The Championship show is a wrap, and it was a huge success, except for the wind, which knocked nuts/acorns onto the bleachers and roof of the indoor and upset a few of the horses. Other than that, a very good day. Congratulations to all the riders for successfully competing!
Next up – Year-End Awards! Results from shows from November 1, 2023 through October 31 of this year count, and applications are due by November 15. Be sure to include all the required forms and information, and if you don’t have enough volunteer hours, you can purchase hours through the Volunteer Buyout program. See the tab “Awards” on the website for all the information.
We still have one activity left this year, the annual Turkey Trot on Sunday November 17, at the Horse Park of New Jersey and the adjacent Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. It’s a wonderfully fun activity so don’t miss it.
Save the Date: Sunday February 23, for the annual Awards Banquet at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ. Look for more information as we get closer.
I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather with less bugs, less sweat, but more clothes. Be kind to your horse and make sure you enjoy the companionship all horses provide with whatever your preference – showing, trail riding, walking, hand grazing, grooming, patting, or just plain gazing at them.
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (We helped get better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT??
Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2024. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share? Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOUR FOR EACH STORY!
Milestone
Please Contact this newsletter if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
e-mail: newsletter@esdcta.org
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Heidi Lemack membership@esdcta.org
2024 ADVERTISING RATES
Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org
Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format You will receive an invoice for ad via email.
Send Payment to: Betty Adduci
102 Patricia Ct, Middle Grove NY 12850
Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
Amateur Dilemma
By Meredith Rogers
I read this article for work about how to acquire the grit to succeed in the business world. It really resonated with me and how it relates to my riding, so I thought I would share here.
11 Signs You Have the Grit You Need to Succeed - TalentSmartEQEmotional Intelligence Training (https://www.talentsmarteq.com/11-signs-you-have-the-grit-you-need-tosucceed/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sendgrid)
Below is a summary and my interpretation on how it relates to horses.
1. You need to be comfortable with failure. A survey of successful people found that they didn’t think about failure and they also didn’t care what people thought of them. When we trot up centerline we are asking for someone to judge us, but we should be using the judge’s comments to help us improve, especially if the test doesn’t go as planned. The best learning comes from making mistakes.
2. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Riding is hard. Sometimes it feels like we’re never going to “get it”. That’s when we need to double down and keep trying. Pushing through a roadblock is the only way to improve.
3. Just do it even if you don’t want to or are afraid to. Don’t let a looming challenge paralyze you. A clinician you’ve always wanted to ride with is coming to town but you’re nervous to participate, sign up anyway. Try raising the fence just two inches and then when you’re comfortable with that, then another two inches and eventually you’ll move up a whole division. Don’t rest on your laurels for too long.
4. Keep your emotions in check. The judge’s comments are not personal. It’s just a horse show even if it’s Championships. While an overly bad mood can cause you to lash out or make a bad decision, an overly good mood can also be detrimental by making you overconfident and impulsive. Never ever take out your aggressions/ anger/fear/disappointment on your horse!
5. Trust your gut. That doesn’t mean you make rash decisions, but when an answer isn’t obvious, take what you know and go with what feels right. Looking at two horses for sale that sound identical on paper, choose the one that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
6. Give more than you get in return. Basically, it means don’t take short-cuts. Don’t forego instant gratification for doing things the right way, which may initially take more work but will actually get you where you want to be faster. Dressage has levels for a reason. Although you can skip showing at a lower level before moving up, you
can’t skip learning the prerequisite skills of the lower level. Have patience in the process and in yourself.
7. Keep on keeping on, especially when others around you have doubts. That doesn’t mean don’t listen to your trainer, but it does mean to have faith in yourself and your horse.
8. Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’ll do it. Take care of your horse how your horse needs to be taken care of. If you say you’re going to help a barnmate prep for a show, do it, even if they’re in the same class as you.
9. Focus on the details. Riding and owning horses is all about the little things. A tiny shift in weight can get you a flying change. Being too distracted to latch the gait can have dire consequences. Even if you do the same thing day-in-day-out, do it with purpose.
10. Follow the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. You can’t control people who are rude or mean to you, but you can be the bigger person. And, don’t let people’s negativity infect you.
11. You’re accountable for you. That means you apologize when you’re in the wrong and don’t make excuses for not doing the right thing. Your horse doesn’t understand pretexts. If you don’t ice his legs after a hard ride, that’s on you, not him. If you borrowed some piece of equipment from a friend and forgot to return it, own up. It’s all about integrity.
