Emerging Dressage Athlete Program

Dressage4kids, Inc is very proud to announce the creation of the "Emerging Dressage Athlete Program.”  Lendon Gray developed the plan for the program two years ago after seeing the incredible success of the US Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athlete Program. She asked Robert Dover to join her in the endeavor but he felt he had to wait until he was no longer working as the Coach of the Canadian Dressage Team. As soon as this happened he asked Courtney Dye to join the effort. These three Olympians are combining their individual efforts to find, help to educate, and develop talented youth to become the international riders and trainers of the future. The program will start with clinics in various parts of the US and participants will be selected for national clinics. Top international coaches have also been asked to nominate riders they feel have special talent.

The program is for Dressage competitors under the age of 21. It is meant as a stepping-stone from participating at the grassroots level to climbing the long ladder on the way to representing the US in international competitions and/or becoming a successful professional. Through this program, dedicated, talented Dressage youth will be sought out in all parts of the US. The teacher(s) in the clinics will ensure that the basics of their education as riders and horsemen are properly established and will give them a road map for their Dressage journey

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Section A regional clinics are held in different areas of the US. Potential riders under 21 apply by filling out an application and sending in a short video (or making it available online) of themselves riding. Once a suitable number of applicants in an area have applied, a clinic is set up.  There is no deadline for applications. Any interested riders should apply immediately. A committee selects the riders to invite to these instructional sessions. They will be looking for the correctness of the riders seat, connection to the horse, timing of aids, use of half halts, and adaptability effective positions, as well as a feel for rhythm, tempo, relaxation, and throughness of the horse. During the lesson sessions the instructors will evaluate and try to improve the riders’ position, use of aids, knowledge, and suitability for competitive Dressage. The riders may also receive written evaluations. From these clinics, riders are ranked and the highest ranked riders are invited to the Section B National Clinics.

Section B will be a 6 day instructional Session – two each year. At these sessions, participants who cannot bring their own horses are provided with horses to ride. Lessons include work on position, general schooling, using cavaletti, and test riding.

At all training sessions, instruction is also be provided in stable management, riding theory, fitness, sports psychology, etc. 

Lendon Gray headlines the regional clinics, although other international riders/trainers have already agreed to help so that many parts of the US will be covered. The national clinics will be headlined by Robert Dover and Courtney King Dye.  These three professionals competed in a total of 9 Olympics and 10 World Cups. They have also trained horses and coached riders not only for international competitions, but also National Championships at all levels as well as North American Young Rider Champions. 

Emerging Dressage Athlete Applicants have also been offered discounts at symposiums and clinics as well as discounts for online programs.

Dressage4Kids, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization incorporated for the express purpose of providing educational and competitive opportunities for youth riders.