US Equestrian Names Additional USEF/USPEA Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence
Press by US Equestrian Communications Department
Lexington, Ky. – October 19, 2018– US Equestrian (USEF) and the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) are excited to announce the launch of an additional USEF/USPEA National Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence (COE). The USEF Selection Committee carefully scrutinized the application and upheld the highest standards upon recommending the following facility to be named with this prestigious COE title.
Therapeutic Riding, Inc. – Ann Arbor, MI
http://www.therapeuticridinginc.org/
Contact: Jan Vescelius, jan@therapeuticridinginc.org
Therapeutic Riding, Inc. will join the network of previously named COEs as listed below:
Healing Strides of VA – Boones Mill, VA
http://www.healingstridesofva.org/
Contact: Carol Young, carol@healingstridesofva.org
Wheatland Farm Equestrian Center – Purcellville, VA
https://www.wheatlandfarm.org/
Contact: Muriel Forrest, amurielforrest@gmail.com
Carlisle Academy – Lyman, ME
http://carlisleacademymaine.com/
Contact: Sarah Armentrout, sarmentrout@carlisleacademy.com
Ride On Therapeutic Riding Center, Chatsworth, CA
http://www.rideon.org/
Contact: Megan McQueeney, jrsporthorses@gmail.com
North Texas Equestrian Center (NTEC), Wylie, TX
https://ntecdfw.com/
Contact: Kai Handt, Kaihandt@yahoo.com
As each COE is unique in their own structure, they may have opportunities independent of other COEs. The USEF and USPEA is committed to working with each COE to build plans that complement their individual strengths and opportunities. These regional hubs of excellence will not only attract new athletes to the sport of para-equestrian dressage, but also work in partnership with the USEF High Performance Programs to develop athletes to a level where they can represent the U.S. at the International and Paralympic Games level and ultimately win medals.
Another vital role that COEs will play is that of attracting trainers to the sport of para-equestrian dressage and helping them develop and understand the sport. The COEs will be the primary hubs for delivering the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage High Performance Programs and Para educational symposiums.
We also hope that COEs will be able to further develop their links with the therapeutic riding community, thus providing exposure to the competition opportunities should that be of interest to riders.
For more information on the COE programs please contact USEF Director, Dressage Performance & Event Support / COE Coordinator, Para-Equestrian, Laura Roberts at 859-225-6986 or lroberts@usef.org.
The USPEA remains the driving force of Para-Dressage by providing education and opportunities for those wishing to enter Para-Equestrian sports. For more information on getting started with Para-Equestrian please visit www.uspea.org or contact USPEA President, Hope Hand at wheeler966@aol.com. |