News from Outside the Ring
A Sad Day for NJ Harness Racing and the Horse Industry As a Whole Freehold Raceway has been an institution in NJ for 170 years. It is the oldest horse racing track in the country. It started in the 1830s and attracted contenders from near and far. The track is co-owned by Penn National Gaming and Greenwood Racing. The track survived a fire in 1984 that destroyed the main building, but on December 28, the last race will be held there. Dwindling attendance is to blame. What this means for NJ Standardbreds? Well, it’s not good. As horse owner and trainer Maggie Romano put it, “Where are we going to go? …You know, some of the horses are in the lower classes, and there’s nowhere for us to race. So, some have to be sold.” If you’re in the market for a project, be on the lookout for these horses at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (https://www.adoptahorse.org/). And, let’s not forget that there’s going to be numerous racetrack employees who will be out of a job during the holiday season. In addition, there’s now little incentive for standardbred farms to be located in NJ, which may lead to a sell-off of beautiful open space. Sad news indeed.
As Mr. Rogers said “Look for the Helpers”
The hurricanes that hit the south were truly horrible and the clean-up will be ongoing for quite a while. But, both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton could have been a lot worse if not for the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. They provided shelter for more than 1,200 horses before Helene hit and 2,400 horses in anticipation of Milton. They also housed local residents, power company linemen, and first responders. This is not the first time they’ve opened their doors for free to their community. They filled to capacity with evacuees from Hurricane Idalia in August 2023 and Ian in September 2022.
Bits on Bits
Horse welfare is paramount so it’s always seemed to a lot of people that the FEI’s long-standing rule making double bridles mandatory was counterproductive. On October 17 (ahead of the FEI General Assembly meeting this month), the FEI’s Dressage Technical Committee offered the possibility of using a snaffle in experimental Grand Prix classes. The FEI will use these classes as research before making any final decisions. Because the FEI views double bridles as a “sport” issue and not a “welfare issue,” any actual rule change cannot be made until 2026. If you want to see this or any of the most recent proposals see: 16.2_GA 24_Dressage Rules Modifications.pdf (fei.org).
The bit about snaffles is on pages 17-18 and it’s actually an interesting read since it gives the arguments for and against this change.
Thank the Judge – They Earned It!
By Paige Zimmerman
With the recent completion of Part I of the ‘r’ judge program at the Region 1 Dressage Championships in Lexington VA (put on by LVDA and ESDCTA) this is a fantastic time to discuss the process of judge development and education. In the US, we have a system that brings judges up the levels of their education, similar to how riders move up the levels in dressage. Each level is a stepping stone to the next, and each level brings more opportunities for judges to participate in higher-profile events, judge higher levels, and more. I’ve written up a very condensed version of the judging program below. For more information, please visit the USDF and USEF website for all the rules if you’re curious on what it takes to become a judge.
The levels of judging are as follows: L, r (“small r”), R (“large r”), and S. You may notice these letters next to the judges’ names at any show you attend. L judges are licensed to judge ONLY at schooling shows, not at recognized shows. L judges can also graduate “with distinction”, which means that they passed their program and also passed the benchmark to be considered a candidate for moving to the next level of judging. L judges with distinction are denoted by ‘L*’ (take note of the asterisk). Only L judges who have graduated with distinction can move on to the ‘r’ program; ‘r’ judges, known as “small r” judges, can judge at USDF recognized shows. However, they can only judge through 2nd level. ‘R’ judges, also known as “large r” judges, can judge at USDF/USEF recognized shows through 4th level. Lastly, ‘S’ judges are the highest level of judges that the US offers. ‘S’ judges are trained to judge through the Grand Prix level at USDF/USEF recognized shows.
Please note that for our ESDCTA-recognized schooling shows (all schooling shows that appear on our online calendar/ omnibus), there are specific judge requirements. At ESDCTA-recognized schooling shows, L judges can judge through 4th Level. L*, r, R, and S judges can all judge through GP at ESDCTA-recognized schooling shows. Keep this in mind for Year-End Awards submissions! If you have a schooling show score above 4th Level by an L judge NOT with distinction, that will NOT count towards awards, since technically the judge was not eligible to officiate your test. Typically, shows are careful to only schedule classes with judges that are eligible to judge them, so this is not often an issue. Please reach out to awards@esdcta.org if you have any questions.
