Horse Radio Network Features Dressage Trainer Wes Dunham and U. S. Para-Dressage Technical Advisor Kai Handt 

Wellington, FL-May 19, 2014- Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured dressage trainer Wes Dunham (Millbrook, NY) and U.S. Para-Dressage Technical Advisor/ Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt (Wylie, TX). Lindsay McCall from the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) hosted the show with co-host guest and para-dressage athlete Ellie Brimmer. To view and listen to episode #259 please visit: http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/05/16/dressage-radio-episode-259-para-dressage-coach-wes-dunham-and-chef-kai-handt/  

Wes Dunham and Kai Handt working together with one of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes. Phoot by Lindsay Y. McCall

Dressage trainer Wes Dunham at the 2012 London Paralympics with horse Western Rose. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall

 About Wes Dunham:  About Wes Dunham: Born and raised in Western New York, FEI rider and trainer Wes Dunham began his life-long love of horses at the age of 6. He competed in Western Pleasure classes before turning his attention to Eventing, Show Jumping and ultimately Dressage which he currently coaches and trains.
While completing his Master’s in Education, Wes dedicated himself full-time to a career in the sport. Wes has been awarded his USDF Bronze and Silver medals, and is currently working towards his Gold. Most recently, he coached an FEI para-equestrian athlete and student on his own mare “Western Rose,” helping the pair to earn a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Team competing at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Wes is now working with Para-Dressage athletes Sydney Collier and Elizabeth Traband as they prepare for the 2014 Para-Dressage Selection Trails for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Wes trains in Millbrook, New York, at Woodstock Stables.  

Kai Handt with USPEA President and Paralympian Hope Hand

 About Kai Handt: Handt is the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor. Handt’s appointment will run through 2016 making him the United States Para-Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe/ Technical Advisor for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France and the 2016 Paralympics. Handt has been a rider, trainer, and coach for nearly 40 years. Since relocating to the United States from Germany in 1985, Handt has built a large training program at his own North Texas Equestrian Center in Wylie, Texas. Handt not only trains multiple young riders in dressage but he also has earned his USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals as well as his silver and gold freestyle bars. Over the past six years, Handt has worked within the Para-Dressage world where he trained and sponsored the late Paralympian Jonathan Wentz.  Handt helped Wentz ride to his full potential and reach his goals which included representing the U.S. Para-Dressage Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, winning the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship in 2011, and becoming the highest individual ranking U.S. rider that competed in London at the Paralympics. Handt will work closely with all current and potential para-dressage athletes preparing each rider and their horses for international competition. Kai Handt is an advocate for the para-dressage discipline and enjoys encouraging other sponsors, riders, and trainers to get involved with the sport. The ultimate goal of each high-performance discipline is to win medals. Kai Handt is excited for his future with the para-dressage program and looks forward to a medal winning 2014.  

List of Para-Equestrian Radio Shows:

Para-Equestrian Show # 259

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/05/16/dressage-radio-episode-259-para-dressage-coach-wes-dunham-and-chef-kai-handt/ 

Para-Equestrian Show #248

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/02/27/dressage-radio-episode-248-from-para-dressage-young-riders-to-therapeutic-riding-center-involvement/    

Para-Equestrian Show #244

http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/01/31/dressage-radio-episode-244-international-para-dressage-and-the-wounded-warrior-equestrian-program/  

Para-Equestrian Show #235

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/11/25/dressage-radio-episode-235-reining-into-para-dressage/

November 1, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #231

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/11/01/dressage-radio-episode-231-para-dressage-horse-ownership-and-training/ 

September 25, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #226

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/09/24/dressage-radio-episode-226-becca-hart-and-missy-ransehousen-on-the-future-of-para/  

August 28, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #222
http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/08/28/dressage-radio-episode-222-set-up-before-you-trot-up/

July 31, 2013- Para-Equestrian Show #218

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/07/31/dressage-radio-episode-218-developing-para-dressage-young-riders/  

June 27, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #213

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/06/27/dressage-radio-episode-213-para-week-goes-driving/  

May 24, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #208

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/05/24/dressage-radio-episode-208-the-maine-event/  

April 4, 2013-Para-Equestrian Show #204

http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/04/25/dressage-radio-episode-204-kristi-wysocki-and-gil-merrick-discuss-judging-the-team-approach/

March 27, 2013-To listen to the the first Para-Equestrian show #200:

Once a month the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including olympians, paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network visit www.horseradionetwork.com or to contact Glenn the Geek go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you

put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows,

empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner.

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile

on your face!  Learn more at www.HorseRadioNetwork.com

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com

Fantastic weekly shows:

Driving Radio Show at www.drivingradioshow.com

Equestrian Legends at www.equestrianlegends.com

Stable Scoop Radio Show at www.stablescoop.com.

Eventing Radio Show at www.eventingradio.com.

Dressage Radio Show at www.Dressageradio.com.

Horse Tip Daily at www.horsetipdaily.com

Western Radio Show at www.westernradioshow.com

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.