American Dressage News

Young Rider European Program Postponed Due to FMD Uncertainties in Europe

LINCOLN, NE -- Due to the ongoing crisis in Europe with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and the uncertainty of what the summer may bring, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and The Dressage Foundation (TDF) have announced the postponement of their joint Young Rider European Training and Education program for 2001. The summer program designed to broaden the understanding and experience of advanced young dressage riders planned to take a small group to stables and competitions in Germany and Holland. Assuming all animal health issues are resolved within the year, the program will resume in the summer of 2002.

Although Foot & Mouth Disease does not effect horses or humans, both can be carriers of the highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, hogs, deer and other animals with cloven hooves. Access to farms in affected areas can be restricted or denied and extreme precautions, including laundering of all clothing and disinfecting of shoes and vehicles, must be taken when going from farm to farm. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations for those returning to a U.S. farm from farms in affected areas are unwieldy for those on a short tour.

"With FEI competitions being cancelled in several countries and the continuing spread of this disease into Europe, the committee voted to err on the side of caution in postponing the program for one year," said John Boomer, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation, which funds the program. "The possibility of the educational value of this experience being compromised by lack of easy access to training stables, or having to cancel the trip at the last minute after donor funds had been spent helped the committee make this hard decision."

Plans will proceed for the 2002 program, with dates being announced by the end of the year. Because riders who turn 22 this year will have missed the opportunity to participate in the 2001 trip, the committee will look at including such riders as candidates next year. For more information about this program and other programs of USDF and TDF, visit their websites at www.usdf.org and www.dressagefoundation.org.