Now, I want to head back to square one and dive deeper into the judging programs. As mentioned before, the first step into the world of judging is the “L Program”. This
program is divided into two parts. Part 1 is open to all USDF Members. This is the foundation of the L program and thus the foundation of all judging in the US. The USDF website describes the aspects of the L Program Part 1 as follows: “Session A is an introduction to judging and biomechanics. Session B is about judging criteria for gaits, movements and figures. Session C is about collective marks, equitation, rider biomechanics and basics.” Regarding Part 1 of the L Program, ‘r’ judge candidate Nicole DelGiorno recommends that every rider should try to attend the educational sessions and participate. The educational opportunity is fantastic, and it’s almost a cheat sheet on how to improve your own rides at shows!
Part 2 of the L Program is only available to riders who want to be officiated as an L judge. To participate in Part 2, there are score requirements. An ‘L candidate’ must have earned 2 scores of 65% or higher at Second Level Test 3 and 1 score of 62% or higher at Third Level or above. Additionally, when the program organizer is accepting candidates into Part 2, 5 of the 10 candidates who are offered spots in the program have to have the riding scores that would allow them to enter the r program (meaning higher level scores). Part 2 of the L Program has two sessions: Session D1, and Session D2. The USDF website states that: “Session D1 involves practice judging full tests in each of the levels at a recognized competition or in a classroom setting. Session D2 is similar to the D1 Session but with more emphasis on the testing situation and prepares candidates for the final exam. The Final Exam is comprised of both a written and practical exam.”
Once a judge has graduated from the L program with distinction, they can participate in the r program to begin officiating at USDF/USEF recognized shows. There are score requirements to participate: a candidate must have 5 scores of 65% or higher from 4 different judges at 4th Level Test 3 or above. Part 1 of the r program includes online training and quizzes, in-person classroom sessions, and practice judging. Then upon completion of Part 1, amongst other requirements such as attending a national-level dressage judges clinic, an r candidate must also do an apprenticeship with an approved judge before their final examination. Once they’ve completed the final examination and passed, they are officially an ‘r’ judge and can officiate at USDF/USEF shows through 2nd level!
To continue onto the R program, a candidate must have earned 5 scores of 65% or higher from 4 different judges at Prix St. Georges or above. There are a few additional requirements on top of the score requirements. At this point, the R candidate must have some experience judging at shows and officiating classes: they must have judged a total of 40 Second Level Test 3 rides within the past five competition years. They must also attend a national-level dressage judges clinic. The R program also has a Part I and a Part II, which consists of classroom training, online training, practice judging,
and a final examination. R candidates must also apprentice under a more experienced judge, just as r judges do. R candidates also need to sit as an observer in the judges box for 3rd and 4th Level tests, and they are encouraged to watch as many Prix St. Georges tests as possible.
Lastly, we come to the S Program. At this point, the candidate has shown through the Grand Prix, and is now ready to judge it! S candidates must have judged at least 40 4th Level Test 3 rides within the last 5 competition years, and they also must have earned 5 scores of 60% or higher from 4 different judges at the Intermediate A, B or II, Grand Prix, or Grand Prix Special level (3 of which must be at the Grand Prix). S candidates, like R candidates, must participate in online and in-person training, and do some practice judging. They must also attend a national-level dressage judges clinic, observe tests, and complete an apprenticeship. At this point, after all those years of work, an ‘S’ judge is born!
After reading about all the requirements (all of which aren’t even listed here), I certainly have much more respect and appreciation for our judges. They have worked hard and spent a lot of time educating themselves to get to where they are. I am very glad that LVDA and ESDCTA are helping to sponsor these educational programs and provide opportunities for judges to move up the levels. Educated judges are a building block to keeping the sport we all love healthy. So, next time you’re at a show, thank the judge!!
Current State of Musical Freestyles by the Numbers
By Meredith Rogers
With the USDF Finals happening right now, I thought it would be good to take a closer look at what it takes to qualify with respect to musical freestyles. It is hard to image that before October 1980 there were no musical freestyles, but that’s when legendary British Olympian, Jennie Loriston-Clarke first collaborated with Gaynor Colbourn, a classical and session musician, and composer. Colbourn played keyboards live to match the riding of Loriston-Clarke as part of a dressage showcase at Wellington Riding, Heckfield, UK, that also featured a pas de deux comprised of Jeremy Michaels and his student, Neirede Goodman, the co-owner of Wellington Riding. In 1996, the musical freestyle (or Kür) made its Olympic debut, where Isabell Werth won her only Olympic individual gold medal to date, and the rest is history. However, in its early days, there was a lot of pushback, with people saying that riding to music will diminish the technical aspects of dressage, while proponents thought it would make dressage more accessible. Today, it is safe to say that no one can deny that when a freestyle is done well, it is truly like a dance between horse and rider, and a joy to watch.
