I thought this was interesting...please get the word out for this girl!



http://www.dressagedaily.com/2008/dd_20081...114-bergay.html

I hope she finds the right horse. I was scribing during the NAJYRC and saw her ride multiple times. Her current horse is LOVELY. To compete well at WEG it will require a FABULOUS horse.

And while we are at it, we need more riders who qualify for the paradressage. It is a great program.


Para dressage riders
The Paralympics offer two classes that riders can compete in – individual and freestyle. The tests vary according to the grade of the rider’s physical impairment. There are four grades, each with its own list of physical disabilities:

Grade I : riders with severe disabilities, such as spinal injury or locomotor conditions, including multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Grade II: includes Grade I riders and amputees with reasonable balance and the ability to control their abdominal muscles. This grade is the largest both nationally and internationally, making it highly competitive, with the top riders including lateral work and flying changes into their freestyle programmes.

Grade III: riders from Grades I and II, and also competitors who are totally blind but maintain control of their legs and have good balance and coordination.

Grade IV: includes previous grades, plus riders with impaired limb control or vision.



Disability, not inability
Para Dressage riders are like any other world-class athlete, and deserve our admiration and respect. They are determined and committed to their sport, and overcome enormous physical and mental obstacles to compete against the best in their field (disabled and able bodied)


Ping me if you know someone who might qualify and be interested.

MaryJo

 CopperView_024.jpg ( 99.94K ) Number of downloads: 0


I only wish that Dawn was 3 years older. Holly is exactly what we are looking for in an owner for our filly. What a inspiration she is in her horsemanship.

copper

The grade 4 is equivalent to 3rd level. Half passes at trot and canter. Flying changes. Fabulous gaits will be required to get sufficient scores.

So, keep your eyes open.

Also encourage any you know who could be potential competitors. The training sessions are starting now.

MaryJo

What a cool story, I hope she finds a good mount. My instructor has a 4 th level gelding but she has him leased through next year to her neice and he's 17 hands. Shade is too big also! Maybe Patience can part with Ricky for alittle while!

There will be a need for a great many horses to be loaned for WEG for the Para Dressage.

There were 48 nations at the Para Dressage World Championships in England last year. Most of the Asian countries do not ship in their horses so suitable mounts must be provided. Most of these riders are petite. So, in my humble opinion Arabians and Half Arabians that can go in a nice 'frame' in a double bridle with two whips (for the Grade 1 a and b, would be GREAT to have available for our visiting nations.

For WEG for these Grade 1 a and b horses, they only need to be available for 2 to 3 weeks. And they will have the best of care.

One of my trainers, Sharon Schneidman, is co-Chef d'equipe for the US Para Dressage team (along with Missy Ransehausen who was Grant and Sharon's former working student a million years ago).

Keep this in mind folks. I KNOW there are a bunch of wonderful, trustworthy, great moving Arabians and Half Arabians that could step up to the challenge of caring for these Para Dressage riders and get great scores doing it.

Sorry to get emotional folks.

I just have found such a respect and a passion for these riders.

One of our team that represented the US at the Olympics this year was at our barn several times trying out a horse.

Wheeled out to the arena in his wheel chair. Pulled himself up to his feet using the stirrups and saddle (while this wonderful horse stood at attention). We helped him up. Off he rode with a freedom that he only has on a horse. Oh my goodness how it humbled me.

I feel bad because my knees hurt really bad sometimes. But I can WALK to my horse's stall or paddock. Tack him up myself. These riders need assistance. But when they are up on their horses, the confines of this world are gone.

Here is a link to pictures of the Para dressage competitions:

http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Para-Equest...to_Gallery.aspx


If you go to the link for the GOLD RUSH, the second picture is of the German rider who has no arms so one set of reins is in her teeth. The other is attached to her stirrups.

After my daughter goes to college next year I could loan out her gelding. He's just starting 2nd level but he's as quiet and patient as they come. She broke him when she was just 15 and he takes everything in stride. Riding is hard enough when your body is cooperative, it's amazing what these riders can accomplish!