world-renowned Dressage and Para-Dressage trainers and judges. The 2015 calendar year also brings the Para-Dressage world the Inaugural North American Junior and Young Riders’ Para-Dressage Championship held July 14-19, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Included in the 2015 and 2016 show schedule will be developing rider clinics with dates to be announced in the future. Rounding out the 2015 show year will be the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship scheduled October 29-November 1, 2015, in Houston, TX. For more information please visit the USEF website at

Schedule of Events 2015:

07-11 January 2015 CPEDI3* Wellington (USA)
21-25 January 2015 CPEDI3* Boneo (AUS)
09-12 April 2015  CPEDI3* Deauville (FRA)
09-12 April 2015  CPEDI3* Vilamoura (POR)
16-19 April 2015 CPEDI3* Caselle di Sommacampagna (ITA)
24-26 April 2015CPEDI3* Waregem (BEL)
01-05 May 2015 CPEDI3* Mannheim (GER)
21-23 May 2015 CPEDI3* Ebreichsdorf (AUT)
29-31 May 2015  CPEDI3* Roosendaal (NED)
11-14 June 2015 CPEDI3* Somma Lombardo (ITA)
11-14 June 2015 – CPEDI3* Rancho Murietta, CA
18-21 June 2015 CPEDI3* Mulhouse (FRA)
14-19 July 2015 – NAJYRC (First time Para Dressage is included)
27-29 October 2015 – CPEDI3*Katy, TX
October 29-November 1 – USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

U.S. Para-Dressage Riders at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3*. Photo by 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.