The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) supports freestyles from Training level through Fourth level. The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) governs Prix St. George and above, although they only have freestyles for Intermediate 1 and Grand Prix. The USDF and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which is the actual governing body, has tweaked the rules for performing musical freestyles over the years. The first significant rule change that caused a lot of controversy was in 2018, when the minimum score required to qualify to compete in a freestyle at a given level was raised from 60% to 63%. The rationale for that change was voiced by a USDF press release which stated, “…the 60 percent prerequisite score no longer shows proficiency at the declared level and a prerequisite score of 63 percent would raise the overall quality of freestyle tests throughout the country.” The USDF admitted that this change would affect 9% of competitors at all levels (Training through Grand Prix), and would unfairly target certain groups, such as poor, rural clubs. However, it was argued that instead of lowering standards, increased education should be the goal so that riders were capable of achieving the higher score.
A recent rule change also raises a qualifying score for freestyles from first through fourth. Starting in 2023, the wild card score need at a Regional Championship (“Regionals”) to qualify for US Finals was increased from 68% to 70%. The
requirements for a horse/rider combination who competed at Regionals to receive an invitation to compete at US Finals in the national levels (first through fourth) are currently as follows:
• Earning Championship or Reserve Championship (or coming in first or second in your division [Open, AA, Junior/Youth] if classes are combined) or
• Earning a wild card score of 70% or
• If those riders who qualify using the above criteria decline, invitations will be extended down to the horse/rider combinations who ranked through fifth place, regardless of their score, in order of their placing (eg, if the Reserve Champion decides not to go to Finals, the third place finisher will be invited even if their score is under 70%; if they decline, then the fourth place finisher will be invited, and so on).
This is just a summary, so please check out the USDF Finals Prize List for full details: https://usdf.org/usdressagefinals/
Unlike the previous qualifying score change, this one was not associated with as much brouhaha. Supposedly the change was made for a similar reason as the previous qualifying score increase – to raise the bar on freestyles. To determine whether this most recent change had an effect on participation and freestyle quality at US Finals, this analysis assessed the number of entrants affected, as well as the differences in scores before and after the rule change. The adult amateur division was selected for analysis because, it has been expressed that the rule disproportionally affects amateurs. The results for the 2022 and 2023 US Finals were accessible on (www.HorseShowOffice.com) and the scores and placings from Regionals of those horse/rider combinations who competed at US Finals were downloaded from USDF Scores (www.USDFScores.com). Due to the small sample sizes, all presented statistics are best estimates.
The first question was whether the increased wild card score had an effect on the number of participants at the 2023 US Finals. As seen in Table 1, there was no clear trend in the number of participants over the years where data were available. There was a spike in entrants in 2021, but that most likely was because there were no USDF Finals in 2020 due to COVID-19 and those who qualified that year were automatically invited to the 2021 competition. However, assuming all horse/rider combinations who qualified under the current criteria accepted the invite to US Finals in 2023, 9% of those who actually competed would have been excluded because although they met past criteria, they did not meet current criteria (Table 2).
Interestingly, 24% of horse/rider combinations who competed at US Finals in 2022 did not achieve a wildcard score of at least 68% at Regionals and would have been
had been accepted. In 2023, those who did not meet either past or current criteria, generally placed lower in their respec�ve classes at US Finals, with the excep�on of one person who did not meet current criteria but placed third and two people who did not meet past criteria but placed fourth. Similarly, in 2022, there was one rider who would not have qualied under the old threshold, but ended up winning their class at US Finals and another who came in third.
excluded if all invitations had been accepted. In 2023, those who did not meet either past or current criteria, generally placed lower in their respective classes at US Finals, with the exception of one person who did not meet current criteria but placed third and two people who did not meet past criteria but placed fourth. Similarly, in 2022, there was one rider who would not have qualified under the old threshold, but ended up winning their class at US Finals and another who came in third.
The second ques�on was whether the increase in qualifying score had an effect on test scores, and thereby the quality of rides, at US Finals. Figure 1 shows that there were no meaningful differences between median scores for the different years either at US Finals or Regionals. The scores may have remained consistent because a number of horse/rider combina�ons showed at the same level both years, and presumably used the same freestyle rou�ne. It will be interes�ng to see if median scores increase in future years since not only did the qualifying score change, but the way the tests are judged has also been adjusted, and people may design freestyles with that in mind.
