Sydney Collier working with U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt and Wes Dunham at the Training Camp. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Lyman, Maine – May 22, 2015 –  Para-Equestrian Dressage riders, Veterans, and Para-Drivers are looking forward to Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled May 26-30, 2015. Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine, a Premier Accredited PATH Center and national leader in grassroots development for para-equestrian sports, has been the educational link for developing athletes and coaches. Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have been developing hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition. Para Pipeline Training Camp for Para-Dressage riders is May 26-30, Para-Dressage Coaches ‘Seminar & Rider Education Day is scheduled for May 27, and Introduction to Para-Driving is May 30, 2015. Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. A scholarship funding request of $250 in tuition assistance can be made through the “Zoe Fund” for Para-Dressage riders. In addition, USPEA 501(c)(3) is offering tuition reimbursement grants of $250 to those that participate in the Para-Dressage Camp. Para-Drivers interested in participating will be given full tuition, through USEF Para-Driving, for the clinic on May 30. In addition to Para-Dressage and Para-Driving, the Pipeline Training Camp is offering a free Veteran’s Information session on May 27th at 2:30 PM.

Expert clinicians include Kai Handt (USEF Chef D’ Equipe in Para-Dressage) and David Schmutz (FEI 4* Para-Dressage Judge; USEF “S” Dressage Judge), and Diane Kastama (FEI Para-Driving Medalist; Vice President of USDFD; USEF PE Technical Committee).

Included in the Workshop and Lecture portion of the camps are: adaptive equipment/compensating aids; classification lecture/ability for national classification; para-dressage introduction & rules; video and discussion review of current para-dressage tests; riding mock tests with clinician/judges feedback; and a coaches’ forum.

The focus in these camps is on the grassroots pipeline programs. Carlisle Academy’s Para Pipeline Camps are recommended by the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Para-Equestrian Association for rider and coach development. Eight Continuing Education Units are available to all coaches who complete the Para-Dressage Coaches’ Seminar (May 27) towards a Para-Equestrian Coaching Certificate Program (in development).

U.S. Chef d ‘Equipe Kai Handt at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with rider Roxy Trunnell and horse Touche. Photo by SusanJStickle.com

President of the USPEA, Hope Hand noted, “The Carlisle Training Camps provide our developing athletes the opportunity to experience what it takes to get ready for the competition arena. USPEA and USEF recommend and support Carlisle’s progressive  program tracks that encompasses all aspects of the physical and mental components in becoming successful in reaching one’s equestrian goals. For the athlete or the professional that wants to learn more about the equestrian para sports or become a member of our training and coaching staff, Carlisle along with the USPEA and the USEF have been developing hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses that are suitable for each grade. These camps are a wonderful opportunity for the Para Equestrian enthusiasts to learn from the experts.”

Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy, responded, “We are excited to help broaden the base of para-equestrians in the United States and create more high-quality sport opportunities for riders with disabilities.”

May 26-30, 2015 – Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp

May 27, 2015 – Para-Dressage Coaches’Seminar & Rider Education Day

May 27, 2015 at 2:30 PM – Veteran Information session

May 30, 2015 -Introduction to Para-Driving

June 14-16, 2015 8pm-5pm – USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders in Rancho Murieta, CA. Clinicians: Kai Handt (USEF Chef D’ Equipe in Para-Dressage), Carlos Lopes (5* FEI Para Equestrian Dressage Judge).
$250 USPEA Tuition Reimbursement Applies

June 15-16, 2015 9:00 AM – USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Driving Clinic for Coaches and High Performance Drivers Rancho Murieta, CA. All levels welcome Novice to Advanced there is no fee and those interested may borrow a horse and carriage or use their own.
Clinicians: Hardy Zantke and Diane Kastama.
USEF Para-Driving will be providing full tuition.
Contact Laureen Johnson at USEF for an application at lkjohnson@usef.org or 908-326-1155.

August 25-29, 2015- Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled

August 26, 2015 – Para-Dressage Coaches’Seminar & Rider Education Day

August 26, 2015 at 2:30 PM – Veteran Information session

August 29 – Para-Reining Demonstration, Time and Day to be announce

Oct 5-6, 2015 –  Para Driving Clinic at Gayla Driving Center, Georgetown, KY.
Clinician: Sara Schmitt – 2014 Coach of Team USA. Contact Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or 805-343-6026.

$250 “Zoe Fund” Tuition Support

The Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. A scholarship funding request can be made through the “Zoe Fund” of Carlisle Charitable Foundation. More information is available at www.carlislecharitablefoundation.org. (207-467-3242). Click here for the Zoe Fund application.

$250 USPEA Tuition Reimbursement

The United States Para-Equestrian Association 501 (c)(3) is providing $250 Tuition Reimbursement for Para-Dressage participants in both the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp and the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders  . Please contact President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org for more information.

Free Para-Driving Clinics

Para-Drivers interested in participating will be given full tuition, through USEF Para-Driving, for the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp Para-Driving clinic on May 30 and the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Driving Clinic for Coaches and High Performance Drivers Rancho Murieta, CA.

To view an online version of this press release please visit: https://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/