June 19, 2013 –To support the growth of Para-Equestrian sport in this country, HorseShow.com has partnered with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) to offer all-new online “Ride-A-Test Evaluations” utilizing the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Tests. The online format of this clinic provides a unique opportunity for riders from anywhere in the country to have easy access to an expert’s evaluation of their dressage skills and be better prepared for their next “live” competition.

Para-Equestrians can simply make and upload a video of themselves and their horses practicing one of the FEI tests from their home arena. Nationally recognized clinician and USEF “S” Dressage Judge/FEI 3* Para-Equestrian Judge Kristi Wysocki will review each video and complete a virtual scorecard, including marks and comments for each movement along with the final score, as well as overall feedback about the riders’ performances and how they can improve their scores for the next test. Best of all, as part of HorseShow.com’s commitment to support Para-Equestrian sport, entry to the exclusive online USPEA Ride-A-Test Evaluations is free.

Dressage coaches and judges from around the world recently gathered at the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports facility in Lyman, Maine, for four days of intense training and education as part of the 2013 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium, May 29-June 1.

During this clinic (the first of a series scheduled to be held across the U.S. in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak) riders representing a wide variety of age and experience–from Grade 1a to Grade IV–had the opportunity to work with and learn from clinicians such as FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen of Holland, gold medal Great Britain Paralympic coach Clive Milkins, and international dressage rider Catherine Haddad Staller.

Joining this impressive roster of experts to give lessons and speak to attendees was HorseShow.com’s Gil Merrick, former USEF High Performance Dressage Director as well as a renowned trainer and lecturer; also in attendance to support this new educational effort was Anne Margaret Meyers, Business Development Manager for HorseShow.com. 

As quoted in an official USPEA press release, Merrick explained that he enjoyed working with each rider and learning more about the Para-Dressage sport. “I have learned so much about this sport…I also felt the symposium allowed for all of the participants, friends, family, owners, auditors and the clinicians to be able to spend four days as a community all committed to education. There is so much room for growth within the U.S. in this country and through the Para-Equestrian movement.”