2001
USDF Annual Convention
27 November - 2 December 2001
Orlando, Florida, USA
2001
USDF Convention's Majestic Kick-off at the Peabody in
Orlando, FL
Year
after year, the United States Dressage Federation pursues
to educate its supporters and members by hosting annual
conventions at the most exotic locations in the United
States. The 2001 edition of the convention has occupied
the majestic Peabody Hotel in Orlando, FL, from November
28 to December 1, 2001. While visitors can enjoy the
delightful 80F Florida weather outside, inside the hotel
the air-conditioning is hardly able to cool down people's
enthusiasm during the educational panel discussions,
mini sessions and board meetings.
The
opening session of the 2001 USDF Annual Convention was
professionally hosted by engineer Brad Thatcher and
Perma-flex footing specialist Jennifer Buchanan. Besides
numerous open and closed council and committee meetings,
the Wednesday programme featured, as highlight of the
first day, the USDF University Educational Mini-Session
with Conrad Schumacher as guest speaker.
The
German horse master Schumacher lectured on the fundamental
importance of having a solid basis in dressage when
training both rider and horse. Schumacher emphasized
that the training of a dressage horse encaptures 8 specific
goals, i.e. to achieve fun, success, soundness, trust,
respect, inner tranquility, obedience and a physically
strong and clever horse.
Schumacher
illustrated his principles of training by showing a
30 minute video of the FN-verlag (German Equestrian
Federation). He correctly remarked that the tape was
a perfect demonstration of ideal training. Heike Kemmer,
Leonie Bramall and Lisa Wilcox were the featured riders
and mounted the now winning FEI horses Rohdiamant and
Inspekteur. Schumacher went deeper into the matters
of the natural crookedness of a horse and the importance
of half halts in the process of basic training.
The
trade fair in the ball room of the Peabody hotel has
approximately 40 booths presenting some of the finest
equestrian businesses in the United States. If you are
at the Peabody right now or plan to visit the convention
this weekend, make sure to check out the lobby where
you will see the famous Peabody ducks walking to their
indoor fountain for a wash and a drink.
Year
after year, the United States Dressage Federation pursues
to educate its supporters and members by hosting annual
conventions at the most exotic locations in the United
States. The 2001 edition of the convention has occupied
the majestic Peabody Hotel in Orlando, FL, from November
28 to December 1, 2001. While visitors can enjoy the
delightful 80F Florida weather outside, inside the hotel
the air-conditioning is hardly able to cool down people's
enthusiasm during the educational panel discussions,
mini sessions and board meetings. 
Schumacher
illustrated his principles of training by showing a
30 minute video of the FN-verlag (German Equestrian
Federation). He correctly remarked that the tape was
a perfect demonstration of ideal training. Heike Kemmer,
Leonie Bramall and Lisa Wilcox were the featured riders
and mounted the now winning FEI horses Rohdiamant and
Inspekteur. Schumacher went deeper into the matters
of the natural crookedness of a horse and the importance
of half halts in the process of basic training. 