The second question was whether the increase in qualifying score had an effect on test scores, and thereby the quality of rides, at US Finals. Figure 1 shows that there were no meaningful differences between median scores for the different years either at US Finals or Regionals. The scores may have remained consistent because a number of horse/rider combinations showed at the same level both years, and presumably used the same freestyle routine. It will be interesting to see if median scores increase in future years since not only did the qualifying score change, but the way the tests are judged has also been adjusted, and people may design freestyles with that in mind.
Change is difficult. However, if the underlying rationale is sound, change can foster growth not only for individuals but as a collective. Conversely, change can disrupt stability, and has negative consequences if not justified or poorly managed. Will this change decrease participation because people will feel the new threshold is unattainable so why even try, or will needing a higher score encourage people to improve their proficiency? Only time will tell if the increase in qualifying wildcard score from a 68% to a 70% is positive or detrimental to our sport, but so far, the data show that no substantial difference was seen with this change.
Change is difficult. However, if the underlying ra�onale is sound, change can foster growth not only for individuals but as a collec�ve. Conversely, change can disrupt stability, and has nega�ve consequences if not jus�ed or poorly managed. Will this change decrease par�cipa�on because people will feel the new threshold is una�ainable so why even try, or will needing a higher score encourage people to improve their prociency? Only �me will tell if the increase in qualifying wildcard score from a 68% to a 70% is posi�ve or detrimental to our sport, but so far, the data show that no substan�al difference was seen with this change.
Table 1. Number of adult amateur horse/rider combina�ons at USDF nals by level of freestyle*
*USDF Finals was cancelled due to COVID‐19 in 2020.
Table 2. Propor�on of par�cipants in freestyles at the 2023 US Finals who met current (≥70% or Champion or Reserve) or past (≥68% or Champion or Reserve) qualifying criteria at Regionals
*Received invita�ons due to horse/rider combina�ons ranked above them declining to par�cipate but scores were <68%.
Figure 1. Median (95% condence intervals) scores at USDF Finals (A) and at Regionals (B) in 2022 (before the qualifying score increase) and 2023 (a�er the qualifying score increase). P>0.05 mean that the difference in median scores between years is not sta�s�cally signicant.
A. US Finals
2022 2023
2022 2023
Horse Treats
By Meredith Rogers
I don’t know about you, but I celebrate my horse every day. It seems I am not alone. There are festivals dedicated to the horse all over the world. Below is only a handful.
In the village of Litang in the Sichuan province of China is the Litang Horse Festival, generally held during the first week of August. During the festival, Tibetan horses are raced and other skills of horsemanship are tested.
The Jerez Horse Fair in Spain takes place in the beginning of May and dates back more than 500 years when it was a livestock show. There are a variety of events, including fancy dress, polo, high school dressage, carriage competitions, international show jumping, vaulting, flamenco shows, and workshops, as well as bullfights and sherry tastings.
In March is the Dubai International Horse Fair, which is the region’s biggest trade fair and exhibition for leisure and professional riders, owners, stables, and clubs.
County Galway in Ireland has been home to the Ballinasloe International October Fair and Festival that celebrates all things equestrian since 1722. The festival highlights every breed of horse and pony native to Ireland, plus there are dog shows, street stalls, fireworks, tug-o-war, parades, arts & crafts, and other events. It attracts 65,000 visitors each year.
The Verona Horse Fair takes place in November in Verona, Italy. This festival began in 1898 as a simple horse market but now hosts FEI World Cup Showjumping, plus championship Western events, such as cutting and team penning, gymkhana competitions, and other equine spectacles.
Para Dressage Rider Clinic
December 7, 2024|
Unicorn Riding, Pennington, NJ
Join us for a 1-day USEF rider clinic designed for athletes. Dressage coaches are encouraged to attend. Participants will ride a 45- minute private mounted sessions, either as a coach or athlete.
Borrowed horses will be offered at this clinic on a limited, first come basis. Email Erin@unicornriding.com to inquire.
Space is limited. Auditors are welcome.
For more information: Visit https://unicornriding.com/ or email Erin@unicornriding.com
REGISTRATION Is through your USEF membership portal. Sign in, click on athlete dashboard, online applications, 2024 Para Equestrian.
Deadline: November 29, 2024
1-Day Tuition, Athlete
Riding Session - $50 / 1 day
Stabling $30/night payable to Unicorn Riding upon arrival Box lunch included
National Classification Opportunity available December 8.
