Below are four webinars intended for coaches and athletes as a basis of Para-Equestrian Sport education, provided on behalf of the USEF/USPEA International Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence. This is ideal for:
- Athletes with a permanent, measurable disability considering a para-equestrian sport track.
- Veterans meeting eligibility criteria who can access VA training allowances and ongoing support within the sport pipeline.
- PATH, International Instructors seeking competitive equestrian sport options for riders/drivers with disabilities.
- Dressage and Driving Coaches who want to support para-equestrian athletes through coach education.
- Directors and Practitioners at PATH Centers, Adaptive Sport Clubs and Veterans Service organizations who want to learn more about these sports.
Each video has a POWER POINT link that is intended as a Companion Document for each presentation, and it contains all of the hyperlinks to the downloadable course material.
This material is offered free of charge thanks to the generous funding support of the Department of Veterans Affairs through an Adaptive Sport Grant, awarded to Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, and was done in partnership with United States Equestrian Federation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. The primary aim is to provide an introductory para-equestrian learning curriculum, while raising awareness about the Paralympic equestrian sport initiative for veterans.
Paralympic Equestrian Sport Initiative for Veterans
Disclaimer: This program is funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Introduction to Para-Equestrian Dressage
Download the “Introduction to Para-Equestrian Dressage” Companion Power Point document.
Introduction to Para-Equestrian Driving
Download the “Introduction to Para-Equestrian Driving” Companion Power Point document.
Understanding Para-Equestrian Classifications
Download “Understanding Para-Equestrian Classification” Companion Power Point document.
Understanding Impairments in Para-Equestrian Sports (no audio)
Download “Understanding Impairments in Para-Equestrian Sports” Power Point document.
Special recognition for these webinar presenters and contributors:
Michel Assouline, USEF Para-Dressage Coach Development Director
Joann Benjamin PT, HPCS, FEI Classifier
Will Connell, USEF Sport Director
J.H. Gerritsen, 5* FEI Paralympic Dressage Judge
Hope Hand, USPEA President
Laureen Johnson, USEF Para-Equestrian Discipline Director
Diane Kastama, President, Driving for the Disabled Association
Scott Monroe, Combined Driving Judge and TD, Level 2 PATH Intl. Driving Instructor
Kerri Sowers, PT, DPT, NCS, FEI Classifier
Tina Wentz, PT, FEI Classifier
Produced and Narrated by:
Sarah Armentrout, Head of School, Carlisle Academy
Resources:
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA)
United States Driving for the Disabled (USDFD)
U.S. Para Equestrian Association: Para Dressage 101, How to Get Started in Para Dressage
How Paralympics Differs from Special Olympics*
Para-Dressage Athletic Eligibility & Requirements for VA Funding
Para-Driving Athletic Eligibility & Requirements for VA Funding
Paralympic Equestrian Sport Initiative for Veterans
US Equestrian’s Pathway to Para-Equestrian Dressage
Living Letters Demo:
Here is para-equestrian Suzanne Ament, a grade 4 athlete with visual impairment, demonstrating riding a dressage pattern with “living letters”, one of the para-dressage compensating aids.