By: Lindsay Y. McCall    

Lyman, Maine - September 15, 2015 - Para-Equestrian Dressage riders enjoyed the Carlisle Academy's Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp August 25-28, 2015, with 5* Olympic and Paralympic Judge Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland and International Para-Dressage Coach Clive Milkins. Following the camp  Clive Milkins, Trainer-in-Residence at Carlisle Academy, conducted a three day Para-Dressage clinic, September 1-3.

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. Experienced international para-equestrian clinicians, therapists, and coaches with their riders gathered for training and education primarily focused on para-dressage.  Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) developed these hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition. 

5* Olympic and Paralympic Judge Hanneke Gerritsen from Holland works with a developing rider at the arlisle Academy's Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp August 25-28, 2015, in Lyman, Maine.

Hanneke Gerritsen and Clive Milkins each taught daily mounted lessons to both riders and coaches and offered  their particular areas of expertise in several presentations including a musical freestyle primer, athlete development plan, and adaptive equipment information.   Additional workshops and lectures featured New FEI Classification Rules, Introduction to Para-Dressage Competition, Video Review of Para-Dressage Tests, and a Coaches' Forum. Hope Hand of the USPEA shared information on the emerging para-equestrian disciplines as well as regional and national competitive opportunities within the U.S. The Unites States Equestrian Team Foundation also participated hosting the "Ride to Rio"  Banquet Dinner, on Wednesday, Aug 26, at the Nonantum Resort, where Bonnie Jenkins and Sara Ike of USET joined Keynote Speaker Tina Wentz in sharing the inspiration behind the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge Fund.

Following the camp was the three day Para-Dressage clinic with Clive Milkins, Trainer-

Clive Milkins teaching at a U.S. Para-Dressage clinic. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

in-Residence at Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine. This was the first of many solo clinics in Maine that Milkins will be conducting. Carlisle Academy has recently completed the international work visa process so that Clive may be on site several months out of the year. He is also available for off-site clinics under the Academy's sponsorship in 2016. Throughout these solo clinics, coaches of athletes are encouraged to attend in order to collaborate on training approaches and strategies for para-equestrians as well as use of adaptive equipment. Clive Milkins is a talented international para-dressage coach with 25 years of experience coaching para-equestrians as well as able-bodied riders in dressage and jumping. Milkins was the personal trainer of Sophie Christiansen, Great Britain's triple gold medal winning rider at three Paralympics, and has coached several other para-equestrians competing at the international level.
 
Marci Bender,  Equestrian Programs Manager The National Ability Center, attended the Camp as a Coach. She noted, " The Para Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp at the Carlisle Academy was a wonderful experience from start to finish. As a coach of a developing rider, I enjoyed the opportunity to network with other coaches and their riders, as well as gain valuable feedback on how to better prepare horses for my rider.  Working with Hanneke and Clive was invaluable.  They each bring a unique perspective to rider development and have a genuine interest in helping each person learn and grow. I appreciate the holistic approach of this camp, addressing needs of the rider not only on horseback, but also with comprehensive physical and occupational therapy assessments.  Many thanks to the entire team at Carlisle Academy for facilitating a wonderful experience."

Equestrians and coaches both developing and experienced took part in the clinic. 2014 World Equestrian Games athlete Annie Peavy used the opportunity to work with one of the best in the para-dressage world. She explained, "I had such a good experience at Carlisle Academy, The facility is so friendly and well run. I am glad I had the opportunity to be there and clinic with Clive Milkins. He offered valuable training tips,  made me feel comfortable in asking questions, and helped me with my horse Ozzy Cooper."

Clive Milkins is looking forward to additional clinics he commented, "I am delighted to be taking on this new position at Carlisle Academy, where they integrate both equine therapy and sports. Para-equestrian sport has its roots in therapeutic riding, and I am thrilled to be involved in such an exciting new challenge. The future is bright."