Lexington, KY  – November 14, 2014- This Fall 2014, Sarah Chappell Armentrout was elected to the USEF Para- Equestrian High Performance Committee. This position is a four-year appointment effective retroactively to December 3, 2012.  The Committee meets throughout the year to discuss both high performance and national level matters affecting the Para-Equestrian discipline.  The Para-Equestrian High Performance Committee’s responsibilities are outlined in Bylaw 504, Section 1. https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2012/02-bylaws.pdf.

“I am honored to serve on the USEF Para-Equestrian High Performance Committee,” expressed Sarah Armentrout “It is an exciting time for Para-Equestrians, and I look forward to working with a team committed to creating high-value training and competitive opportunities for the pipeline of riders within this growing sport.”

Armentrout has worked closely with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) creating programs to further educate both new and current riders and trainers. These symposia have been a large part of growing the para-dressage sport from the grassroots. Armentrout is involved not only with the Para-Equestrian discipline but the Therapeutic and Adaptive programs as the Head of School at the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine. Her expertise and background makes her a welcome addition to the High Performance Committee.

About Sarah Chappell Armentrout:

Sarah Armentrout co-founded Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports with her husband Nick Armentrout on their farm in Lyman, Maine. A Premier Accredited Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.) in operation since 1998, Carlisle is an inclusive riding school offering a full range of clinical, adaptive and recreational equine programs, as well as a specialty in para-equestrian grassroots training programs. As Head of School, Sarah combines her passion for horses and learning with a desire to serve her community with quality onsite and national

Sarah Chappell Armentrout, her husband Nick and three children, Jacob, Hazel, and Ivy. Photo courtesy of Sarah Armentrout

education.

Sarah is involved in all aspects of managing the Academy, from organizational oversight and curriculum development to fiscal and strategic planning. She has been in the field of equine-assisted therapy for 20 years and is a PATH, Intl. Advanced Riding Instructor as well as a PATH, Intl. Mentor.  In the early 90’s, Sarah benefitted from working at the National Center for Equine-Facilitated Therapy in Woodside, California under the tutelage of the late Barbara Heine, early visionary and founder of the America Hippotherapy Association. Sarah first became certified as a therapeutic riding instructor in 1995 during a three-year management term at the Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped in Hailey, ID. While in Idaho, she also became a working student for Connected Riding Founder, Peggy Cummings.

Prior to Carlisle Academy, Sarah was the Group Team Leader of Corporate Communications at Tom’s of Maine, managing the team involved in brand identity, legal regulations, marketing and corporate giving. Past work experience also includes donor stewardship, grant writing, and non-profit management.  Currently Sarah serves as Vice Chair of the York County Committee of the Maine Community Foundation.
Sarah graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a B.A in Religion. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys her own dressage and eventing pursuits on her mounts Braveheart and Tupelo Honey, as well as family activities with her husband and three children, Jacob, Hazel, and Ivy.

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.