The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that a grant has been awarded to the Utah Dressage Society (UDS) from the Michael Poulin Dressage Fund. The Fund’s Selection Committee chose UDS, a Group Member Organization of the United States Dressage Federation, to receive a $2,310 grant for a young rider clinic to be held this fall. The UDS Junior/Young Rider clinic will be held October 12-13, at South Hills Stables in Bluffdale, Utah. The clinician will be Verena Mahin Sonstenes, from Somis, California, who has coached and competed through Grand Prix. For more information about the clinic, contact Carol Kounanis at kounanisce@hotmail.com.
While dressage horses are migrating from Europe, it seems the riders are migrating from the U.S. to Europe …at least for a visit. Shannon Dueck was spotted at Hickstead and in the stable yard at Carl Hester’s in the U.K. Not to be out done, Choice of Champion’s Allyn Maix took her annual trek to Ireland and for the first time ever didn’t come with a new horse (at least that we know of). And dressage trainer Kerensa Muller is returning to her roots in Holland to study “mirroring with horses.” It’s a psychology thing that facilitates horses helping humans uncover emotions and feelings. Deep stuff but with her degree in psychology, Kerensa is psyched!
Colombian, Cesar Torrente, (FEI 3 Star Judge) is heading to Florida to host a two-day Ride A Test clinic. The clinic might not have been possible if it weren’t for the generosity of the Burssens’ of IDA (International Dressage Academy) who donated their covered area for the clinic because it’s just too hot to ride outside in Florida! Patrick and Marisol Burssens are always stepping up when the community needs a friend! Thanks from DQ’s everywhere!
The Dressage Foundation’s Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund, established by Maryal Barnett, has awarded grants to seven individuals to attend the United States Dressage Federation’s Instructor Certification Program. Erin Sweeney (Gordonsville, VA), Bonnie Walker (San Diego, CA), Susan Springsteen (Uwchland, PA), Marilyn Rickman (Sonora, CA), Wendy Rhea (Wilton, CA), Tiffany Bragdell (Colora, MD) and Emme Johnston (Snow Camp, NC) each received a $1,000 grant to further their education as instructors. Congratulations everyone!
Dressage rider and trainer Bethany Peslar has a new superstar in her barn. Her new horse, Donadieu, is gorgeous and Bethany has big plans for this guy’s future. Best of luck Bethany and Donadieu!
Happy 75th birthday to Jean Nix. She is still going strong – and showing! You Show Girl!
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