Bedford, NY
– Open to all ages and all disciplines of riding, with presentations from experts on subjects that affect horses, their training, and their health, the 16
th
annual Dressage4Kids’ Weekend Equestrian Program is scheduled for
January 27- 28, 2018
at
Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, CT.
New this year, for those who would like to volunteer at shows, there is a great oportunity to attend a
NEDA Volunteer Workshop,
which offers training and insights into the various all-important jobs that volunteeers undertake – such as being scribes, stewards or scorers. Remember, without the volunteers many of the competitions could not take place, so anyone interested should plan to attend -
you really ARE needed to keep our equine sports alive!
Saturday also sees a return of Lendon Gray’s
Intructors/Trainers Track
, which is an invaluable tool for professionals to exchange ideas and gather new insights into the best ways to help their students. As part of this track, those interested in teaching or who are perhaps already teaching, but want to improve their skills, are invited to attend the
USDF Instructors Workshop
. These USDF workshops are designed to educate dressage riders of all levels. They also provide an opportunity for dressage riders to learn about classical theories of riding, training, teaching, lungeing of the horse, and lungeing the rider. Workshop leaders Sarah Geikie, Ann Guptill, and Vicki Hammers-O'Neil will present various topics during the day that cover subjects important to those seeking to improve their skills.
Attendance at this workshop will be applicable to future workshops for certification
.
Also all-day on Saturday, January 27, USEF “S” Judge Margaret Freeman will explain and discuss the
new
Eventing Tests for 2018
– this is a not-to-be-missed seminar for anyone who will be competing next year. There will be additional Eventing presentations on Sunday.
On Sunday, January 28, the annual
Judges Forum
will be led by Margaret Freeman. As in past years, this provides a great chance to discuss and observe finer points of judging and allocating correct marks.
The Judges Forum is USDF accredited and counts towards continuing education requirements for USDF L Graduates
.
A new track on BOTH days –
Kick up Your Knowledge
–
HORSES 101
will cover many important basics of horse care and riding. A presentation, followed by a practical session, will be included in each segment. This is ideal for anyone wishing to brush up on important updates on horse care. Subjects will range from
; Can you ID your Horse?; How your Horse Sees and Safety Impacts; Vital Signs; Water and Dehydration; Hoof Care; Grooming; Pasture Management; Helpful Hints on Buying/Selling Horses; Conformation; Digestion; Hay Quality; and others.
Sessions of
Yoga and Meditation
are really helpful for riders, and a fun way to improve is ‘
Riding the Tests
–
on YOUR feet’.
This will offer both advice and judging of each test on both days. So challenge yourself – you can try several times!
The Weekend Equestrian Program draws horse people from many states, along with colleges and Pony Club groups. It’s a great way for horse lovers of all ages and skill levels to spend a winter weekend gaining knowledge from experts and professionals – all under one roof.
Check the website to see the list of
speakers
,
schedule
and how to take advantage of the
early registration discount
at
www.dressage4kids.org
.
For further help or information, contact Susan Sieber, Event Coordinator, at
[email protected]
or at (203) 223-4261.