USEF National Classification request form may be found HERE
FACULTY
Shannon Dueck
Shannon’s complete bio may be found HERE
Shannon has had access to great trainers – from the very beginning with Klaus Albin and Dietrich Von Hopfgarten in Langley,B.C. with her event horses. In her adult life she has had extensive help from Bert Rutten of the Netherlands
Lars Peterson of Denmark, Kathy Connelly, Robert Dover and Steffen Peters of the USA, Hubertus Schmidt and Wolfram Wittig of Germany, and most recently, Carl Hester of Great Britain. She now works at home in Loxahatchee with help from Scott Hassler and will be taking horses to train with Carl Hester in the UK in 2024 with an eye to competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Shannon loves teaching almost as much as riding! She has been teaching since her early days in Pony Club and has formal education in teaching methodology. As the Team Trainer for the Colombian National Dressage Team, she led them to the Bolivarian and Pan American Games. She coached Paralympian Lauren Barwick at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She teaches and trains privately in Wellington Florida and in clinics throughout North America and has been a headliner at The Equine Affair in California and Alberta. Shannon tries to teach not only the technical aspects of dressage training but also the subtle ability to feel and communicate clearly and compassionately with the horses.
Para-Dressage Clinic / Classification Opportunity
By Terry Miller
Excitement is building at Unicorn Riding, Pennington, NJ, especially following the recent success of the US Para-dressage team at the Paris Paralympics. The organization has been recognized as a United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) Para Dressage Center of Excellence (COE), a prestigious designation that aims to develop the sport of para-dressage.
"Para" refers to parallel, not paraplegic, and Hurley explains that riders with different abilities and their horses are as adept and graceful as their nondisabled counterparts. Riders' mobility, strength, and coordination are assessed to assign a competition grade from I (most impaired) to V (least impaired), and they progress from the novice level to intermediate and Grand Prix dressage tests.
Unicorn Riding has been offering adaptive riding since 1988 and has been a fully accredited Center under NARHA (now PATH) since its inception. The purpose of the USEF Para-EquestrianCOEs is to develop the sport of para-dressage by offering training, encouraging participation, supporting athletes, developing high-performance athletes, attracting new riders, and offering coaching clinics.
Erin Hurley, the director of Unicorn, is a licensed Occupational Therapist and a USDF L Graduate with Distinction, and is now in the “r” program after earning the mandatory 4th level scores this summer. Her goals are lofty but achievable: to achieve the rank of Para-Equestrian Dressage Judge, and to take para equestrian riders and horses to the highest levels of international competition.
Erin Hurley and Merlot. Photo credit Michelle Morgenstern Photography
Unicorn Riding is excited to be one of the nine COEs in the country and the only one in New Jersey. To celebrate this milestone, Unicorn is holding a Clinic on December 7, 2024, at its facility, thanks to the funding and support of USEF. The clinic will feature international Grand Prix Dressage rider and trainer Shannon Dueck, who has coaching experience with para-dressage riders and coached an athlete at the Tokyo Olympics.
A para-dressage classification event will follow on December 8.Joanne Benjamin, PT, HPCS, is a Para-Equestrian Classifier for the USEF and the FEI. She has been practicing physical therapy for more than 30 years, specializing in the use of hippotherapy for children and adults, and is Board Certified as a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist. Riders’ medical records are reviewed and a physical examination is performed to establish their competition grade. Compensatory aids, such as use of Velcro strap, are also assigned at classification.
Shannon Dueck.
Diagnoses range from stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, missing limbs, visual impairment, Parkinson’s and more. However, only equestrians with a diagnosed, permanent physical disability with measurable impairments will qualify; several very disabling conditions do not qualify for para-equestrian sports, either because they are difficult to measure or because the symptoms may fluctuate too much. The classification system is always being re-evaluated, with the goal of accurately assessing each person’s abilities to create a fair playing field.
Unicorn student, Terry Miller, admits the path to the Paralympics felt daunting at first. Chronic health conditions affect her mobility, strength, and endurance, and she uses an Alinker walking bike and a power wheelchair as mobility aids. But when Terry is astride Unicorn horse Daisy, her perspective shifts. For her, “Horses harmonize my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When I am riding, I feel capable, joyful, and free.”
Terry Miller and Daisy. Photo credit Suzanne Juzwiak Raschhofer
Recognition as a USEF Para Dressage COE has opened new doors for the non-profit organization and its riders. Unicorn riders are sure to continue to inspire and empower others, as individuals with disabilities, sharing their common passion for horses. The potential is palpable at Unicorn Riding, and the future looks bright for the local and international para-equestrian community.
