American Dressage News

Four Advanced Young Riders Selected for European Program

LINCOLN, NE -- Four advanced young dressage riders have been selected for the 2000 Young Rider European Training/Education Program, organized by The Dressage Foundation and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). From the 37 applications received, an independent selection committee chose Jennifer Roth (OH), Ryan Hites (WA), Kate Poulin (FL) and Kristin Wasemiller (OK) to make the inaugural trip. Heather Oleson (OR) and Amy Gimbel (NJ) are the first and second alternates, respectively. 

Through generous support of The Dressage Foundation, the group will be traveling to Germany on August 17 to observe the training of Jean Bemelmans, a top Germany's trainer and Grand Prix coach. They will then travel to Holland to Judy deWinter's Dressage Stables, where they will observe a variety of horses in training at various levels. The group will then attend the European Young Rider Championships in Hartpury, England, to see their peers in action, returning home on August 26. 

While traveling, the young riders will record their observations in writing and photos for daily uploading to a special website developed just for the trip. Access to the website will be through the USDF (www.usdf.org) and The Dressage Foundation (www.dressagefoundation.org) websites, allowing riders worldwide to also learn from a virtual journey. 

"The extremely dedicated and conscientious independent selection committee was very impressed with the quality of the candidates," stated John Boomer, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation. "They had a very hard job narrowing the candidates down to just four. However, basing their decisions on essays, competition scores, reccommendations and commitment, the committee has selected a wonderful group of young riders representing all corners of this country." 

"This is the program's trial year," Boomer continued. "What we learn from this first year will help The Dressage Foundation expand the program to allow a larger group of juniors and young riders to experience some of the best upper level training in Europe in future years." 

Image Copyrighted: Mary Phelps (featuring Kirstin Wasemiller)